Sexual behaviors in children: Evaluation and management.

dc.contributor.authorKellogg, N. D.
dc.date.accessioned2015-03-05T16:03:13Z
dc.date.available2015-03-05T16:03:13Z
dc.date.issued2010
dc.description.abstractSexual behaviors in children are common, occurring in 42 to 73 percent of children by the time they reach 13 years of age. Developmentally appropriate behavior that is common and frequently observed in children includes trying to view another person's genitals or breasts, standing too close to other persons, and touching their own genitals. Sexual behaviors become less common, less frequent, or more covert after five years of age. Sexual behavior problems are defined as developmentally inappropriate or intrusive sexual acts that typically involve coercion or distress. Such behaviors should be evaluated within the context of other emotional and behavior disorders, socialization difficulties, and family dysfunction, including violence, abuse, and neglect. Although many children with sexual behavior problems have a history of sexual abuse, most children who have been sexually abused do not develop sexual behavior problems. Children who have been sexually abused at a younger age, who have been abused by a family member, or whose abuse involved penetration are at greater risk of developing sexual behavior problems. Although age-appropriate behaviors are managed primarily through reassurance and education of the parent about appropriate behavior redirection, sexual behavior problems often require further assessment and may necessitate a referral to child protective services for suspected abuse or neglect. (Author Abstract)en_US
dc.identifier.citationKellogg, N. D. (2010). Sexual behaviors in children: Evaluation and management. American Family Physician, 82(10), 1233-1238.en_US
dc.identifier.urihttp://www.aafp.org/afp/2010/1115/p1233.pdf
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/11212/2199
dc.language.isoen_USen_US
dc.publisherAmerican Family Physicianen_US
dc.subjectchild sexual abuseen_US
dc.subjectchild developmenten_US
dc.subjectindicationsen_US
dc.subjecttherapyen_US
dc.subjectclinical guidelinesen_US
dc.titleSexual behaviors in children: Evaluation and management.en_US
dc.typeArticleen_US

Files