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Sex in pedophiliac relationships: An empirical investigation among a nonrepresentative group of boys

1984; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 20; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/00224498409551213

1559-8519

Theo Sandfort,

Sexual Assault and Victimization Studies

Abstract Little research has been done on children involved in pedophiliac relationships. Although there are many preconceptions about the nature of the "sexual abuse" occurring in these relationships, little is known about how the children involved actually feel about these sexual contacts. In this research the question of whether sexual relations with an adult can be a positive experience for a child is addressed. The subjects of the study were 25 boys (10 to 16 years of age) who were then involved in pedophiliac relationships with adult males. These boys were located through their adult partners, who in turn were approached through pedophile workgroups. Although the boys were able to point to some negative aspects of their sexual contacts, most of them reported experiencing these contacts as predominantly positive. The sexual contacts were found to have had no negative influence upon the boys' sense of general well‐being, nor did the boys perceive in these contacts a misuse of authority by the adult. Although there are some limitations to the general applicability of these results, they have relevance for further research, therapy, and legislation concerning pedophiliac activities. These implications are briefly discussed.