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ABSTRACT
Pedophilia is a significant public health problem. Despite its cost to society, little effort has been directed toward understanding idiographic differences in the development and maintenance of pedophilia. Extant literature emphasizes biological underpinnings and predictors of re-offense. In this article, we posit that pedophilic penchants in males originate due to language, cognition, emotions, and emotion regulation. Adverse childhood experiences, such as emotional and sexual abuse, are posited as a major contributor to the etiology of pedophilia. However, not all individuals attracted to minors present with similar childhood adversities. The development of pedophilia, in the absence of such direct training (childhood adversities), is difficult to comprehend. Relational frame theory, a comprehensive account of human language and cognition, aids in deciphering the idiographic underpinnings of pedophilia. The role of maladaptive emotion regulation in maintaining pedophilia is also described. This article presents examples of how relational frames are established and activated in distressing contexts. Finally, implications for future research are discussed.
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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
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Notes on contributors
Surabhi Swaminath
Surabhi Swaminath, is a Clinical Psychology Trainee at the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD.
Raluca M. Simons
Raluca M. Simons, is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Professor, and Director of the Disaster Mental Health Institute at the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD.
Mason L. Hatwan
Mason L. Hatwan, is a Clinical Psychology Trainee at the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD.