Toward a holistic approach to treatment and support for people with attractions to children

Lievesley, R ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4957-258X, Harper, CA ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3172-0129 and Woodward, E, 2025. Toward a holistic approach to treatment and support for people with attractions to children. Current Sexual Health Reports. ISSN 1548-3584 (Forthcoming)

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Abstract

Purpose of Review: This review explores the treatment needs of people with attractions to children and emphasizes the importance of adopting a more holistic approach to therapeutic support. We also explore the influence of attitudes, clinicians’ willingness to provide treatment, and the alignment of goals between professionals and service users.

Recent Findings: Existing research highlights barriers to prevention-focused approaches, with help-seeking individuals being met with limited service options. A lack of alignment between available interventions and the targets of service users can contribute to feelings of isolation and heightened vulnerability. Evidence supports the need for a broader focus on treatment goals, such as improving psychological wellbeing, developing healthy coping strategies, and reducing internalized stigma. Research on holistic and innovative service approaches remains limited, and professional willingness to treat this population varies widely.

Summary: Although specific child protection frameworks are important, a purely prevention-focused approach to treatment can reinforce stigma and limits the development of services that prioritize therapeutic engagement and alignment with service user needs. More research is needed to explore holistic treatment models and enhance professional engagement with these to expand our understanding of how to align prevention and broader treatment goals.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	Current Sexual Health Reports
Creators:	Lievesley, R., Harper, C.A. and Woodward, E.
Publisher:	Springer (part of Springer Nature)
Date:	21 February 2025
ISSN:	1548-3584
Identifiers:	Number Type 2384070 Other
Divisions:	Schools > School of Social Sciences
Record created by:	Laura Borcherds
Date Added:	24 Feb 2025 10:57
Last Modified:	24 Feb 2025 10:57
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/53119

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