title: Persistence of problematic sexual behaviors in children.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to identify personal and family predictors and correlates of persistence of problematic sexual behaviors (PSB) in children. Participants were the families of 49 children (ages 4-11 years) referred by Child Protective Services in 4 administrative districts of Quebec. Caregivers completed interviews and questionnaires twice at a 1-year interval. Results showed that 43% of children persisted with PSB. When age was controlled, greater exposure to sexualized behaviors in the family proved both a correlate and a predictor of PSB persistence in children 12 months later. Externalizing problems and somatic complaints emerged as correlates of PSB as well. Maltreatment subtypes did not predict PSB persistence.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada. mirelevesque@gmail.com
authors.forename: Mireille
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lévesque
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bigras
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pauzé
mesh_terms: D017028:Caregivers; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D002669:Child Welfare; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011792:Quebec; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires