Experiences of individuals who engage in harmful sexual behaviour as children

Introduction: Research suggests that the life changes experienced by children who engage in HSB and the manner in which they respond to these life changes may be vitally important to their long-term wellbeing and successful rehabilitation. However, there is a shortage of research exploring the lived experiences of children who sexually abuse in the aftermath of their abuse, despite this group accounting for a substantial proportion of child sexual abuse. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of individuals who had engaged in harmful sexual behaviour as children in the aftermath of their abuse. Method: This study implanted a qualitative research design using semi-structured interviews. Nine male individuals who had engaged in harmful sexual behaviour as children were interviewed to explore their experiences following the disclosure of their harmful sexual behaviour. Data from these interviews were transcribed and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Findings: Two superordinate themes emerged from the data. Impact captures the impact of the participants’ HSB on various facets of their life, including relationships with others, their emotional wellbeing, their autonomy and independence, their self-concept and self-esteem, and their ability to engage in meaningful life activities. Response captures the responses of the participants following the impact of their HSB on their lives and relationships. A dynamic schematic representation of the superordinate themes is provided, which illustrates the manner in which these themes interact with each other through processes of adaptive and maladaptive coping responses. Discussion: This study allowed for a unique insight into the experiences of individuals who engaged in harmful sexual behaviour as children. The findings of this study are discussed in relation to previous literature. Strengths and limitations of the study are considered, along with implications for clinical practice, policy, and future research.