Links Between Juvenile Sexually Abusive Behaviour and Emerging Severe Personality Disorder Traits in Childhood

Abstract

Young people presenting with sexually abusive behaviour (SAB) -juvenile sexual abusers (JSAs) -are responsible for a significant minority of sexual offences against children and adults (Home Office, 2003). A detailed study of 280 JSAs referred to a specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service was conducted in order to provide a detailed description of this population. Data were obtained from a retrospective file review, and the Offenders Index. Two theoretical questions were addressed.Firstly, whether the age of onset of SAB could distinguish distinct subgroups of JSAs. Such categories have proved clinically relevant for generally anti-social juveniles (Moffitt, 1993). Early Onset (n=93) and Late Onset (n=120) groups were identified depending on whether SAB began before or after the age of 11. The results indicated that the Early Onset group were more likely to experience: inadequate family sexual boundaries; multiple forms of abuse; poorer parenting; and insecure attachment. The Late Onset group tended to misuse substances, sexually abuse specific groups, and were more likely to use verbal coercion.Secondly, whether a distinct subgroup of juvenile sexual abusers could be identified on the basis of emerging severe personality disorder (ESPD) traits. An ESPD group (n=54) presenting with marked conduct disorder and psychopathic personality disorder traits was compared with a non-ESPD group of JSAs (n=149). The results indicated that the ESPD group was more likely to have: an early difficult temperament; more insecure attachment; inconsistent parenting; placement disruption; and parents with mental health problems. Their SAB was more predatory and premeditated. Notably, their 'lifetime' conviction rate for all offences was 67 per cent compared to 37 per cent in the non-ESPD group.Clinical, policy and research implications are discussed. The need for JSA specialist services, integrated governmental approaches, and research on treatment efficacy, and ESPD traits in childhood are highlighted.

Comparing the developmental and behavioural characteristics of female and male juveniles who present with sexually abusive behaviour

“…It is relatively recently that western societies have acknowledged that children and adolescents are capable of perpetrating sexually abusive behaviour (SAB) (Hickey, Vizard, French & McCrory, 2006;Veneziano & Veneziano, 2002). Juveniles who display such behaviour have been the subject of considerably less empirical investigation than adults who sexually abuse.…”

A collaborative approach to meeting the needs of adolescent offenders with complex needs in custodial settings: An 18-month cohort study

“…A small but significant number of young people who went through the unit at this time were unable to benefit from the regime. Some of these young people may have been on the trajectory for a future diagnosis of emergent personality disorder (Hickey et al, 2006). In the past, such young people would have been managed as 'discipline problems' and had little input from the mental health team.…”

Description of a UK study of onset of sexually harmful behaviour before the age of ten years in boys referred to a specialist assessment and treatment service

“…This may mean that conclusions derived from the study may not necessarily be representative of the general population of children who cause sexual harm to other children. A later study of the wider NCATS' client group revealed links between juvenile onset of harmful sexual behaviour and emergent personality disorder (Hickey et al ., 2006).…”