Predictor Variables of Clergy Pedophiles

Abstract

File data on familial traits, past sexual experience as a victim, and other traits identified in the literature as leading toward pedophilia, were summarized for 10 convicted clergy pedophiles to construct a set of variables possibly useful for screening. Further research is underway to identify trauma in early life and those personality-related variables current studies indicate as relevant.

Care For Pastors: Learning From Clergy and Their Spouses

“…Though much of the psychological research on clergy has been focused on impairment (Meloy, 1986;Von Stroh, Mines, & Anderson, 1995), burnout (Grosch & Olsen, 2000), and misconduct (Berman, 1997;Brewster, 1996;Davies, 1998;Ruzicka, 1997), the reality is that most clergy function day after day in a relatively stressful occupation, and find ways to adapt and even thrive in their work (Meek, McMinn, Brower, Burnett, McRay, Ramey, Swanson, & Villa, 2003). It is this capacity for clergy and their spouses to cope with the challenges of their lives that we are considering in the five studies reported here.…”

Maintaining Personal Resiliency: Lessons Learned from Evangelical Protestant Clergy

“…attention has been given to how clergy are able to maintain resiliency and personal ethics in the midst of such demanding work. Sadly, most of the psychology literature on clergy life has been focused on impairment (Meloy, 1986;Von Stroh, Mines, & Anderson, 1995), burnout (Grosch & Olsen, 2000), and misconduct (Berman, 1997;Brewster, 1996;Davies, 1998;Ruzicka, 1997). This literature has been helpful in identifying challenges facing clergy, but has largely ignored the more positive aspects of clergy life and functioning.…”

The Role of Social Factors in the Sexual Misconduct of Roman Catholic Clergy: A Second Look at the John Jay Data

“…Personality disorders were diagnosed in 23% of their sample. In addition, co-morbid psychiatric problems and neuropsychological impairment of the frontal-temporal region were common (Plante, 2003;Ruzica, 1997). Recent evidence has shown that most clerical sex offenders were themselves victims of early sexual trauma (John Jay, 2004;Plante, 2003); presumably, their abusive behavior reflects a tragic effort to cope with their own unresolved injuries.…”