Sexual Behavior Problems Treatment (Children)

Sexual Behavior Problems Treatment (Children) is defined by the CEBC as the treatment of behaviors involving sexual body parts that are developmentally inappropriate or potentially harmful to themselves or others initiated by children ages 12 and younger. Sexual behavior problems 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 sexual behavior problems 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 sexual behavior problems 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 sexual behavior problems.

• Target population: Children ages 12 and younger who demonstrate behaviors involving sexual body parts that are developmentally inappropriate or potentially harmful
• Services/types that fit: Outpatient, day treatment, and residential services in individual or group formats
• Delivered by: Mental health professionals
• In order to be included: Program must specifically target sexual behavior problems, either on their own or as a component of treatment for child sexual abuse
• In order to be rated: There must be research evidence (as specified by the Scientific Rating Scale) that examines outcomes related to sexual behavior for the child, such as changes in the child"s behavior, symptom levels, and/or functioning

The Sexual Behavior Problems Treatment (Children) topic area is relevant to child welfare 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

The Sexual Behavior Problems Treatment (Children) topic area was added in 2011. Jane F. Silovsky, PhD was the topic expert and was involved in identifying and rating any of the programs with an original load date in 2011 (as found on the bottom of the program's page on the CEBC) or others loaded earlier and added to this topic area when it launched. The topic area has grown over the years and any programs added since 2011 were identified by CEBC staff, the Scientific Panel, and/or the Advisory Committee. For these programs, Dr. Silovsky was not involved in identifying or rating them.