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Topic: Sexual Behavior Problems in Children, Treatment of

Scientific Ratings in this topic:
1 - Well-Supported by Research Evidence
2 - Supported by Research Evidence
3 - Promising Research Evidence
4 - Evidence Fails to Demonstrate Effect
5 - Concerning Practice
NR - Not able to be Rated
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Definition for Sexual Behavior Problems in Children, Treatment of:

Sexual behavior problems (SBP) in children are defined as behaviors involving sexual body parts that are developmentally inappropriate or potentially harmful to themselves or others initiated by children ages 12 and younger. SBP may range from problematic self-stimulation (such that it causes physical harm or damage) to nonintrusive behaviors (such as preoccupation with nudity, looking at others) to sexual interactions with other children that include more explicit behaviors than sex play (such as intercourse) to coercive or aggressive sexual behaviors, with the latter behavior being of most concern, particularly when paired with large age differences between children. When SBP appear to be trauma-related symptoms that originate from sexual abuse the child has experienced, the behavior may be termed “sexually reactive.”

It should be noted that although the term “sexual” is used, the reasons for engaging in such behavior vary and are rarely related to sexual gratification or stimulation. Instead, these behaviors tend to be related to other factors, such as curiosity, impulsivity, anxiety, trauma-related symptoms (e.g., re-experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder), and attention-seeking.

Interventions for SBP that have been systematically evaluated predominately fall in one of two categories: (a) treatments targeting sexual behavior problems and (b) treatments targeting the effects of child sexual abuse including SBP.

Why was Sexual Behavior Problems in Children, Treatment of chosen as a topic by the Advisory Committee? (Click for Answer)

The Advisory Committee chose “Sexual Behavior Problems in Children, Treatment of” as a topic area because there are children in the child welfare systems who exhibit sexual behavior problems and who would benefit from treatment to help manage these behaviors. Children may exhibit age-inappropriate sexual behavior, including inappropriate sexual contact with another child. These children can benefit from treatment that promotes learning and maintaining appropriate boundaries, and managing their inappropriate behavior. This treatment acknowledges the child’s own abuse history (if present) and how the abuse has impacted their relationships with others.

Debra Zanders-Willis, Director
Child Welfare Services
County of San Diego
San Diego, CA

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