Child Sexual Behavior Research Articles

"I Never Said Anything. I Didn't Tell Anyone. What Would I Tell?" Adults' Perspectives on Disclosing Childhood Sibling Sexual Behavior and Abuse in the Orthodox Jewish Communities.

Sibling sexual harmful dynamics (SSHD) is a term used, in this study, to refer to childhood sexual behaviors that are inconsistent with age-appropriate curiosity, including sibling sexual abuse (SSA). Although SSA is a prevalent and long-lasting form of intrafamilial sexual abuse, it is the least reported, studied, and treated. This study aims to deepen the understanding of the disclosure process of this phenomenon in the Israeli Orthodox Jewish society, as perceived by those involved. Participants were adults from the Orthodox communities in Israel who experienced sexual interactions/abuse with one or more of their siblings. This qualitative constructivist-grounded theory study was based on semi-structured interviews with 24 adults from the Israeli Orthodox Jewish communities. Seven barriers to disclosure were identified and organized into three main categories: intrapersonal, including denial of the acts, guilt, and shame; interpersonal, including the sibling relationship and perceiving the sexual acts as routine; and cultural, including lack of sexual knowledge, the concept of modesty, and marriage prospects. In addition, we highlight the intersectionality between the different contexts of the SSHD. This study explored the barriers to disclosing SSHD in the siblings' context and the context of the Jewish Orthodox communities. The findings contribute to understanding the unique aspects of the disclosure, as expressed in religious and cultural contexts, the sibling context, and their intersectionality. Cultural and religious sensitivity is crucial for practitioners, especially as issues of sexuality and sexual understanding stem from the related norms and values.

Sexual Risk Behavior of Children and Adolescents With a History of Sexual Violence

Abstract: Theoretical Background: Experiencing sexual violence (SV) at a young age can impede sexual development and lead to sexual risk behavior. Objective: This meta-analysis aims to provide a systematic overview regarding the development of sexual risk behavior in sexually violated children and adolescents. Method: A systematic literature search was carried out (PubMed, ERIC, Cochrane, and PubPsych). Meta-analyses were conducted, investigating the link between child SV and sexual behaviors (teenage pregnancy, safer sex, substance use during intercourse, transactional sex, and number of sex partners). Results: A total of 19 studies were identified. Survivors of SV are more likely to have higher numbers of sex partners, be involved in teenage pregnancy, and participate in transactional sex. Discussion: Early identification of sexually violated youth is important in order to intervene at an early stage and reduce the effects of sexual violence preventively. PROSPERO registration number CRD42020145139.

Okul Öncesi Dönemde Çocuğu Olan Babaların Çocuklarının Cinsel Gelişimlerine Yönelik Tutumları

Sexual development begins in the mother's womb and is affected by other environmental factors, especially parental attitude, with birth. This research aims to reveal fathers' attitudes on sexual development and the demographic variables (child’s age, child’s sex, number of children, father's age, father's education level, socioeconomic level) that affect these attitudes. This study is in the quantitative research approach and the descriptive model. The study group consists of 190 fathers who have children aged 3-6. The data were collected on the internet by using the 'Information Form' and the 'Parental Attitude Scale'. While analyzing the data, independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey test analysis were used. According to the findings, it is seen that there is a significant relationship between the variables of child’s sex, number of children, father's education level, socioeconomic level, and fathers' attitudes towards sexual development. There was no significant relationship between the age of the father, the age of the child, and the father's attitude. It is seen that the mean scores of the fathers' attitudes towards sexual development are in the range of neutral-positive attitudes. While fathers generally had a positive attitude towards children's sexual questions and sexual behaviors, they had a negative attitude towards social norms.

Symptoms of depression (not anxiety) mediate the relationship between childhood sexual abuse and compulsive sexual behaviors in men.

Childhood sexual abuse is associated with compulsive sexual behavior, depression, and anxiety in men. Furthermore, both depression and anxiety have been linked to compulsive sexual behaviors. However, whether anxiety and depression mediate the relationship between childhood sexual abuse and compulsive sexual behaviors has yet to be tested. We investigated whether symptoms of depression and anxiety mediate the relationship between childhood sexual abuse and compulsive sexual behaviors in 222 men seeking treatment for such behaviors. Participants completed the Sexual Compulsivity Scale, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory. A cross-sectional parallel mediation analysis was conducted. The prevalence of childhood sexual abuse in our sample was 57%. Significant correlations were found between childhood sexual abuse and compulsive sexual behaviors, depression, and anxiety. The results of the mediation analyses suggested that depression (B = 0.07, standard error [SE] = 0.03, 95%CI 0.02 to 0.15), but not anxiety (B = 0.02, SE = 0.02, 95%CI -0.2 to 0.07), mediated the link between childhood sexual abuse and compulsive sexual behaviors. The pattern of our results remained the same when controlling for other types of childhood trauma. Depression, not anxiety, appears to mediate the relationship between childhood sexual abuse and compulsive sexual behaviors in men. Future research that tests our mediation analyses using a prospective longitudinal study would be highly informative.

Mindfulness-Based Intervention and Sexuality: A Systematic Review.

Mindfulness has generated considerable interest in the last two decades in clinical and research settings. The efficacy of mindfulness has been evaluated for the sexual dysfunctions recognized by the DSM-5 and other sexual problems, such as compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD), also known as sex addiction or hypersexuality. Here, we review the evidence for various mindfulness-based treatments as mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral treatment or mindfulness-based relapse prevention for different problems related to sexuality to respond our question: "Are Mindfulness-Based Treatments (MBT) effective in reducing the symptomatology of sexuality-related disorders?". Through a systematic search conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, we found 11 studies that met the inclusion criteria: (I) articles using MBT for sexuality-related problems, (II) clinical population, (III) no date range limits were applied, (IV) only empirical studies were included, (V) language and (VI) quality of studies. Evidence shows that mindfulness practice could be effective for some sexual disorders, such as female sexual arousal/desire disorder. However, due to scarcity of studies on other sexual problems such as situational erectile dysfunction, genitopelvic pain/penetration disorder, childhood sexual abuse or compulsive sexual behavior disorder, the findings cannot be generalized. Mindfulness-based therapies provides evidence to reduce the symptomatology associated with various sexual problems. However more studies are needed for these sexual problems. By last, future directions and implications are discussed.

Assessing the Influence of Child Sexual Behavior on Depression among Black SMM in the Southeastern United States.

Limited studies have examined the associations between child sexual abuse (CSA) and depression among Black sexual minority men (SMM) in the Southeastern United States (US). As, such, the current study examined the critical gap in understanding the impact of CSA on Black SMM's mental health. Specifically, we tested the associations between contextual CSA factors and depression among a large population-based sample of Black SMM living in two cities in the Southern US. Data were obtained from the MARI Study, a sample of Black SMM ages 18-66 years, recruited from the Jackson, MS and Atlanta, GA metropolitan areas (n = 507). Depression was assessed using the 9-item CES-D scale. We conducted multivariable regression analyses to examine the association between depression with history of CSA and other child sexual-related variables (i.e., age of perpetrator and age of sexual abuse), controlling for key confounders. Our results indicated that CSA (β = 0.14, p < 0.001) was positively associated with depression. Our results also indicated that Black SMM who reported being sexually abused at the ages of 6 to 10 (β = 0.30, p < 0.01) and 16 to 18 (β = 0.25, p < 0.05) were positively associated with depression. These findings suggest that there is a need to provide culturally and safe mental health services in the Southeastern US for CSA survivors.

The disclosure of children who exhibit problematic sexual behaviors

BackgroundPractitioners mandated to protect child development are sometimes dealing with children's inappropriate sexual behaviors. This set of behaviors presents a potential hindering impact on the child's development and important consequences for all children involved. Denial during the questioning of the child complicates the investigation of these cases. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to explore and to identify the different contexts of questioning in which children disclose or deny having committed a sexual behavior that appears to be problematic for his/her development as well as identifying the individual and contextual variables that influence the outcome of the questioning. Participants and settingThe sample comprised of 120 instances of inappropriate sexual behavior exhibited by 85 children aged between 5 and 17 years old and reported to the Youth Protection Department at the Integrated Health and Social Services University Network in the province of Quebec, Canada. MethodsBivariate statistical analyses were performed to investigate the association between the outcome of disclosure or non-disclosure, and contextual factors (questioning person's role, parents' reaction to the child's behavior, the child's expression of remorse, presence of a witness, use of coercion during the sexual behavior). Logistical regression (GLMM) was then used to determine the strength of the association between the covariates and the outcome of the questioning. ResultsResults show that disclosure appears to be influenced by a combination of contextual variables, namely the role/status of the person questioning the child, expression of remorse reported by the child, and the presence of a witness to the behavior/s. ConclusionsOur findings point to the importance of developing more comprehensive and specialized knowledge about the questioning context that favors the disclosure of children who are thought to have exhibited inappropriate sexual behaviors.

Psychometric Properties of the Korean Version of the Child Sexual Behavior Inventory

ABSTRACT This study examined the psychometric properties of the Korean version of the child sexual behavior inventory (CSBI) for children under 10 years of age. Participants comprised a community sample (CS) of 652 children aged three to nine years and 226 sexually abused (SA) children in the same age range. Parents rated the CSBI, the child behavior checklist (CBCL), and the traumatic symptom checklist for young children (TSCYC). We examined internal consistency as a measure of reliability and conducted ANOVA for discriminant and Pearson’s correlations for convergent and divergent validity. The reliability coefficient indicated internal consistency (α = .59–.97). There was a significant correlation between sexual behaviors and internalizing and externalizing behavior problems in both samples (r = 0.30–0.48, p < .001). The correlation between post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and sexual concern in the SA sample was very high (r = 0.56–0.66, p < .001). There was a significant difference in sexual behavior between the CS and SA. These findings demonstrate the reliability and validity of the Korean version of the CSBI and its usefulness in identifying children suspected of sexual abuse. However, the research identified cultural differences in the sexual behavior of the CS.

Meta Analysis of Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Reducing Child Sexual Behaviour in Sexually Abused Children

Child sexual abuse is known to cause adverse effects for its victims, one of them is problem sexual behavior. Problem sexual behavior is sexually oriented behavior done by child aged 12 years or younger and it is developmentally inappropriate or could be harmful for themselves and others. One of the longer term effect is the victim may become sexual offenders if not treated seriously. One of the intervention that can treat problem sexual behavior is Trauma Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy or TF-CBT. This review aims to determine the effectivity of TF-CBT. The studies are collected from Science Direct, ProQuest, Sage Journal, Springer Link, Scopus, EBSCO and several repository. The inclusion criteria used are the studies must be RCT, subjects are child victim of sexual abuse who showed problem sexual behavior, the behavior is measured with CSBI ( Child Sexual Behavior Inventory) and used TF-CBT as intervention. The result shows that the use of TF-CBT may not be effective for decreasing problem sexual behavior. There are some factors that affect the effectivity of TF-CBT, such as participant’s age, cognition, intensity of trauma and other psychological disorders. However, TF-CBT is potential for decreasing problem sexual behavior because it is directive and uses various behavioral strategies.

The effect of educational intervention based on theory of planned behavior on mothers’ skills in sexual care of children

BackgroundThe parent’s and especially the mothers’ skills play a major role in the the education of healthy sexual behaviors in children. This study investigates the effect of educational intervention based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) on mothers’ skills in the sexual care of children in Fasa city, Fars province, Iran in 2019.MethodsThis study was a quasi-experimental intervention with a control group. 200 mothers of children aged 5 to 6 years in Fasa preschool were selected using a multi-stage random sampling method and were divided into two groups of intervention (100) and control (100). After providing a pre-test to both groups, only the experimental group received training on sexual care of children's abilities based on the Theory of Planned Behavior constructs. The educational intervention consisted of seven 55–60-minute sessions in which the presenter gave a presentation, asked and answered questions, and used posters, brochures, films, animations, and PowerPoints. Both groups completed the questionnaire three months following the intervention. A questionnaire and Theory of planned behavior constructs were used to collect information. The data was analyzed with SPSS22 software using paired t-tests, Chi-square tests, and independent t-tests, with a significance level of 0.05.ResultsBefore the intervention, there was no significant difference in the constructs of theTheory of planned behavior between the two groups (p>0.05), but after the intervention, knowledge scores from 8.33±2.97 to 20.67±2.84, attitude scores from 29.80±4.27 to 62.22±4.34, subjective norms from 20.12±4.55 to 42.28±4.20, perceived behavioral control from 20.24±4.36 to 42.88±4.52, behavioral intention from 3.24±1.60 to 7.44±1.59 and behavior from 2.98±1.13 to 8.14±1.08 in the intervention group (p< 0.001).ConclusionThis study showed TPB constructs’ Effectiveness in adopting the level of mothers’ skills in the sexual care of children. Hence, this model can act as a framework for designing and implementing educational interventions for the sexual care of children.

Transgressive Behavior in Dutch Youth Sport

The current article reports on the second large-scale prevalence study on transgressive behavior in sport in the Netherlands, and is a follow up of an earlier, comparable prevalence study in 2015. Using a dedicated and customized online questionnaire, approximately 4000 adults who met the inclusion criteria (18 to 50 years old and have played sports in an organized context during childhood in the Netherlands) were surveyed with respect to their experiences of childhood psychological, physical, and sexual transgressive behavior while playing sports. The survey showed that 71.7% experienced some form of transgressive behavior as a child, in which 48.6% of these events also made an impact (in other words, was significant at the time it took place). The degree of impact the event made is also related to the severity of the event. Severe emotional transgression events occurred in 22% of the youth athletes, severe physical assault events in 12.7%, and severe sexual assault events occurred in 6.9% of the youth athletes. Disabled athletes, and those competing at national and international levels, report more experiences of transgressive behavior in sport. The results are consistent with former research and indicate the need for structural attention to create a safe sports climate.

Parenting in Sex Education for Children in The Use of Smartphone During The Covid-19 Pandemic

Sexual deviant behavior of children often occurs as a result of excessive use of smartphones. That excessive use of smartphones needs to get the attention of parents. Parents' attention in using smartphones could be useful for children in understanding sexual knowledge from an early age because the use of smartphone have much information that is not suitable for the child's development and children's age. The purpose of this study is to determine the sexual education delivered by the parents to children, and to overcome children's sexual behavior due to the use of smartphones. This research uses a descriptive qualitative approach by applying case study. The data information is obtained from observation, interviews, and documentation. The data was obtained from 6 informants consist of parents in grade 3 and grade 6 at SD 7 Koba. The result of this study is parenting sex education for children is delivered in a gradual manner according to the child's growth and development phase. The information provided can support their lives and avoid sexual deviant behavior. Materials that can be provided by parents related to sexual education for elementary school children are intended to protect and defend themselves from crimes that threaten themselves from the negative influence of smartphone. To overcome sexual behavior in using smartphone, it is necessary to limit the duration, supervise, and accompany children in using smartphones.

“I don't fit into any category”: Adult perspectives on the dynamics of past sexual acts between siblings in Jewish Orthodox society

Background‘Harmful sexual sibling behavior’ is a term used in this study to refer to childhood sexual behaviors, including abuse (SSA), that are inconsistent with the category of age-appropriate curiosity. Although SSA may be the most prevalent and longest-lasting form of intrafamilial sexual abuse, it is the least reported, studied, and treated. ObjectiveThis study aims to deepen our understanding of the sexual characteristics and dynamics of such behavior, as perceived by those involved. Participants and settingTwenty adults from the Orthodox community in Israel, who experienced sexual interactions with one or more of their siblings, were recruited as participants. MethodsThis qualitative, constructivist, grounded-theory study was based on semi-structured interviews with 20 adults. ResultsFour types of sexual dynamics were revealed: an “abusive dynamic,” “mutual relations,” “sexual routine,” and “incidental,” with the latter stemming from a new understanding that deepens our knowledge of the subject. The participants discussed the broad, long-term consequences and life-long psychological implications of each dynamic and the coexistence of these dynamics. The results also reveal two cultural dimensions of the participants' perception of the sexual acts: “lack of sexual knowledge” and “the perception that all religious prohibitions are of equal severity.” ConclusionsThe findings highlight the importance of adapting interventions to the siblings' perceptions and avoiding treatment that exacerbates their complex situation. We employ the concepts of dynamics and dimension in describing the phenomenon rather than continuum. The study also highlights the importance of understanding relevant religious-cultural factors.

‘Your child is not a pedophile’: Effectively addressing problematic sexual behaviors in children and adolescents

“Our minds are made up — Don't confuse us with the facts.” You shouldn't have a favorite journal article but that may be mine. It was one of the first articles I read on the field of treating problematic sexual behaviors (PSBs for short) in children and adolescents by one of the founders of the PSB treatment field (and one of the three people who taught me how to treat it), Dr. Mark Chaffin. Chaffin (2008) wrote this article as a commentary on the misguided, and often ineffective, policies surrounding intervening in PSBs in youth. Unfortunately, his commentary is still as relevant now as it was over a decade ago. Chaffin (2008) focused on four areas of misconception regarding this population: risk, specialness, homogeneity, and intransigence.

Design, validation and reliability of the Autism Spectrum Health and Sexual Behavior Questionnaire (Parent Form)

Introduction: Sexual health might prevent negative health consequences among children with autism spectrum disorders. Aim: The purpose of the present study was to design a questionnaire for health and sexual behavior of children on the autism spectrum (parent form) and to evaluate its validity and reliability. Method: Research method was descriptive, psychometrics type. The statistical population of the present study was all children with autism spectrum disorder in Tehran who were referred to autism education and rehabilitation centers in 2021-2022, of which 420 (114 girls and 306 boys) were selected by convenience sampling method. The research instrument included a researcher-made Questionnaire on the Health and Sexual Behavior of Children on the Autism Spectrum (parent form). The face and content validity of the scale was obtained using the Content Validity Ratio (CVR), the construct validity of it through exploratory factor analysis, to ensure the reliability of the instrument, Crowbach's alpha coefficient and SPSS-26 were used. Results: The results of exploratory factor analysis using independent varimax rotation presented five independent factors of body awareness (self-care), shame (sexual social function), sexual knowledge and health, sexual function and sexual abuse, which together explained 99.56% of the total variance of the variables. Cronbach's alpha coefficient in the reliability of the five factors of the questionnaire was 0.87, 0.90, 0.85, 0.80, 0.84 and 0.92 for the whole questionnaire, respectively. Conclusion: Due to the desirable behavioral characteristics of the Autism Spectrum Health and Sexual Behavior Questionnaire, this tool can be used for research and clinical applications.

Knowledge translation and evidence-informed policy challenges: the implementation of the Brook Traffic Light Tool in Cornwall

ABSTRACT A critical discussion of the Brook Traffic Light Tool (TLT) is provided. The TLT supports professionals assessing sexual behaviour in children and young people (CYP). This critical commentary formed part of a wider evaluation of the TLT. The approach taken uses evidence-based, policy transfer and policy success frameworks. Conceptually, questions were raised about empirical research that underpins the TLT. The transfer of the TLT to the UK gave varied results with questions raised in relation to the suitability of the TLT for the UK context. Both successes and failures were evident within the UK. The findings suggest that more work needs to be done on TLT. Rigorous planning needs to be conducted when transferring to differing contexts. A more robust evidence base is required for the UK context and continuous evaluation is required. Yet the TLT exists where no other tool related to CYP and sexual behaviours is available for professionals.

Knowledge and attitude and practice of parents in response to their children's sexual behavior

Context: Parents' competence has the most important role in the education of healthy sexual behavior to children under age 12 years.Aims: This study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge and competence of parents in response to their children's sexual behavior.Setting and Design: This population-based survey was conducted in Mazandaran Province, the province in the northern region of Iran, from October to January 2015.Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 600 parents were selected by a cluster random sampling technique. To assess parents' sexual knowledge and competence, the “Children's Sexual Behavior Questionnaire (CSBQ)” was used to collect data. Mothers and fathers completed the questionnaire separately.Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regressions were used for data analysis.Results: Of the total 600 participants (mothers or fathers), 41.3% were fathers. The mean age of fathers and mothers was 34.12 ± 6.32 and 32.24 ± 85.5, respectively. The majority of the parents (66.7%) had an average level of knowledge in response to their children's sexual behavior, whereas only 5% of the parents had appropriate competence in response to sexual behavior of their children. There was a positive association between parents' competence in response to children's sexual behavior and their education (P < 0.001, β = 0.13), and a significant inverse association was observed between parents' competence and their economic status (P = 0.02, β = −0.18).Conclusion: In groups with low education, skill-building training courses are essential. Furthermore, appropriate interventions should be designed for groups with high economic status who do not have a high competence.

24.1 DIAGNOSIS AND MISDIAGNOSIS OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR IN CHILDREN

Problematic sexual behavior (PSB) in children has often been interpreted as a sign of sexual abuse. However, research indicates that some sexual behaviors are an expected and developmentally appropriate part of childhood. Sexual behaviors such as exposing one’s genitals to others, self-stimulation, standing too close to others, and attempting to look at people who are naked are not uncommon. These behaviors are most often noted in children younger than 6 years old, tend to occur more often at home than in school, and decline with age. Problematic or nonnormative behaviors include imitation of adult intercourse, masturbation with an object, insertion of objects into the vagina or rectum, and oral-genital contact. Likewise, the use of coercion in sexual behaviors and behaviors directed toward much younger children are cause for concern. PSB can be associated with a number of mental health diagnoses in childhood, including OCD, bipolar disorders, and developmental disorders associated with intellectual disability and other impulse control disorders. A case example will illustrate the misdiagnosis of sexual behaviors in a young girl with OCD. Normative and inappropriate sexual behavior in children will be reviewed as will the assessment and differential diagnosis of PSB in children. Interactive techniques will be used with the audience to poll opinions about normative vs PSB in children and in which mental health disorders PSB is most prominent. Participants will understand the differential diagnosis of PSB in children and be able to identify behaviors that are often a part of normal development. The audience will have a chance to express their own views of what is normative vs inappropriate sexual behavior in children. Specific red flags for suspicion of sexual abuse will be discussed, providing a foundation for the review of specific evidence-based screening tools to be presented in the next section. Sexual behavior in children is not often discussed and can be easily misunderstood. It is important for clinicians to be able to distinguish developmentally appropriate sexual behavior from PSB. Likewise, specific patterns of PSB can be observed in a variety of mental health disorders. The topic of evidence-based screening tools for sexual abuse will be introduced.

Sexual Behavior In preschool, school and preadolescents children A Sample from Outpatient’s Clinic of Pediatric Hospital

Abstract Background Studies have suggested that Sexual behaviors are common in children. More than 50% of children will engage in some type of sexual behavior before their 13th birthday. Sexual behaviors in children range from normal and developmentally appropriate to abusive and violent. In retrospective study of 339 child welfare and mental health professionals in which participants were asked about their own experiences before 13 years of age, 73% recalled engaging in sexual behaviors with other children, 34% recalled showing their genitals to another child, 16% recalled simulating intercourse with another child, and 5% recalled inserting an object in the vagina or rectum of another child Aim of the Work To observe the developmental course of describe normative sexual behaviors in 2- to 12-years-old Egyptian children and to assess the relative frequencies of different types of sexual behaviors in general outpatient clinic of pediatric hospital of Ain Shams University hospitals. Patients and Methods This is a Cross sectional analytical started on October 2018. Study conducted in pediatric hospital Ain Shams University hospitals. This present study aimed at analyzing the data of 500 children aged from 2 to 12 years old. Thirsty four refused to participate on sexual behaviour questions. Results A total of 500 questionnaires were done by parents of child vising clinic of pediatric hospital of Ain Shams university, 35 refused to participate in sexual behaviour questionnaire. It was divided in three groups. Preschool aged children from 2-6 years 254 child (50.8%), school aged children from 6-9 years 106 child (18.82%) &amp; preadolescents from 10 to 12 years 140 child (24.014%). The study Included both 252 males and 248 females. The most sexual behaviours detected among children “sometimes” were touching genitals at home 111(22.2%), child asks about sexual acts 86 child (17.2%) &amp; saying sexual words 80 (16%) and mostly repeated children was flirt with strangers 11(2.2%) &amp; asking about sex more than other children 10 (2%). Conclusion In general, sexual behaviors in children two to five years of age are of a greater variety and are more common compared with the behaviors in children older than five years. once the child becomes aware of social rules regarding sexual behaviors in public, those behaviors become more covert. There is a need for further national studies in different settings, to help create a better understanding of what constitutes both normative and deviant sexual behaviour in children.

A Longitudinal Examination of Developmental Covariates of Sexual Behavior Problems among Youth Referred to Child Protection Services.

Little is known about the development of childhood sexual behavior problems (SBP) in terms of continuity and discontinuity into adolescence. Prior studies have espoused a nondevelopmental approach focusing on the clinical profiles of these youths at the time of their referral. To address this gap, the current study proposes an examination of the developmental covariates involved in the continuity of SBP among a sample of 340 children and adolescents referred to Child Protection Services (CPS) in Quebec, Canada. Children’s CPS contacts from birth up to age 17 were inspected, allowing to recreate the life history of social and familial adversities during that period. Logistic regression models were performed and helped to identify developmental covariates of childhood-onset SBP and its persistence into adolescence. Findings suggest that children with childhood-onset SBP that persisted into adolescence have experienced various life adversities. The study findings provide some preliminary evidence of the developmental pathways of SBP.