# The Vulnerability Typology: Developing a Biopsychosocial-Sexual Understanding of Men With Sexual Interests in Children

## TL;DR

This study identifies different groups of men with sexual interests in children based on their biopsychosocial vulnerabilities to guide prevention efforts.

## Contribution

A new biopsychosocial-sexual typology for men with pedohebephilic interests is developed to inform targeted prevention strategies.

## Key findings

- Three distinct vulnerability profiles were identified among men with no criminal history.
- Moderate and High Vulnerability groups showed greater need for intervention compared to Low Vulnerability.
- The typology aligns with the Risk-Need-Responsivity Model for prevention planning.

## Abstract

The goal of the current study was to better understand biopsychosocial factors related to men with sexual interests in children (MSICs) who have no criminal history of sexual offending to clarify heterogeneity and potential targets for preventative intervention for persons who are at risk of sexual offending. Using online recruitment methods, self-report data on biopsychosocial-sexual factors was collected from community men reporting paraphilic and atypical sexual interests, including men with sexual interests in children (n = 609; Mage = 29.7 years) and a comparison group with other paraphilias (n = 224; Mage = 35.3 years). Data were used to develop a biopsychosocial-sexual typology of community men with pedohebephilic interests with no reported offence history. Latent cluster analysis identified three groups differentiated by relative endorsement of biopsychosocial vulnerability characteristics. Comparisons between profiles indicated a generally unimpaired profile (i.e., Low Vulnerability) relative to a group with intermediate vulnerabilities (i.e., Moderate Vulnerability) and a group with significant impairment across most assessed constructs (i.e., High Vulnerability). Results inform areas of need for secondary prevention among community MSICs with no historical justice system contact related to their sexual interests in children. Consistent with Risk-Need-Responsivity Model, this research suggests that intensity and dosage of preventative intervention for MSICs should match level of vulnerability.

Community MSICs with no criminal justice history constitute distinct, heterogeneous groups.Vulnerability Typology can differentiate MSIC profiles based on biopsychosocial-sexual factors.Low Vulnerability MSICs are low need, but Moderate and High Vulnerability MSICs have elevated need.Per Risk-Need-Responsivity, level of vulnerability may guide intensity of prevention intervention.

Community MSICs with no criminal justice history constitute distinct, heterogeneous groups.

Vulnerability Typology can differentiate MSIC profiles based on biopsychosocial-sexual factors.

Low Vulnerability MSICs are low need, but Moderate and High Vulnerability MSICs have elevated need.

Per Risk-Need-Responsivity, level of vulnerability may guide intensity of prevention intervention.