Persistence of Problematic Sexual Behaviors in Children

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify personal and family predictors and correlates of persistence of problematic sexual behaviors (PSB) in children. Participants were the families of 49 children (ages 4–11 years) referred by Child Protective Services in 4 administrative districts of Quebec. Caregivers completed interviews and questionnaires twice at a 1-year interval. Results showed that 43% of children persisted with PSB. When age was controlled, greater exposure to sexualized behaviors in the family proved both a correlate and a predictor of PSB persistence in children 12 months later. Externalizing problems and somatic complaints emerged as correlates of PSB as well. Maltreatment subtypes did not predict PSB persistence.

Acknowledgments

We thank the families and volunteers who participated in the project.

Notes

Note: PSB = Problematic Sexual Behviaor; CSBI = Child Sexual Behavior Inventory.

^a Items entered only when frequency was once a month or more.

Note: R ² = .15 (Cox & Snell), .19 (Nagelkerke) for Step 1; ΔR ² = .08 (Cox & Snell), .11 (Nagelkerke) for Step 2. Model χ²(2) = 12.51. N = 49. PSB = problematic sexual behavior.

*p ≤ .05. **p ≤ .01.

Note: PSB = problematic sexual behavior.

Note: R ² = .15 (Cox & Snell), .19 (Nagelkerke) for Step 1; ΔR ² = .48 (Cox & Snell), .64 (Nagelkerke) for Step 2. Model χ²(5) = 48.21. N = 49. PSB = problematic sexual behavior; EP = externalizing problems.

*p ≤ .05. **p ≤ .01.

Note: PSB = problematic sexual behavior.