Presenter Information

Keyton SampsonFollow

Document Type

Poster Presentation

Start Date

20-4-2018 10:00 AM

End Date

20-4-2018 11:00 AM

Keywords

pedophilia, stigma, abuse, prevention

Biography

My name is Keyton Sampson and I am a junior and psychology major. My interests include clinical psychology, with a focus on abnormal psychology. I enjoy researching and sharing my findings on topics that help remove the negative stigma associated with mental illnesses.

Major

Psychology

Advisor for this project

Penny Koontz

Abstract

A New Approach to Assessing Pedophilia and Preventing Child Sexual Abuse

This literature review aims to address pedophilia as a sexual preference that can be successfully treated, rather than as an uncontrollable desire. In both society at large and within the legal system, the term “pedophile” is incorrectly used as a synonym for “child molester”. Because of this inaccurate portrayal of individuals who experience pedophilia, a strong negative stigma has been created in our society. This has made it quite difficult for pedophiles to step forward and seek help from a mental health professional without being viewed as a perpetrator of a heinous crime. Most of society has the perception that their behavior is uncontrollable and that they will eventually act upon their desires. Along with this, many health professionals are not comfortable or do not have the knowledge and resources to adequately address these problems because of this stigma. Research reveals that pedophiles, unlike situational child molesters, often feel distress and remorse for their inappropriate desires and behaviors. This suggests that if steps were taken to reduce the stigma and shame associated with pedophilia, these individuals may be more likely to participate in treatment interventions such as cognitive behavior therapy in combination with medications.

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Apr 20th, 10:00 AM Apr 20th, 11:00 AM

A New Approach to Assessing Pedophilia and Preventing Child Sexual Abuse

A New Approach to Assessing Pedophilia and Preventing Child Sexual Abuse

This literature review aims to address pedophilia as a sexual preference that can be successfully treated, rather than as an uncontrollable desire. In both society at large and within the legal system, the term “pedophile” is incorrectly used as a synonym for “child molester”. Because of this inaccurate portrayal of individuals who experience pedophilia, a strong negative stigma has been created in our society. This has made it quite difficult for pedophiles to step forward and seek help from a mental health professional without being viewed as a perpetrator of a heinous crime. Most of society has the perception that their behavior is uncontrollable and that they will eventually act upon their desires. Along with this, many health professionals are not comfortable or do not have the knowledge and resources to adequately address these problems because of this stigma. Research reveals that pedophiles, unlike situational child molesters, often feel distress and remorse for their inappropriate desires and behaviors. This suggests that if steps were taken to reduce the stigma and shame associated with pedophilia, these individuals may be more likely to participate in treatment interventions such as cognitive behavior therapy in combination with medications.