Elucidating Understandings of Problematic Sexual Behaviours in Children and Adolescents through Meta-Analytic Methods and an Exploratory Evaluation of a Clinical Population Receiving Treatment

Date
2024-09-13
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Abstract

Introduction: Key inquiries into Problematic Sexual Behaviour (PSB) include identifying risk factors and evaluating characteristics and treatment outcomes of PSB populations. Exposure to sexual content is an important risk factor to examine due to ubiquitous access to technology. Regarding treatment, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for PSB (PSB-CBT) is an evidence-informed and developmentally appropriate intervention. Further research is needed to assess outcomes of PSB-CBT and target population characteristics. Objectives: 1) Examine associations between sexual content exposure and PSB; 2) Describe characteristics of a clinical PSB sample; 3) Evaluate treatment outcomes of PSB-CBT offered at a Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC); 4) Provide recommendations for ongoing PSB research, prevention, and intervention. Methods: A Developmental-Relational research model was used to develop the goals of this thesis. Study 1 used a systematic review and random-effects meta-analyses conducted on available literature up to September 2021. Results are based on 16,200 participants (71.3% male; Mage = 14.3) and 27 studies. Study 2 used a retrospective case file review of 61 files of children and families who attended a PSB-CBT treatment group at a CYAC between 2015 and 2019 (83.6% male; Mage = 8.9). Results: Study 1: Significant associations were found between exposure to nonviolent sexual content and likelihood of engaging in PSB (OR = 1.82; p < .001; 95 % CI: 1.50–2.21), and between exposure to violent/live sexual content and PSB (OR = 2.52; p < .001; 95 % CI: 1.75–3.61). Sex moderated the association between exposure to nonviolent sexual content and PSB, such that the association was stronger in studies with a greater proportion of females. Study 2: Characteristics and sexual behaviours exhibited by children who attended a PSB-CBT treatment group varied widely. Outcome analyses revealed decreases in child sexual behaviours and parenting stress. Conclusions: Results support the need for future research on risk factors and mechanisms implicated in PSB. Children with PSB and their families could benefit from incorporating education on sexual content exposure into treatment programs. PSB-CBT offered within CYACs is well suited to meet the intervention needs of children with PSB and their families.

Description
Keywords
problematic sexual behaviour, children, adolescents, child and youth advocacy centre, sexual content exposure, problematic sexual behaviour - cognitive behaviour therapy
Citation
Mori, C. M. (2024). Elucidating understandings of problematic sexual behaviours in children and adolescents through meta-analytic methods and an exploratory evaluation of a clinical population receiving treatment (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.