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

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests the Help Wanted Prevention Intervention, an online program designed for men who are sexually attracted to children but have not committed any offenses. The program offers skills and resources to promote safety and improve well-being. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will immediately access the program, while the other will wait a month and receive alternative support (Waitlist Control). Eligible participants are adult men who identify with this attraction but have never acted on it. Participation remains completely anonymous, and feedback will help refine the program for future use. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of a potentially life-changing program.

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 prior data suggests that this program is safe for participants?

Research has shown that the Help Wanted Prevention Intervention safely supports individuals with a sexual attraction to children. This online course helps participants manage their feelings and prevent harmful actions, aiming to improve well-being and reduce stress related to these feelings.

Studies have found that the Help Wanted program uses positive messages and does not collect personal information, ensuring participants feel safe and secure. Reports have not indicated any negative effects from the program. The approach is supportive, focusing on increasing understanding and promoting healthy behavior. It includes stories from survivors and role models to encourage positive change and reduce shame.

Overall, the Help Wanted Prevention Intervention is well-received and follows best practices for prevention, making it a safe option for those seeking help. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Help Wanted Prevention Intervention because it offers a fresh approach to preventing child sexual abuse (CSA) by focusing on adults who self-identify as having inappropriate sexual attractions. Unlike traditional methods, which often involve direct therapy or legal interventions, this online self-help program empowers individuals to manage their thoughts and behaviors independently. Help Wanted stands out by providing a stigma-reducing curriculum that includes testimonials and positive role models, while maintaining user privacy by not collecting personal identifiers. This innovative, accessible, and confidential method aims to create a safer environment by encouraging safe disclosures and reducing psychosocial stressors.

What evidence suggests that the Help Wanted Prevention Intervention is effective for preventing child sexual abuse?

Research has shown that the Help Wanted Prevention Intervention, which participants in this trial may receive, is designed to help individuals attracted to children remain committed to child safety. Early results suggest that the program increases participants' understanding of child sexual abuse and challenges harmful beliefs. It also provides strategies to manage sexual thoughts and urges, promoting healthier sexuality. The program includes positive messages, stories from survivors, and role models to reduce stigma and boost self-esteem. These elements aim to improve overall well-being and encourage safer behaviors. Meanwhile, participants in the Waitlist Control group will not access the Help Wanted program for one month. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Elizabeth J Letourneau, PhD

Principal Investigator

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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).

No prior contact offense with a child

Never accessed the Help Wanted intervention.

Exclusion Criteria

I identify as a woman.

I am under 18 years old.

No sexual attraction to prepubescent or early pubescent children

Timeline for a Trial Participant

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

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

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+

Published Research Related to This Trial

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]

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 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]

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]

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]

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 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 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]

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]

Citations

1. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0145213420300715

Help wanted: Lessons on prevention from young adults ... Can pedophiles be reached for primary prevention of child sexual abuse? ... The course is developed at the Moore Center for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse ...

2. pure.johnshopkins.edu pure.johnshopkins.edu/en/publications/help-wanted-lessons-on-prevention-from-young-adults-with-a-sexual

Lessons on prevention from young adults with a sexual ... keywords = "Adolescent, Child sexual abuse, Pedophilia, Prevention, Young adult", ... We use cookies to help provide and enhance our service and tailor content.

3. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32081437/

Lessons on prevention from young adults with a sexual ... Help wanted: Lessons on prevention from young adults with a sexual ... Keywords: Adolescent; Child sexual abuse; Pedophilia; Prevention; Young adult.

4. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/339307551_Help_wanted_Lessons_on_prevention_from_young_adults_with_a_sexual_interest_in_prepubescent_children

Help wanted: Lessons on prevention from young adults ... Can pedophiles be reached for primary prevention of child sexual abuse? First results of the Berlin Prevention Project Dunkelfeld (PPD). Article. Dec 2009.

5. journals.sagepub.com journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/10790632231154882

Online Communities for Child-Attracted Persons as ... ”: Secondary Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse Via a Brief Training for Therapists About Pedophilia. Show details Hide details. Jill S ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10978615/

Web-Based Initiatives to Prevent Sexual Offense Perpetration HelpWanted [52] is a five-module online course for adolescents and young adults who are sexually attracted to younger children, aiming to ...

7. justice.gov justice.gov/psc/docs/natstrategyreport.pdf

The National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and ... ... child sexual abuse; (2) online enticement of children for sexual purposes; (3) commercial sexual exploitation of children, (4) child sex tourism; and (5).

8. tandfonline.com tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13552600.2021.2000651

Full article: Preventing child sexual abuse before it occurs We carried out a scoping review examining secondary prevention interventions for people at risk of sexual offending by considering their effectiveness, ...

9. ctf4kids.org ctf4kids.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CSAP-white-paper-final.pdf

Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Help wanted: Lessons on prevention from young adults with a sexual interest in prepubescent children. Child Abuse Negl. 2020;104416. 43. The Prevention Network.