Youth with Problematic Sexualized Behaviors in the Child Welfare System: A One-Year Longitudinal Study

Abstract

This study assessed continuity of problematic sexualized behaviors (PSB) over a 1-year period. Ninety-seven 10-12-year-olds in either foster boarding homes or a residential treatment center participated at Time 1. Twelve months later, 78 youth were available for a second data collection assessment. At both data collection phases, researchers interviewed foster parents or primary therapists about the youths' sexual behavior. Findings revealed significant continuity in PSB over time, with children who at Time 1 exhibited PSB significantly more likely to exhibit PSB at Time 2. The reverse was also true in that the absence of PSB at Time 1 was associated with the absence of PSB at Time 2. In addition, a subset of specific PSB behaviors was noted to be most stable, although this varied across the groups. Youth with PSB exhibited several patterns of persistence in specific behaviors over time, including continuity, a mix of continuity and change, and complete discontinuity. The persistence of PSB over time was most true for the children living in a residential treatment center, the more disturbed group studied. We conclude that the persistence of PSB is more likely when the child has other problematic behaviors.

Persistence of Problematic Sexual Behaviors in Children

“…Child Protective Services (CPS) have become particularly concerned that the PSB manifested by some children might compromise the safe living environment in a residential facility (Baker, Schneiderman, & Parker, 2001;Farmer & Pollock, 2003). The high prevalence of PSB found in residential facilities, up to one third of the children in their charge, implies that many children are directly affected, as are the many workers who must deal with these behaviors (Baker et al, 2008;Baker et al, 2001;Friedrich et al, 2005). However, distinguishing transient sexual misconduct from more persistent PSB in children may be difficult, as the literature on this specific topic is scarce.…”

“…However, distinguishing transient sexual misconduct from more persistent PSB in children may be difficult, as the literature on this specific topic is scarce. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the stability of PSB in children, specifically with a view to determine whether these behaviors are indicative of persistent difficulties requiring comprehensive and intensive therapy or whether they are merely a transitory phenomenon that will attenuate with minimum intervention (Friedrich et al, 2005;Santtila, Sandnabba, Wannäs, & Krook, 2005).…”

Treatment and Rehabilitation of Abused and Neglected Children an Inpatient Center Model

“…Children and adolescents who have been victims of sexual abuse often display increased sexual behavior, which may lead them to experience increased social pressure or into a repetition of the abuse (9). If the abuse was committed by someone from the family, the first priority will be the protection of the child.…”

Kinder und Jugendliche mit problematischem sexuellen Verhalten in (teil-)stationären Hilfen zur Erziehung

“…Hall et al, 2002;Pithers et al, 1998b;Gil u. Johnson, 1993;Friedrich et al, 2001Friedrich et al, , 2005. Nach Ryan und Blum (1993) kann ein sexuelles Verhalten dann problematisch sein, wenn es das Kind selbst sexuellen Risiken aussetzt, mit anderen Entwicklungsaufgaben oder sozialen Beziehungen interferiert, wenn es für es selbst oder andere missbrauchend ist, dazu führt, dass andere sich unwohl fühlen oder mit Werten der Familie oder der Gemeinschat konligiert.…”

“…Friedrich et al, 2005Friedrich et al, , 2001Friedrich et al, , 1991. Vergleichende Studien mit dem CSBI machen deutlich, dass Eltern in verschiedenen Ländern sehr unterschiedlich bereit sind, sexuelles Verhalten bei ihren Kindern wahrzunehmen (vgl.…”