Understanding Problematic Sexual Behavior Among Preteen Children
Overview
Preteen children with problematic sexual behavior (PSB) are increasingly coming to the attention of the general public, resulting in greater numbers of referrals for mental health services and public policy initiatives. Unfortunately, relatively little research examining children with PSB is available, which can limit treatment and prevention efforts. This presentation will provide an overview of the definition of PSB, currently supported etiological understandings of PSB, and the current state of the treatment literature. An emphasis will be placed on providing practical and actionable suggestions for research and clinical efforts.
Learning objectives
- Evaluate the current definition of children with problematic sexual behavior and how it is useful in the clinical context
- Examine three primary etiological explanations for problematic sexual behavior among preteen children and the current weight of evidence supporting these explanations
- Explain the strengths and weaknesses of current treatment approaches for children with problematic sexual behavior