Developmental trajectories associated with juvenile sexually abusive behaviour and emerging severe personality disorder in childhood: 3-year study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the developmental trajectories of juveniles presenting with sexually abusive behaviour or emerging severe personality disorder traits. AIMS: To investigate whether ;age at onset' of sexually abusive behaviour and whether emerging severe personality disorder traits are associated with specific developmental profiles. METHOD: A retrospective file review of 280 juveniles presenting with sexually abusive behaviour was conducted and follow-up Offenders Index data were analysed. RESULTS: Juveniles with early onset (<11 years) of sexually abusive behaviour had higher levels of psychosocial adversity and early childhood antisocial behaviour compared withthose with late onset. Emerging severe personality disorder traits were associated with higher levels of psychosocial adversity, antisocial behaviour, convictions and predatory sexually abusive behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary evidence supports the existence of distinct developmental trajectories within this population and points to a key role for traits of emerging severe personality disorder.