Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Adults with Pedophilic Interests in the United States: Current Practices and Suggestions for Future Policy and Research

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Archives of Sexual Behavior Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Adults with pedophilic interests are often viewed by the public as a homogenous subgroup based on what we know from those who sexually offend against children. The stigma associated with child sexual abuse may serve to deter such behaviors but may also interfere with the person’s stability and willingness to seek assistance in managing pedophilic interests. This article contrasts the sex offender response and prevention efforts typically employed in the U.S. (i.e., containment, registration, and notification policies and public education programs) with treatment programs aimed at preventing child sexual abuse in Germany, Belgium, and Canada. Five major areas are identified that should be further examined with regard to implementing preventative outreach and treatment programs in the U.S.: barriers to outreach and treatment programs, how to expand or reframe current preventative educational programs, implementation of such programs in light of current mandating reporting policies, promising treatment approaches for pedophilic interests among non-offenders, and ethical concerns relevant to preventative psychological interventions.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abel, G. G., Becker, J. V., Mittelman, M., Cunningham-Rathner, J., Rouleau, J. L., & Murphy, W. D. (1987). Self-reported sex crimes of nonincarcerated paraphiliacs. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 2(1), 3–25. doi:10.1177/088626087002001001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Abel, G. G., & Harlow, N. (2001). The stop child molestation book: What ordinary people can do in their everyday lives to save 3 million children. Bloomington, IN: Xlibris Corp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Adams, J. (2001). Our side of the fence: An account of a NIMBY campaign. Criminal Justice Matters, 43(1), 34–35. doi:10.1080/09627250108552965.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alaggia, R. (2002). Cultural and religious influences in maternal response to intrafamilial child sexual abuse: Charting new territory for research and treatment. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 10(2), 41–60. doi:10.1300/J070v10n02_03.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alaggia, R., & Kirshenbaum, S. (2005). Speaking the unspeakable: Examining the impact of family dynamics on child sexual abuse disclosures. Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services, 86(2), 227–234. doi:10.1606/1044-3894.2457.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Amelung, T., Kuhle, L. F., Konrad, A., Pauls, A., & Beier, K. M. (2012). Androgen deprivation therapy of self-identifying, help-seeking pedophiles in the Dunkelfeld. International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, 35(3), 176–184. doi:10.1016/j.ijlp.2012.02.005.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson, A. L., & Sample, L. L. (2008). Public awareness and action resulting from sex offender community notification laws. Criminal Justice Policy Review, 19, 371–396. doi:10.1177/0887403408316705.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Andrews, D. A., & Bonta, J. (2010). The psychology of criminal conduct (5th ed.). Cincinnati, OH: Anderson.

    Google Scholar 

  • Angelides, S. (2004). Historicizing affect, psychoanalyzing history: Pedophilia and the discourse of child sexuality. Journal of Homosexuality, 46(1–2), 79–109. doi:10.1300/J082v46n01_02.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers. (2001). Facts about adult sex offenders. Beaverton, OR: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • B4U-ACT. (2014). B4U-ACT website. Retrieved June 9, 2014, from http://www.b4u-act.org.

  • Barbaree, H. E., Langton, C., & Peacock, E. (2005). Sexual offender treatment for psychopaths: Is it harmful? In G. Serran (Ed.), Sexual offender treatment: Controversial issues (pp. 159–171). New York, NY: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beier, K. M., Ahlers, C. J., Goecker, D., Neutze, J., Mundt, I. A., Hupp, E., & Schaefer, G. A. (2009). Can pedophiles be reached for primary prevention of child sexual abuse? First results of the Berlin Prevention Project Dunkelfeld (PPD). Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, 20(6), 851–867. doi:10.1080/14789940903174188.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beier, K. M., Ahlers, C. J., Schaefer, G. A., & Feelgood, S. (2006). The Berlin primary prevention approach: A treatment program for paedophiles. In Vortrag auf der 9. International Konferenz der International Association for the Treatment of Sexual Offenders (IATSO), Hamburg, Germany.

  • Beier, K. M., Grundmann, D., Kuhle, L. F., Scherner, G., Konrad, A., & Amelung, T. (2015). The German Dunkelfeld project: A pilot study to prevent child sexual abuse and the use of child abusive images. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 12(2), 529–542. doi:10.1111/jsm.12785.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Berlin, F. S., Maim, H. M., & Dean, S. (1991). Effects of statutes requiring psychiatrists to report. American Journal of Psychiatry, 148(4), 449–453. doi:10.1176/ajp.148.4.449.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bogaert, A. F., Bezeau, S., Kuban, M., & Blanchard, R. (1997). Pedophilia, sexual orientation, and birth order. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 106(2), 331–335. doi:10.1037/0021-843X.106.2.331.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Böhm, B., Zollner, H., Fegert, J. M., & Liebhardt, H. (2014). Child sexual abuse in the context of the Roman Catholic Church: A review of literature from 1981-2013. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 23, 635–656. doi:10.1080/10538712.2014.929607.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Briere, J., & Runtz, M. (1989). University males’ sexual interest in children: Predicting potential indices of “pedophilia” in a nonforensic sample. Child Abuse and Neglect, 13(1), 65–75. doi:10.1016/0145-2134(89)90030-6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, S. (2013). Attitudes towards sexual offenders and their rehabilitation: A special case? In J. Wood & T. Gannon (Eds.), Public opinion criminal justice: Context, practice and values (pp. 187–213). Portland, OR: Willan Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown, A., Jago, N., Kerr, J., McNaughton Nicholls, C., Paskell, C., & Webster, S. (2014). Call to keep children safe from sexual abuse: A study of the use and effects of the Stop it Now! UK and Ireland Helpline. Birmingham, UK: The Lucy Faithful Foundation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bureau of Justice Statistics. (1999). Correctional populations in the United States, 1996. Washington, DC: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burke, A., Sowerbutts, S., Blundell, B., & Sherry, M. (2002). Child pornography and the Internet: Policing and treatment issues. Psychiatry, Psychology and Law, 9(1), 79–84. doi:10.1375/pplt.2002.9.1.79.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • CAMH. (2012). Redeveloping the Queen Street site. Retrieved June 15, 2014, from http://www.camh.ca/en/hospital/about_camh/CAMH_redevelopment/Pages/CAMH_redevelopment.aspx.

  • Cantor, J. M. (2011). James Cantor. Retrieved June 15, 2014, from http://jamescantor.com/.

  • Caplan, A. L. (2006). Ethical issues surrounding forced, mandated, or coerced treatment. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 31(2), 117–120. doi:10.1016/j.jsat.2006.06.009.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cayley, D. (1998). The expanding prison. Toronto, ON: House of Anansi Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • CBC Radio One (Producer). (2014). Ideas with Paul Kennedy: Born that way? [Radio broadcast]. Toronto, ON: CBC.

  • Center for Sex Offender Management. (2001). Community notification and education. Silver Spring, MD: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Center for Sex Offender Management. (2008). Legislative tends in sex offender management. Silver Spring, MD: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Child Molestation Research & Prevention Institute, Inc. (2014). Child Molestation Research and Prevention Institute: Early diagnosis and effective treatment. Retrieved June 10, 2014, from http://www.childmolestationprevention.org/.

  • Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2014). Mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect. Washington, DC: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chill, P. (2004). Burden of proof begone. Family Court Review, 42(3), 540–553. doi:10.1111/j.174-1617.2004.tb00668.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Choo, E. K., Spiro, D. M., Lowe, R. A., Newgard, C. D., Hall, M. K., & McConnell, K. J. (2010). Rural-urban disparities in child abuse management resources in the emergency department. Journal of Rural Health, 26(4), 361–365. doi:10.1111/j.1748-0361.2010.00307.x.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Corrigan, P. (2004). How stigma interferes with mental health care. American Psychologist, 59(7), 614–625. doi:10.1037/0003-066X.59.7.614.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Corrigan, P., & Matthews, A. (2003). Stigma and disclosure: Implications for coming out of the closet. Journal of Mental Health, 12(3), 235–248. doi:10.1080/0963823031000118221.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Darkness to Light. (2013). Prevent child sexual abuse—Darkness to Light. Retrieved June 10, 2014, from http://www.d2l.org.

  • Decker, D. M. (2010). Clinical supervision of marriage and family therapists and addressing the sexual needs of clients: A preliminary investigation (Doctoral dissertation). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses—Gradworks. (Publication # 3418816).

  • DeYoung, M. (1989). The world according to NAMBLA: Accounting for deviance. Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, 16(1), 111–126.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dombert, B., Schmidt, A. F., Banse, R., Briken, P., Hoyer, J., Neutze, J., & Osterheider, M. (2016). How common is men’s self-reported sexual interest in prepubescent children? Journal of Sex Research, 53, 214–223. doi:10.1080/00224499.2015.1020108.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Drake, E., & Aos, S. (2009). Does sex offender registration and notification reduce crime?: A systematic review of the research literature. Olympia, WA: Washington State Institute for Public Policy.

    Google Scholar 

  • Durkin, K. F., & Hundersmarck, S. (2007). Pedophiles and child molesters. In E. Goode & D. A. Vail (Eds.), Extreme deviance (pp. 144–150). Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eisenberg, M., Mulder, J., van Horn, J., & Stam, J. (2014). Stop it Now! Helpline Netherlands: A study of its use and effects—English summary. Utrecht, NL: de Waag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eke, A. W., Seto, M. C., & Williams, J. (2011). Examining the criminal history and future offending of child pornography offenders. Law and Human Behavior, 35(6), 466–478. doi:10.1007/s10979-010-9252-2.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Endrass, J., Urbaniok, F., Hammermeister, L. C., Benz, C., Elbert, T., Laubacher, A., & Rossegger, A. (2009). The consumption of Internet child pornography and violent and sex offending. BMC Psychiatry, 9(1), 43–50. doi:10.1186/1471-244X-9-43.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Farmer, M., Beech, A. R., & Ward, T. (2012). Assessing desistance in child molesters: A qualitative analysis. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 27(5), 930–950. doi:10.1177/0886260511423255.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Faver, C. A., Crawford, S. L., & Combs-Orme, T. (1999). Services for child maltreatment: Challenges for research and practice. Children and Youth Services Review, 21(2), 89–109. doi:10.1016/S0190-7409(99)00009-2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fedora, O., Reddon, J. R., Morrison, J. W., Fedora, S. K., Pascoe, H., & Yeudall, L. T. (1992). Sadism and other paraphilias in normal controls and aggressive and nonaggressive sex offenders. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 21(1), 1–15. doi:10.1007/BF01542713.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fedoroff, J. P., & Moran, B. (1997). Myths and misconceptions about sex offenders. Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 6(4), 263–276. doi:10.1234/12345678.

    Google Scholar 

  • Freimond, C. M. (2013). Navigating the stigma of pedophilia: The experiences of nine minor-attracted men in Canada (Masters Thesis, Arts & Social Sciences: Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC).

  • Fromuth, M. E., & Conn, V. E. (1997). Hidden perpetrators sexual molestation in a nonclinical sample of college women. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 12(3), 456–465. doi:10.1177/088626097012003009.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gamm, L., Stone, S., & Pittman, S. (2010). Mental health and mental disorders—A rural challenge: A literature review. Rural Healthy People, 1, 97–114.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gilgun, J. F. (n.d.). Child sexual abuse: Assessment, intervention, & prevention. Twin Cities, MN: Center for Advanced Study in Child Welfare.

  • Glass, I. (Executive Producer). (2014). This American life: Help wanted [Radio broadcast]. Chicago, IL: WBEZ.

  • Göbbels, S., Ward, T., & Willis, G. M. (2012). An integrative theory of desistance from sex offending. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 17(5), 453–462. doi:10.1016/j.avb.2012.06.003.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goode, S. D. (2006). ‘The splendor of little girls’: Social constructions of paedophiles and child sexual abuse. Winchester: University of Winchester.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goode, S. D. (2010). Understanding and addressing adult sexual attraction to children: A study of paedophiles in contemporary society. Abingdon, UK: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Greenfeld, L. A. (1997). Sex offenses and offenders: An analysis of data on rape and sexual assault. Washington, DC: Bureau of Justice Statistics.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gutierrez, A., & McLaren, P. (2012). To be or not to be a snitch or a whistle-blower: Years of silence at Penn State. Cultural Studies ↔ Critical Methodologies, 12(4), 309–316. doi:10.1177/1532708612446429.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hall, R. C., & Hall, R. C. (2007). A profile of pedophilia: Definition, characteristics of offenders, recidivism, treatment outcomes, and forensic issues. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 82(4), 457–471. doi:10.4065/82.4.457.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hall, G. C. N., Hirschman, R., & Oliver, L. L. (1995). Sexual arousal and arousability to pedophilic stimuli in a community sample of normal men. Behavior Therapy, 26(4), 681–694. doi:10.1016/S0005-7894(05)80039-5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hannem, S., & Petrunik, M. (2007). Circles of support and accountability: A community justice initiative for the reintegration of high risk sex offenders. Contemporary Justice Review, 10(2), 153–171. doi:10.1080/10282580701372046.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hanson, R. K. (1998). What do we know about sex offender risk assessment? Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 4(1–2), 50–72. doi:10.1037/1076-8971.4.1-2.50.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hanson, R. K., Harris, A. J., Helmus, L., & Thornton, D. (2014). High-risk sex offenders may not be high risk forever. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 29(15), 2792–2813. doi:10.1177/0886260514526062.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Harkins, L., & Beech, A. (2007). Measurement of the effectiveness of sex offender treatment. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 12(1), 36–44. doi:10.1016/j.avb.2006.03.002.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hatzenbuehler, M. L., Nolen-Hoeksema, S., & Dovidio, J. (2009). How does stigma “get under the skin”? The mediating role of emotion regulation. Psychological Science, 20(10), 1282–1289. doi:10.1111/j.1467-9280.2009.02441.x.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Heise, E., Horne, L., Kirkegaard, H., Nigh, H., Derry, I., & Yantzi, M. (2000). Community reintegration project: Circles of support and accountability. Ottawa, ON: Correctional Service Canada.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holmes, R. M., & Holmes, S. T. (2002). Current perspectives on sex crimes. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holt, T. J., Blevins, K. R., & Burkert, N. (2010). Considering the pedophile subculture online. Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment, 22(1), 3–24. doi:10.1177/1079063209344979.

    Google Scholar 

  • I.T.E.R. (n.d.). Introducing the centre. Brussels, Belgium: Author.

  • Jahnke, S., Philipp, K., & Hoyer, J. (2015). Stigmatizing attitudes towards people with pedophilia and their malleability among psychotherapists in training. Child Abuse and Neglect, 40, 93–102. doi:10.1016/j.chiabu.2014.07.008.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kramer, R. (2011). The DSM and the stigmatization of people who are attracted to minors. In Proceedings of pedophilia, minor-attracted persons, and the DSM. Baltimore, MD: B4U-ACT.

  • Kruttschnitt, C., Uggen, C., & Shelton, K. (2000). Predictors of desistance among sex offenders: The interaction of formal and informal social controls. Justice Quarterly, 17(1), 61–87. doi:10.1080/07418820000094481.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Långström, N., Enebrink, P., Laurén, E. M., Lindblom, J., Werkö, S., & Hanson, R. K. (2013). Preventing sexual abusers of children from reoffending: Systematic review of medical and psychological interventions. British Medical Journal. doi:10.1136/bmj.f4630.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Leon, C. S. (2011). Sex fiends, perverts, and pedophiles: Understanding sex crime policy in America. New York, NY: NYU Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Letourneau, E. J., Levenson, J. S., Bandyopadhyay, D., Armstrong, K. S., & Sinha, D. (2010). Effects of South Carolina’s sex offender registration and notification policy on deterrence of adult sex crimes. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 37(5), 537–552. doi:10.1177/0093854810363569.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Levenson, J. S., Brannon, T. N., Fortney, T., & Baker, J. N. (2007a). Public perceptions about sex offenders and community protection policies. Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy, 7(1), 1–25. doi:10.1111/j.1530-2415.2007.00119.x.

    Google Scholar 

  • Levenson, J. S., & Cotter, L. P. (2005). The effect of Megan’s Law on sex offender reintegration. Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice, 21(1), 49–66. doi:10.1177/1043986204271676.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Levenson, J. S., D’Amora, D. A., & Hern, A. L. (2007b). Megan’s Law and its impact on community reintegration for sex offenders. Behavioral Sciences and the Law, 25(4), 587–602. doi:10.1002/bsl.770.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Levenson, J., & Tewksbury, R. (2009). Collateral damage: Family members of registered sex offenders. American Journal of Criminal Justice, 34(1–2), 54–68. doi:10.1007/s12103-008-9055-x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lieb, R., & Nunlist, C. (2008). Community notification as viewed by Washington’s citizens: A 10-year follow-up. Olympia, WA: Washington State Institute for Public Policy.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marques, J. K., Wiederanders, M., Day, D. M., Nelson, C., & van Ommeren, A. (2005). Effects of a relapse prevention program on sexual recidivism: Final results from California’s Sex Offender Treatment and Evaluation Project (SOTEP). Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment, 17(1), 79–107. doi:10.1007/s11194-005-1212-x.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marshall, W. L. (1996). The sexual offender: Monster, victim, or everyman? Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment, 8(4), 317–335. doi:10.1177/107906329600800406.

    Google Scholar 

  • Massachusetts Citizens for Children. (2010). Enough abuse campaign website. Retrieved June 10, 2014, from http://www.enoughabuse.org.

  • McAlinden, A. M. (2006). ‘Setting’em up’: Personal, familial and institutional grooming in the sexual abuse of children. Social & Legal Studies, 15(3), 339–362. doi:10.1177/0964663906066613.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McVay, D., Schiraldi, V., & Ziedenber, J. (2004). Treatment or incarceration? National and state findings on the efficacy and cost savings of drug treatment versus imprisonment. Washington, DC: Justice Policy Institute.

    Google Scholar 

  • Melton, G. B. (2005). Mandated reporting: A policy without reason. Child Abuse and Neglect, 29(1), 9–18. doi:10.1016/j.chiabu.2004.05.005.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Miller, J. A. (2010). Sex offender civil commitment: The treatment paradox. California Law Review, 98(6), 2093–2128. doi:10.15779/Z38HD82.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, W. R. (1985). Motivation for treatment: A review with special emphasis on alcoholism. Psychological Bulletin, 98, 84–107. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.98.1.84.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Moore Center for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse. (n.d.). Moore center projects: Help wanted. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

  • Moulden, H. M., & Firestone, P. (2010). Therapist awareness and responsibility working with sexual offenders. Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment, 22(4), 374–386. doi:10.1177/1079063210382047.

    Google Scholar 

  • National Catholic Risk Retention Group, Inc. (n.d.). VIRTUS ® Online. Retrieved June 9, 2014, from http://www.virtus.org.

  • New York City Independent Budget Office. (2013). New York City by the numbers. New York, NY: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Owhe, J. (2013). Indicated reports of child abuse or maltreatment: When suspects become victims. Family Court Review, 51(2), 316–329. doi:10.1111/fcre.12029.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pachankis, J. E. (2007). The psychological implications of concealing a stigma: A cognitive-affective-behavioral model. Psychological Bulletin, 133(2), 328–345. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.133.2.328.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Paine, M. L., & Hansen, D. J. (2002). Factors influencing children to self-disclose sexual abuse. Clinical Psychology Review, 22(2), 271–295. doi:10.1016/S0272-7358(01)00091-5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Paul, L. A., Gray, M. J., Elhai, J. D., Massad, P. M., & Stamm, B. H. (2006). Promotion of evidence-based practices for child traumatic stress in rural populations: Identification of barriers and promising solutions. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 7(4), 260–273. doi:10.1177/1524838006292521.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Polaschek, D. L. (2014). Adult criminals with psychopathy: Common beliefs about treatability and change have little empirical support. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 23(4), 296–301. doi:10.1177/0963721414535211.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pope, K. S., & Tabachnick, B. G. (1993). Therapists’ anger, hate, fear, and sexual feelings: National survey of therapist responses, client characteristics, critical events, formal complaints, and training. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 24(2), 142–152. doi:10.1037/0735-7028.24.2.142.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Prentky, R. A., Barbaree, H. E., & Janus, E. S. (2015). Sexual predators: Society, risk, and the law. New York, NY: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Prescott, J. J., & Rockoff, J. E. (2011). Do sex offender registration and notification laws affect criminal behavior? Journal of Law and Economics, 54(1), 161–206. doi:10.2139/ssrn.1100663.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Proffitt, J. M., & Corrigan, T. F. (2012). Penn State’s “Success with Honor”: How institutional structure and brand logic disincentivized disclosure. Cultural Studies ↔ Critical Methodologies, 12(4), 322–325. doi:10.1177/1532708612446431.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Quinn, J. F., Forsyth, C. J., & Mullen-Quinn, C. (2004). Societal reaction to sex offenders: A review of the origins and results of the myths surrounding their crimes and treatment amenability. Deviant Behavior, 25(3), 215–232. doi:10.1080/01639620490431147.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rochlen, A. B., Mohr, J. J., & Hargrove, B. K. (1999). Development of the attitudes toward career counseling scale. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 46(2), 196–206. doi:10.1037/0022-0167.46.2.196.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Russell, D. E., & Purcell, N. J. (2006). Exposure to pornography as a cause of child sexual victimization. In N. E. Dowd, D. G. Singer, & R. F. Wilson (Eds.), Handbook of children, culture, and violence (pp. 59–84). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Saad, L. (2005). Sex offender registries are underutilized by the public. Washington, DC: Gallup.

    Google Scholar 

  • Salmon, T. M. (2010). Sex offender registry: Report of the Vermont State Auditor (Report No. 10-05). Montpelier, VT: Office of the State Auditor.

  • Sample, L. L., & Bray, T. M. (2003). Are sex offenders dangerous? Criminology and Public Policy, 3(1), 59–82. doi:10.1111/j.1745-9133.2003.tb00024.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sandler, J. C., Freeman, N. J., & Socia, K. M. (2008). Does a watched pot boil? A time-series analysis of New York State’s sex offender registration and notification law. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 14(4), 284–302. doi:10.1037/a0013881.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schmidt, J., Warner, K., & Gupta, S. (2010). The high budgetary cost of incarceration. Washington, DC: Center for Economic and Policy Research.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schober, J. M., Kuhn, P. J., Kovacs, P. G., Earle, J. H., Byrne, P. M., & Fries, R. A. (2005). Leuprolide acetate suppresses pedophilic urges and arousability. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 34(6), 691–705. doi:10.1007/s10508-005-7929-2.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Scruton, R. (2000). Bring back stigma. City Journal, 10, 68–75.

    Google Scholar 

  • Seto, M. C. (2008). Pedophilia and sexual offending against children: Theory, assessment, and intervention. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Seto, M. C., Cantor, J. M., & Blanchard, R. (2006). Child pornography offenses are a valid diagnostic indicator of pedophilia. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 115(3), 610–615. doi:10.1037/0021-843X.115.3.610.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Seto, M. C., Hanson, R. K., & Babchishin, K. M. (2011). Contact sexual offending by men with online sexual offenses. Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment, 23(1), 124–145. doi:10.1177/1079063210369013.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shechtman, Z., Vogel, D., & Maman, N. (2010). Seeking psychological help: A comparison of individual and group treatment. Psychotherapy Research, 20(1), 30–36. doi:10.1080/10503300903307648.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Singal, J. (2014). There’s literally no evidence that restricting where sex offenders can live accomplishes anything [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://nymag.com/scienceofus/2014/08/sex-offender-housing-restrictions-are-pointless.html.

  • Socia, K. M., & Stamatel, J. P. (2010). Assumption and evidence behind sex offender laws: Registration, community notification, and residence restrictions. Sociology Compass, 4, 1–20. doi:10.1111/j.1751-9020.2009.00251.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Staller, K. M. (2012). Missing pieces, repetitive practices: Child sexual exploitation and institutional settings. Cultural Studies ↔ Critical Methodologies, 12(4), 274–278. doi:10.1177/1532708612446420.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stinson, J. D., Becker, J. V., & Sales, B. D. (2008). Self-regulation and the etiology of sexual deviance: Evaluating causal theory. Violence and Victims, 23(1), 35–51. doi:10.1891/0886-6708.23.1.35.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stinson, J. D., Robbins, S. B., & Crow, C. W. (2011). Self-regulatory deficits as predictors of sexual, aggressive, and self-harm behaviors in a psychiatric sex offender population. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 38(9), 885–895. doi:10.1177/0093854811409872.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stop It Now! (2000). Four-year evaluation: Findings reveal success of Stop It Now! Vermont. Northampton, MA: Stop It Now!.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stop It Now! (2014). Stop It Now! Website. Retrieved June 9, 2014, from http://www.stopitnow.org.

  • Tabachnik, J., & Klein, A. (2001). A reasoned approach: Reshaping sex offender policy to prevent child sexual abuse. Beaverton, OR: Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tan, L., & Grace, R. C. (2008). Social desirability and sexual offenders: A review. Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment, 20(1), 61–87. doi:10.1177/1079063208314820.

    Google Scholar 

  • Templeman, T. L., & Stinnett, R. D. (1991). Patterns of sexual arousal and history in a “normal” sample of young men. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 20(2), 137–150. doi:10.1007/BF01541940.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tewksbury, R. (2002). Validity and utility of the Kentucky sex offender registry. Federal Probation, 66, 21.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tewksbury, R., & Lees, M. (2006). Perceptions of sex offender registration: Collateral consequences and community experiences. Sociological Spectrum, 26(3), 309–334. doi:10.1080/02732170500524246.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tewksbury, R., & Mustaine, E. (2009). Stress and collateral consequences for registered sex offenders. Journal of Public Management and Social Policy, 15(2), 215–239.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tufford, L. (2012). Clinician mandatory reporting and maintenance of the therapeutic alliance (Doctoral dissertation, University of Toronto).

  • van Naerssen, A. (1991). Man-boy lovers: Assessment, counseling, and psychotherapy. Journal of Homosexuality, 20(1–2), 175–187. doi:10.1300/J082v20n01_11.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vanhoeck, K., Wanzeele, W., & Gykiere, K. (2014). How to not become a sex offender: From “offender therapy” to “offender prevention therapy”. Mental Health & Prevention, 2(1), 35–41. doi:10.1016/j.mhp.2014.07.003.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vera Institute of Justice. (2012). The price of prisons: 40 fact sheets. New York, NY: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Veysey, B. M., & Zgoba, K. M. (2010). Sex offenses and offenders reconsidered: An investigation of characteristics and correlates over time. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 37(5), 583–595. doi:10.1177/0093854810363890.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Virtuous Pedophiles. (2015). Virtuous Pedophiles website. Retrieved March 7, 2015, from http://www.virped.org.

  • Vogel, D. L., Wade, N. G., & Hackler, A. H. (2007). Perceived public stigma and the willingness to seek counseling: The mediating roles of self-stigma and attitudes toward counseling. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 54(1), 40–50. doi:10.1037/0022-0167.54.1.40.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wakeling, H. C., Freemantle, N., Beech, A. R., & Elliott, I. A. (2011). Identifying predictors of recidivism in a large sample of United Kingdom sexual offenders: A prognostic model. Psychological Services, 8(4), 307–318. doi:10.1037/a0025516.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Walsh, W. A., & Mattingly, M. J. (2012). Understanding child abuse in rural and urban America: Risk factors and maltreatment substantiation. Durham, NH: Carsey Institute.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ward, T. (2002). Good lives and the rehabilitation of offenders: Promises and problems. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 7(5), 513–528. doi:10.1016/S1359-1789(01)00076-3.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ward, T., & Gannon, T. (2006). Rehabilitation, etiology, and self-regulation: The Good Lives Model of sexual offender treatment. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 11(1), 77–94. doi:10.1016/j.avb.2005.06.001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ward, T., & Mann, R. (2004). Good lives and the rehabilitation of offenders: A positive approach to sex offender treatment. Positive Psychology in Practice. doi:10.1002/9780470939338.ch36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ware, J. (2011). The importance of contextual issues within sexual offender treatment. In D. P. Boer, R. Eher, L. A. Craig, M. H. Miner, & F. Pfäfflin (Eds.), International perspectives on the assessment and treatment of sexual offenders: Theory, practice and research (pp. 299–312). New York, NY: Wiley.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Welchans, S. (2005). Megan’s law: Evaluations of sexual offender registries. Criminal Justice Policy Review, 16, 123–140. doi:10.1177/0887403404265630.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Willis, G. M., & Grace, R. C. (2009). Assessment of community reintegration planning for sex offenders poor planning predicts recidivism. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 36(5), 494–512. doi:10.1177/0093854809332874.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zevitz, R. G. (2006). Sex offender community notification: Its role in recidivism and offender reintegration. Criminal Justice Studies, 19(2), 193–208. doi:10.1080/14786010600764567.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zevitz, R. G., & Farkas, M. A. (2000). Sex offender community notification: Assessing the impact in Wisconsin. Washington: US Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, National Institute of Justice.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zgoba, K., Witt, P., Dalessandro, M., & Veysey, B. (2008). Megan’s Law: Assessing the practical and monetary efficacy. Trenton, NJ: New Jersey Department of Corrections.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to Ginette Blackhart, Judith Becker, Georgia Cumming, Joan Tabachnik, Jon Webb, and Stacy Williams, in addition to this journal’s anonymous reviewers and Associate Editor, for feedback on earlier versions of this article.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, 37614, USA

    Michael P. Lasher & Jill D. Stinson

Authors
  1. Michael P. Lasher
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jill D. Stinson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michael P. Lasher.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Lasher, M.P., Stinson, J.D. Adults with Pedophilic Interests in the United States: Current Practices and Suggestions for Future Policy and Research. Arch Sex Behav 46, 659–670 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-016-0822-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-016-0822-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation