An Exploration of Developmental Trajectories among Children and Adolescent involved in Sexually Abusive and Sexual Violent Behaviors

• In Event: Posters I

Abstract

This retrospective longitudinal research project aims to clarify the developmental trajectories of young people involved in sexually abusive/violent behaviors during childhood and adolescence. Of importance, this presentation is concerned about the continuity and discontinuity of these behaviors across the childhood-adolescence period. A random sample (n = 80) consisting of young persons who have been referred to Quebec’s Child Welfare system for atypical sexual behaviors has been used for this research project. The sample was categorized into three groups: (a) young persons first referred for atypical sexual behaviors prior to age 12 but not in adolescence (n = 20); (b) young persons referred for atypical sexual behaviors prior to and after the age of 12 (n = 20), and (c) young persons referred for atypical sexual behaviors only after the age of 12 (n = 40). Statistical comparisons were made to examine and determine the role and importance of the age of onset of atypical sexual behaviors on the nature, frequency, severity and persistence of these behaviors. The findings will be discussed in terms of the clinical and developmental profiles of youth involved in sexually abusive and sexual violent behaviors.

Authors

• Stephanie Chouinard Thivierge, Université Laval

• Patrick Lussier, University of Laval

• Danielle Nadeau, Le Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale Nationale

• Denis Lacerte, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale Nationale