Juvenile Sexual Behavior Problems

By: Kathryn Seifert
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:26:34
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Sexual behavior problems and sexual offenses are a growing concern for many. In order to address this problem we must first understand it. To this end, the characteristics of youth with sexual behavior problems were examined. They were compared to a group of youth without sexual behavior problems.

Nine hundred five youth were in a sample used to study sexual behavior problems. This sample contained 737 (81%) youth with no histories of sexual behavior problems and 168 (19%) who have sexually assaulted others. It was determined that several characteristics were more common among youth with sexual behavior problems that those that did not have sexual behavior problems. These were: a history of other behavior problems such as school behavior problems, a history of assaultive behavior, delinquency, and learning problems.

Characteristics of the families of the group of young people with sexual behavior problems included:
• 69% had family violence
• 74% had parental discipline that was too lax, too harsh, or inconsistent.
• 63% of families with low warmth and high conflict
• 67% of parents had histories of psychiatric or substance abuse problems
• For 71% of families, one or both parents were dead or uninvolved in the child’s life.

Characteristics of the youth included:
• 76% had psychiatric problems
• 70% experienced childhood trauma
• 83% had behavior problems before the age of 13
• 89% were impulsive
• 83% had anger control problems
• 87% had poor problem solving
• 75% had poor social skills

With this set of characteristics, we can determine appropriate treatment strategies for this population.

The reality is that the rate of chronic sexual behavior problems for this group is really quite low – 10-14% and treatment is effective in lowering that rate, as well. Once a clinician determines the risk level, it is easier to determine the type and intensity of treatment needed. Not all youth need the same level or type of treatment. Some may need sex education and work on boundaries and/or trauma, while others may need a more significant course of treatment specifically related to sexual behavior problems and provided by someone trained in this work. It is important to have someone specifically trained in this work to do the therapy. It is a specialty and is different from traditional therapy in several ways. Prepubescent youth with sexual behavior problems need to be evaluated to see if they have been victimized, as well. If they have, treatment should be provided.

Kathryn Seifert received her Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus in 1995. She is a Diplomate (DABPS) in forensic psychology and a Fellow in the Maryland Psychological Association where she chairs the committee for public mental health. On the Board of Community Behavioral Health and MPA’s representative to the Mental Health Association of Maryland, she advocates for the highest quality services for all children needing mental health treatment.

Dr. Seifert has had over 30 years experience in mental health, addictions, and criminal justice work. In addition to creating the Juvenile CARE (Child and Adolescent Risk Evaluation), Dr. Seifert has authored articles and lectured nationally and internationally on family violence and trauma. She founded Eastern Shore Psychological Services, a multidisciplinary private practice that specializes in working with high-risk youth and their families. She lectures nationally and internationally on the topics of violence assessment and stress management. http://careforusall.com

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