There is not a single risk factor that is strong enough to cause a young person to have sexualized behaviors (PSB) with another child. Usually, there are at least 6 or 7 factors involved. To get a full assessment of a child’s overall functioning, I would recommend meeting with a Psychologist who specializes in this area. The most helpful way to use this list is to identify areas of concern to prevent inappropriate behaviors in the future. If you have questions, or want more information, please contact me at Woodhaven Counseling Associates in Omaha, NE or soverby@woodhavencounseling.com
KEY AREAS OF CONCERN
per Wm. Freidrich Ph.D. Book: Children with Sexual Behavior Problems; Family Based Attachment-Focused Therapy
Exposure to domestic violence or aggressiveness between parents or other adults in home
Youth exposed to elicit sexual activity or images or information (pornography)
Modeling of Coercion by adults: authoritarian parenting style, spanking, physical aggression, verbal threats
Parental Stress and adversity: divorce, death, legal problems, job loss, drug/alcohol use, depression
Overly permissive sexual attitudes in home
Youth has poor social skills
Youth has poor coping skills
Nudity or lack of modesty in home
Youth has seen a lot of violence in peers and /or community
Poor supervision when youth is with other kids
Youth has poor impulse control; acts w/out thinking
Developmental delays compared to other children
Lack of guidance, child is left on their own too much
Physical abuse or physical harm to the youth
Sexual abuse history; hands off or hands on offenses
FAMILY FACTORS
Emotional abuse of children in family: ignored, bullied, threatened, verbal abuse
Overly permissive parenting in general
Repressive or punitive sexual attitudes in family
Not providing any explanation for age appropriate sexuality
Chaotic home life; no schedule, rules change often
Poor family boundaries; too tight or too loose
Parents not responsible for family’s wellbeing
Poor family communication
General family dynamics are extreme
Low income or poverty; lack of shelter or food
Intense rivalry between siblings, sometimes unknowingly fostered by parents
Adults confused about own sexuality or victims of childhood sexual abuse
Children rely on each other to be soothed, rather than adults
Parents have had extra marital affairs
Children disliked or treated differently by parents for reasons not related to the child
Caregivers unaware of current trends of sexuality on internet/social media
SOCIAL FACTORS
Social alienation and isolation
Bullied by peers, feels inferior in peer group
Lack of same age peer friendships
Aggressive or threatening to others
Coercion from peers re: sexuality
Uses sexuality to form friendships
Uses sexuality to “look cool” with peers
INDIVIDUAL FACTORS
Alcohol or drug or pill abuse by the youth
Uses sexuality to feel strong or powerful
Uses sexuality to feel affection & love
Uses sexuality to meet other emotional needs
Unable to manage sexual arousal appropriately
Inability to delay gratification
Overwhelmed by depression or anxiety
Extreme mood swings or emotional meltdowns
Can’t think of non-sexual solutions to problems
Breaking rules at home, school or community
Has excuses for any wrong behavior
Feels so special that he/she doesn’t have to follow the same rules as everyone else
Inability to think for self or make own decisions
Low self esteem, feels unworthy of a happy life
Sexual interest in young children
Is generally coercive in relationships with others
Criminal history of other types of offenses
Poor grades in school, lack of interest in school
Preoccupied with sex and sexuality
DEVELOPMENTAL FACTORS
Unable to understand information during sex education from school or parents
Emotionally immature
Too young to understand sexuality
Undeveloped conscience or morals
Pre-mature puberty, biological and growth factors
SITUATIONAL FACTORS
Presence of vulnerable people that could be harmed or tricked into keeping secrets
Normal sexual outlets for age are limited or not allowed
Has powerful or controlling role with possible victim (ex: babysitter, older sibling)
Too much time with TV and video games
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
No monitoring of internet use by caregivers (software filters don’t count)
Crowded living conditions (no private bedrooms)
Youth has chronic stressors in personal life
Child observed adult sexual behavior without explanation or ability to understand
Exposed to traumatic or scary events