Risk factors for the perpetration of child sexual abuse: A review and meta-analysis

Stigma-Related Stress and Its Correlates Among Men with Pedophilic Sexual Interests

“…Although meta analyses have shown that a lack of self-esteem is cumulatively not a maintaining factor for sexual reoffending, there are notable exceptions from this general pattern (i.e., studies from the UK report substantial relevant effects on sexual recidivism as opposed to studies ). Furthermore, a meta-analysis that specifically focused on risk factors for sexual offending against children (Whitaker et al, 2008) showed that child sexual abusers as compared to non-offenders exhibited higher levels of internalizing behavior problems.…”

“…Moreover, self-esteem was reduced as compared to sexual offenders with adult victims, nonsexual offenders, or non-offenders (Whitaker et al, 2008). For these reasons, emotional disturbances induced by stigma may indirectly contribute to the risk of sexually abusive behavior by people with pedophilia, as indicated by the finding that sexual offenders show less functional coping strategies than non-offenders (Whitaker et al, 2008).…”

“…For these reasons, emotional disturbances induced by stigma may indirectly contribute to the risk of sexually abusive behavior by people with pedophilia, as indicated by the finding that sexual offenders show less functional coping strategies than non-offenders (Whitaker et al, 2008).…”

“…Although loneliness has in general not been shown to be predictive of sexual recidivism (d = 0.09), the evidence from a larger study needs also to be taken into account (d = 0.35; n = 799 as reviewed in Mann et al, 2010). Moreover, metaanalytic findings have revealed that child sexual abusers suffered from increased levels of general social deficits (particularly loneliness) as well as problems with intimate relationships (Whitaker et al, 2008).…”

“…If people with pedophilia adopt the widespread stereotype that all people who sexually fantasize about children will sexually offend sooner or later, they might feel little motivation to employ helpful strategies to avoid such offenses (T. Ward & Keenan, 1999). Hence, stigma, especially if leading to withdrawal, might increase the likelihood of a person with pedophilia to adopt problematic cognitions about sex with children, and, therefore, this person's sexual offense risk (as indicated by the metaanalytic findings that cognitions minimizing perpetrator culpability or tolerating adult-child sexual activity are a risk factor for child sexual abuse; Whitaker et al, 2008).…”