Children Who Molest Other Children: The School Psychologist's Response to the Sexually Aggressive Child

Abstract

The number of children identified as molesters of other children is increasing in school settings. In order to respond appropriately, school psychologists must have an understanding of the phenomenon of sexually aggressive behavior in children. This manuscript reviews relevant information from both child sexual abuse victim and perpetrator literature. A continuum of sexual behavior is presented to assist in accurate identification of children who molest. Etiologic/clinically descriptive factors that may contribute to, or be associated with, the development of these problem sexual behaviors are examined. Finally, specific roles for school psychologists in responding to sexually aggressive children are delineated.