Social Skills Therapy for Paraphilic Disorders
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
A challenge to Canadian society is the establishment of effective evidence-based interventions to prevent non-consensual sex acts. The Sexual Behaviours Clinic (SBC), located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, is an innovative and effective program devoted to the management of adults with persistent problematic sexual interests and behaviours (paraphilias). The primary aim of this project is to test the hypothesis that the SBC's success is due in part to its focus on consent and the enhancement of lawful and fulfilling social relationships (social skills). The study participants will include 60 voluntary male participants who have undergone an intake assessment with the SBC and show signs of paraphilic interests in children (based on the standard SBC intake questionnaire) who will be randomized into a social skills group or a control group focused on adult interests. Participants will attend these groups weekly for 3-months (12-weeks). Outcome measures will include pre-and-post social skills, sexual consent, sexual fantasy, and sexual urges surveys, pre-and-post phallometric testing (to test for objective sexual arousal), qualitative interviews of the study participants, their friends, and family members, and records of recidivism (self-report). Groups will be inclusive of individuals from varying ethnicities, backgrounds, sexual orientations, and intellectual and developmental levels.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What data supports the effectiveness of social skills therapy for paraphilic disorders?
Social skills therapy, as part of cognitive-behavioral therapy, is considered effective for paraphilic disorders by helping individuals improve communication and relationship skills, which are often areas of difficulty. This approach is similar to treatments used for other conditions, focusing on enhancing appropriate social interactions and reducing problematic behaviors.12345
Is social skills therapy for paraphilic disorders safe for humans?
Social skills therapy, often part of cognitive-behavioral therapy, is generally considered safe for humans and is used to improve communication and relationship skills. It is a non-invasive treatment that focuses on enhancing appropriate social interactions and reducing inappropriate behaviors.12467
How does social skills therapy for paraphilic disorders differ from other treatments?
Social skills therapy for paraphilic disorders is unique because it focuses on improving interpersonal and communication skills, which are often deficient in individuals with these disorders. Unlike other treatments that may focus solely on controlling sexual urges or using medication, this therapy aims to build healthier relationships and coping mechanisms by addressing social skill deficits and enhancing self-esteem and intimacy.12478
Research Team
Dave Holmes, PhD
Principal Investigator
The Royal Ottawa Health Care Group (ROHCG)
Emily Tippins, MSc
Principal Investigator
The Royal Ottawa Health Care Group (ROHCG)
John Bradford, MD
Principal Investigator
The Royal Ottawa Health Care Group (ROHCG)
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adult males who have been assessed for sexual interest in children and understand English. It aims to help those with paraphilic disorders by enhancing social skills to prevent non-consensual acts.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants are randomized into a social skills group or a control group and attend weekly sessions for 3 months
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in social skills, sexual consent, and sexual interests post-treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Group psychotherapy
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre
Lead Sponsor