NORMATIVE SEXUAL-BEHAVIOR IN CHILDREN - A CONTEMPORARY SAMPLE

Objective. Sexual behavior in children can cause uncertainty in the cl inician because of the relationship between sexual abuse and sexual be havior. Consequently, it is important to understand normative childhoo d sexual behavior. Design. Sexual behavior in 1114 2- to 12-year-old c hildren was rated by primary female caregivers. These children were sc reened for the absence of sexual abuse. A 38-item scale assessing a br oad range of sexual behavior (Child Sexual Behavior Inventory, Third V ersion) was administered along with the Child Behavior Checklist and a questionnaire assessing family stress, family sexuality, social matur ity of the child, maternal attitudes regarding child sexuality, and ho urs in day care. Results. Sexual behavior was related to the child's a ge, maternal education, family sexuality, family stress, family violen ce, and hours/week in day care. Frequencies of sexual behaviors for 2- to 5-, 6- to 9-, and 10- to 12-year-old boys and girls are presented. Conclusions. A broad range of sexual behaviors are exhibited by child ren who there is no reason to believe have been sexually abused. Their relative frequency is similar to two earlier studies, and this reinfo rces the validity of these results.