Basic Psychological Needs among Individuals with Pedophilic Interests in a US Community Sample

• In Event: Poster Session 1

Abstract

Introduction: Possessing a predilection as deeply stigmatized (and misunderstood) as pedophilic interests, combined with the burden of maintaining the secrecy of such interests, may place individuals who endorse them at a particularly heightened risk for psychopathology (Jahnke & Hoyer, 2013). The Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction and Frustration Scale (BPNSFS) assesses certain internal needs, which indicate the status of an individual’s psychological well-being (Van der Kaap-Deeder et al., 2020).
Method: This study compared BPNSFS scores between individuals with pedophilic interests vs other paraphilic interests among a US community sample of 2,055 participants (Bőthe et al., 2021).
Results: Independent t-tests revealed that participants who endorsed pedophilic interests (n=70) had significantly lower BPNSFS scores (M=77.77; SD=19.41) than individuals with other paraphilic disorders (n=612; M=85.52; SD=18.19); t(680) = [3.36], p<.01.
Discussion: Lower BPNSFS scores among individuals with pedophilic interests may reflect the adverse psychological impact of stigma and limited outlets for disclosure for individuals with pedophilic interests. Furthermore, clarification of confidentiality limitations and mandated reporting requirements are recommended to encourage individuals with pedophilic disorders to seek treatment to assist them in meeting their basic psychological needs.

Authors

• Emily Gerber, Fairleigh Dickinson University

• Shilpa Roy, Fairleigh Dickinson University

• Melissa Slavin, Fairleigh Dickinson University

• Shane Kraus, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

• Lena M. Nagy, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University

• Monika Koós, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University

• Marc Potenza, Yale School of Medicine

• Zslot Demetrovics, University of Gibraltar

• Beáta Bothe, University of Montreal