Stigmatization of People With Pedophilia: A Blind Spot in Stigma Research

Abstract

Stigmatization restricts people's opportunities in life and has severe consequences on mental health and psychological well-being. This article focuses on stigmatization research on pedophilia. Based on an extensive literature search, it reviews studies that have empirically determined lay theories, stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination against people with pedophilia, as well as the effect of stigma on this group. The review reveals a scarcity of empirical studies on the subject (11). Although the majority of studies give at least an indication that stigma against people with pedophilia is highly prevalent, we also identified severe methodological limitations and a lack of a unifying and systematic research agenda. We discuss the need for more theory-driven, rigorous, and representative empirical studies and propose perspectives and requirements for the scientific study of stigma against people with pedophilia.

Applying moral foundations theory to understanding public views of sexual offending

“…As long as the social consensus remains punitive in nature, these kinds of preventative and rehabilitative schemes are unlikely to be accessible to those who need help, through fear of social and judicial reprisals, and self-stigmatization (Jahnke & Hoyer, 2013;Piché, Mathesius, Lussier, & Schweighofer, 2016).…”

Reducing Stigma and Punitive Attitudes Toward Pedophiles Through Narrative Humanization

“…Given that these are potential risk factors for the commission of sexual offending (e.g., Gillespie, Mitchell, Fisher, & Beech, 2012), it can be argued that reducing NARRATIVES AND PEDOPHILIA JUDGMENTS 5 stigmatization of non-offending pedophiles could contribute to reductions in sexual offending behavior. For example, stigmatization was implicated as a possible cause of social isolation among pedophiles, and a lack of willingness to actively seek treatment for their sexual interests (Jahnke & Hoyer, 2013). It is here where research into attitudes towards sexual offenders and pedophiles could be useful and lead to the development of public interventions for improving such views.…”

“…As outlined earlier, Jahnke and Hoyer (2013) suggested that fear of discovery often prevents self-identifying pedophiles from seeking treatment within the community before they commit a contact sexual offense. By using a narrative humanization approach to address public attitudes, it may be possible to help community members see beyond the 'pedophile' label, and instead to consider these people as individuals struggling with sexual interests that they do not want, and do not choose to have.…”

“…Jahnke and Hoyer (2013) identified this area as a 'blind-spot' in contemporary stigma research, and suggested several potentially important effects of widespread stigmatization of this group.…”

“…This leads to those who are labeled as pedophiles (either accurately as a result of their sexual interests, or inaccurately based on their offending behavior) facing substantial amounts of stigmatization and hatred in contemporary society (Imhoff, 2015;Jahnke, Imhoff, & Hoyer, 2015). In turn, this response acts as a potential hindrance to the accessibility of effective prevention services for those at-risk of committing sexual offenses against children (Jahnke & Hoyer, 2013). With this in mind, formulating effective communication strategies in order to promote a more reasoned social conversation about pedophilia and the prevention of child sexual abuse is of great importance.…”