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Abnormal Sexual Behaviour in Pre-Pubescent Children

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

John C. Pomeroy ,
David Behar  and
Mark A. Stewart
John C. Pomeroy
Affiliation:
Child Psychiatry Department, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
David Behar
Affiliation:
Child Psychiatry Department, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
Mark A. Stewart
Affiliation:
Child Psychiatry Department, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
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Summary

Abnormal sexual behaviour in pre-pubescent children is uncommon even in a psychiatrically referred population. Among 516 referrals there were 6 boys and 10 girls, the girls starting younger. The boys differed little in history or background from other conduct-disordered boys, but the girls were more commonly victims of sexual abuse and lacking a father in the home. The personalities of the girls suggested continued risk of sexual experimentation and possible development of personality disorder.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 138 , Issue 2 , February 1981 , pp. 119 - 125
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1981 

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