Stigmatization of People With Pedophilia: A Blind Spot in Stigma Research

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Stigmatization restricts people's opportunities in life and has severe consequences on mental health and psychological well-being. This article focuses on stigmatization research on pedophilia. Based on an extensive literature search, it reviews studies that have empirically determined lay theories, stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination against people with pedophilia, as well as the effect of stigma on this group. The review reveals a scarcity of empirical studies on the subject (11). Although the majority of studies give at least an indication that stigma against people with pedophilia is highly prevalent, we also identified severe methodological limitations and a lack of a unifying and systematic research agenda. We discuss the need for more theory-driven, rigorous, and representative empirical studies and propose perspectives and requirements for the scientific study of stigma against people with pedophilia.

KEYWORDS:

• Pedophilia
• stigma
• discrimination
• sexual abuse
• labeling

Acknowledgments

This publication was realized within the MiKADO project (German acronym for “Sexual abuse of children: Etiology, Dunkelfeld and victims”) funded by the German Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth. The authors would like to thank Dr. Stephen Crawcour for his helpful comments and support.