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Sexualized Children: Assessment and Treatment of Sexualized Children and Children Who Molest

NCJ Number
151390
Author(s)
E Gil; T C Johnson
Date Published
1993
Length
363 pages
Annotation
This book identifies harmful or dangerous sexually molesting behaviors between children, as well as children's age-appropriate sexual behaviors, and suggests appropriate responses for each type of sexual behavior.
Abstract
The authors provide preliminary information based on their combined experience in working with children 12 years old and under who have sexually molested others or who have exhibited problematic sexual behaviors. Chapters also discuss age-appropriate childhood sexuality and provide a way to distinguish "normal sex play" from problematic sexual behaviors. Separate chapters address clinical evaluation, individual therapy, group therapy, family treatment, out-of- home care, and transference and countertransference. The authors advise that sexually abusive behavior by children stems from and affects attachment to parents and peers, creates disregulation in behavior and affect, and disturbs the child's developing sense of self. Effective therapy should focus on developmental issues, relational attachment, emotional/behavioral regulation, and development of self. Appendixes discuss the frequency of sexual behaviors and discriminating items, the testing of children with problematic sexual behaviors, and additional issues related to the goals of group therapy. Appendixes also provide a child sexual behavior checklist, a child sexual behavior inventory, and youthful offenders' family assessment form.

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