Herausforderungen und Bewältigungsstrategien von Menschen mit pädophiler Ausrichtung – Eine qualitative Studie
DOI: 10.61387/sexuologie.2025.12.5
Autoren
Christina Urmetzer, Thorsten Bührmann, Urszula Martyniuk
Abstract
Pedophilia describes the sexual arousal of adults by the prepubertal child’s body. According to estimates, around 1–5% of the male population are pedophilic. Those affected experience social rejection in society because pedophilia is often equated with child sexual abuse. This makes their pedophilic penchant, which can never be lived out without crossing boundaries, a major challenge for those affected. The aim of the study is to investigate the challenges faced by people with a pedophilic penchant and the coping strategies they use to deal with it. In order to answer the research question, 265 posts from 54 users of the online self-help forum Gemeinsam statt allein (Together instead of alone) of the Schicksal und Herausforderungen e.V. were analyzed using the content-structuring qualitative content analysis according to Kuckartz (2016). The analysis showed that pedophilic people experience challenges regarding stigmatization, acceptance of their orientation, coming out, dealing with unfulfillable sexual and romantic needs, shaping their lives and psychological problems. As a result, a variety of emotion- and problem-oriented coping strategies are employed. Overall, the users pursue more approach goals than avoidance goals. The results of the study show the need of support of pedophilic people. Since the desire to come out and the fear of negative consequences are in conflict, those affected can be prepared for a possible outing in front of trusted people and supported in its implementation. In addition, the effects of alternative satisfaction strategies need to be explored. Furthermore, destigmatizing work is of importance.
Keywords
Pedophilia, Stigmatization, Coping strategies, Self-help, Qualitative study
Metadaten
Veröffentlicht in: Sexuologie. Zeitschrift für Sexualmedizin, Sexualtherapie und Sexualwissenschaft. Band 32 • Jahr 2025 • Heft 1-2, Seiten 31–42