Some features of Australian exhibitionists compared with pedophiles

Abstract

In an attempt to extend the findings of previous research and to investigate the hypothesis of a link between exhibitionism and pedophilia, samples of Australian offenders undergoing presentence psychiatric assessment were compared on a number of variables. The data suggested that the exhibitionists and pedophiles in the sample represented different populations: the exhibitionists were younger, tended to come from more stable and harmonious families, and had superior school and work records. The common assumption of disinhibition as a feature of exhibitionism was questioned on the basis of the finding that almost no exhibitionists were intoxicated at the time of their offense.

More Than a Nuisance

“…Despite their targeting of young females, there is little evidence to suggest that the sexual interests of those who commit these offenses are pedophilic in nature (Myers & Berah, 1983). It may be that girls and young women are targeted because they react differently to these behaviors.…”