Prevention Program for Pedophilia

Overseen By Amanda E Ruzicka, MA

Age: 18+

Sex: Male

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Disqualifiers: Women, Under 18, No attraction, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 5 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

310 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This project aims to evaluate the Help Wanted Prevention Intervention, an online program to provide people with a sexual attraction to children the skills and resources to support their commitment to keep children safe and to improve the participants well-being. In phase one, ten men with a sexual attraction to children who have never had a contact offense with a child will be asked to go through an abbreviated version of the participant procedures that will be used in study phase two (described next). Specifically, the ten participants will complete one of the online surveys, review the Help Wanted program, and participate in a 30-60 minute anonymous audio call with a member of the study team to provide feedback on the study procedures and materials (e.g., consent form, recruitment form). Feedback from phase one will inform changes to study procedures for phase two. Phase two consists of a large-scale evaluation of the Help Wanted program. Three hundred men with a sexual attraction to children who have never had a contact offense with a child or accessed the Help Wanted Program will be randomly selected to be part of one of two groups: the program group (N = 200) or the control group (N = 100). Both groups will be asked to complete an online survey before reviewing the Help Wanted Program, provide feedback on the program over a one-month period, and complete another online survey immediately after reviewing the program and three months after reviewing the program. Participants in the control group will have a one month waiting period after the first online survey, during which the participants will receive alternative resources and supports for mental health and sexual attraction to children. After the one month waiting period, participants in the control group will complete one additional online survey before reviewing the Help Wanted program and completing the two final online surveys (one immediately after reviewing the program, one three months after reviewing the program). Survey questions will ask about participants thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, including questions about the participants overall well-being and sexual attraction to children. All study materials and resources are in English. Resources provided to participants are also in English, but provide services in over 30 countries to include participants who may reside in countries outside of the United States. Participation is anonymous and all data will be kept confidential.

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 the Help Wanted Prevention Intervention and related treatments for preventing pedophilia?

Research suggests that group counseling and behavior therapy can help individuals with pedophilic interests by reducing problematic sexual arousal and improving social skills. These treatments focus on managing emotional and social challenges, which may help prevent harmful behaviors. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How is the Help Wanted Prevention Intervention treatment different from other treatments for pedophilia?

The Help Wanted Prevention Intervention is unique because it is an online course designed to prevent child sexual abuse by providing self-management training to individuals with pedophilic interests, focusing on prevention rather than punishment or containment, which is common in other approaches. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Research Team

Elizabeth J Letourneau, PhD

Principal Investigator

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for men with a sexual attraction to children who have never committed a contact offense. They must be willing to engage with an online program and provide feedback. The study seeks participants comfortable with English, as the materials are in English but services are offered internationally.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a man (cisgender or transgender).

Self-identified sexual attraction to prepubescent or early pubescent children

No prior contact offense with a child

Exclusion Criteria

I identify as a woman.

No sexual attraction to prepubescent or early pubescent children

Any prior contact offense with a child

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

1 audio call (virtual)

Phase One - Beta Testing

Participants complete an online survey, review the Help Wanted program, and provide feedback via an anonymous audio call.

2-4 weeks

1 audio call (virtual), online activities

Phase Two - Randomized Controlled Trial

Participants are randomly assigned to either the Help Wanted intervention or a waitlist control group, complete surveys, and review the program.

4 months

Online activities

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in behavior and psychosocial stressors after the intervention.

3 months

Online surveys

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Help Wanted Prevention Intervention
• Waitlist Control

Trial Overview The 'Help Wanted Prevention Intervention' is being tested against a waitlist control group. Participants will complete surveys and review the program, providing feedback over time to evaluate its effectiveness in supporting their commitment to not harm children.

Participant Groups

Group I: Waitlist Control Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants randomized to the Waitlist Control group will be barred from accessing the Help Wanted program for a period of one month.

Group II: Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will be randomly assigned 2:1 to Experimental or Waitlist Control conditions. Experimental group will immediately access "Help Wanted", a secondary prevention program for adults who self-identify as having sexual attraction to children. Help Wanted is an online self-help curriculum to prevent Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) and reduce the psychosocial stressors of help-seekers. Content is designed to increase knowledge about CSA, counter distorted attitudes and cognitions, cope with sexual thoughts and urges about children, support development of a healthy sexuality, counter stigma and shame, build a positive self-image, and encourage safe disclosure practices. Harm and risks are clearly identified within an overall positive messaging framework. Help Wanted incorporates testimonials from survivors and from positive role models, avoids the collection of personal identifiers or reportable information, and adheres to other best practices of prevention programming.

Help Wanted Prevention Intervention is already approved in United States, Canada, United Kingdom for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Help Wanted Prevention Intervention for:

• Prevention of child sexual abuse
• Support for individuals with sexual attraction to children

Approved in Canada as Help Wanted Prevention Intervention for:

• Prevention of child sexual abuse
• Support for individuals with sexual attraction to children

Approved in United Kingdom as Help Wanted Prevention Intervention for:

• Prevention of child sexual abuse
• Support for individuals with sexual attraction to children

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Lead Sponsor

Trials

441

Recruited

2,157,000+

Barry University

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

310+

University of Massachusetts, Lowell

Collaborator

Trials

21

Recruited

10,300+

Findings from Research

The stigma surrounding pedophilic interests can hinder individuals from seeking help, which is crucial for managing these interests and preventing potential offenses.

The article suggests that the U.S. should consider adopting more effective treatment and prevention strategies used in countries like Germany, Belgium, and Canada, focusing on outreach, education, and ethical psychological interventions to better address the needs of individuals with pedophilic interests.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adults with Pedophilic Interests in the United States: Current Practices and Suggestions for Future Policy and Research. Lasher, MP., Stinson, JD.[2018]

A six-week structured treatment program for five men with pedophilic tendencies was conducted in a non-residential setting, combining individual psychotherapy and group counseling to address common issues related to man-boy relationships.

The program emphasizes that while the attraction to boys does not need to be changed, it can lead to psychological and social challenges that can be managed through a supportive community of peers.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A model for group counseling with male pedophiles. van Zessen, G.[2004]

Behavior therapy has been effective in treating neurotic patients, and it is increasingly being tailored to individual needs, especially for those with paraphilias, which often require personalized treatment plans.

While initial results of behavior therapy for paraphilias appear positive, there is a critical need for more research to evaluate long-term therapy outcomes and effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Behavior therapy in sex deviations--an orienting overview]. Kockott, G.[2019]

The treatment program for pedophiles assesses progress through four key parameters, including reduced sexual arousal to child stimuli and improved adult relationships, which are monitored using both objective measures and rating scales.

Current methods for predicting the risk of future offenses are still limited, relying on theoretical and subjective measures rather than definitive statistical analysis of recidivism.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Predicting the effectiveness of treatment for pedophilia. Rowan, EL.[2015]

A pilot study involving 15 pedophile sexual abusers revealed that both the desire for acceptance and the need for a stable environment are crucial factors influencing their commitment to therapy.

The study identified that confrontations with therapists and feelings of guilt related to their actions significantly impact whether these individuals choose to stay in or leave treatment, highlighting the importance of addressing these emotional components in therapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A plan analysis of pedophile sexual abusers' motivations for treatment: a qualitative pilot study. Drapeau, M., Körner, A., Granger, L., et al.[2018]

The Troubled Desire app has been utilized by 4,161 users over 30 months, primarily from Germany and the United States, providing self-assessments for individuals with sexual interests in children.

Approximately 78.9% of users reported sexual interest in children, with many experiencing distress and a higher prevalence of child sexual offenses, indicating the app's potential role in addressing and preventing such behaviors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Characteristics of the Users of Troubled Desire, a Web-Based Self-management App for Individuals With Sexual Interest in Children: Descriptive Analysis of Self-assessment Data. Schuler, M., Gieseler, H., Schweder, KW., et al.[2021]

The Global Prevention Project introduces a new strategy aimed at preventing child sexual abuse by providing supportive treatment for nonoffending minor-attracted persons, focusing on community-based interventions.

The paper outlines a framework for implementing this program in the U.S., addressing challenges and legal implications, which emphasizes the importance of targeting prevention efforts towards individuals who have not committed offenses.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Can Nonoffending Pedophiles Be Reached for the Primary Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse by Addressing Nonoffending Individuals Who Are Attracted to Minors in the United States? New Strategies With The Global Prevention Project. Tenbergen, G., Martinez-Dettamanti, M., Christiansen, C.[2023]

A Vermont social marketing campaign successfully encouraged 50 sexual offenders to seek treatment voluntarily, highlighting a proactive approach to preventing sexual abuse by addressing the needs of offenders.

Despite the potential for treatment to reduce recidivism, the number of treatment programs for adolescent sexual offenders has significantly declined, indicating a critical gap in resources and the need for further research on effective interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Current concepts in preventing sexual abuse. Paradise, JE.[2019]

Secondary prevention programs aimed at individuals with pedophilia are essential for ethically addressing and reducing the risk of child sexual abuse, as they target those at risk of offending before any abuse occurs.

The review highlights the importance of understanding risk factors for reoffending and suggests that these programs can help mitigate the emotional, psychological, and societal impacts of child sexual abuse.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Bioethical Issues and Secondary Prevention for Nonoffending Individuals with Pedophilia. Heasman, A., Foreman, T.[2020]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adults with Pedophilic Interests in the United States: Current Practices and Suggestions for Future Policy and Research. [2018]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A model for group counseling with male pedophiles. [2004]

3. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Behavior therapy in sex deviations--an orienting overview]. [2019]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Predicting the effectiveness of treatment for pedophilia. [2015]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A plan analysis of pedophile sexual abusers' motivations for treatment: a qualitative pilot study. [2018]

6. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Characteristics of the Users of Troubled Desire, a Web-Based Self-management App for Individuals With Sexual Interest in Children: Descriptive Analysis of Self-assessment Data. [2021]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Can Nonoffending Pedophiles Be Reached for the Primary Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse by Addressing Nonoffending Individuals Who Are Attracted to Minors in the United States? New Strategies With The Global Prevention Project. [2023]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Current concepts in preventing sexual abuse. [2019]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Bioethical Issues and Secondary Prevention for Nonoffending Individuals with Pedophilia. [2020]