THE PSYCHOLOGICAL LIFE OF PEDOPHILES - A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY

Quantitative research on paedophiles does not capture the psychologica l meaning of child sexual molestation for the perpetrators. This quali tative study attempted to address this aspect by exploring the subject ive meaning of paedophilic experience for identified child molesters. Data derived from transcribed open-ended interviews with six identifie d paedophiles were analysed using an empirical phenomenological method ology. The results challenge traditional stereotypes of child molester s, and show this sample of paedophilic behaviour to originate from a r ange of non-sexual motives primarily related to unmet childhood needs for parental affection and affirmation. In this group, pervasive paedo phile-to-be renouncing the dangerous world of adult sexuality, and tur ing to children as substitute sources of emotional and physical intima cy. The paedophile misinterprets children's emotional responsiveness a s erotic interest, and takes great risks in his compulsive sexual purs uit of children. The child's gender is unimportant as the paedophile i s driven primarily by the need for affirmation and affection. Although he avoids physically hurting his victims, the paedophile is unable to acknowledge that they might be psychologically harmed by his actions.