Psychological profile of the pedophile: 8 traits in common

It is not uncommon for news to be published in the media from time to time regarding cases in which one or more more adults have been arrested for pedophilia or aspects related to the practice of activities of a sexual nature with minors.

It is a phenomenon that is not so isolated: It is estimated that between 10 and 25% of the adult population has suffered at some point in their childhood has suffered throughout their childhood some type of sexual abuse (one in four girls and one in eight boys).

That is why from psychology, the criminology and other disciplines, the characteristics of those who carry out such abuse have been analyzed: the pedophiles. Although due to the high variability in the cases there are a large number to take into account, a series of characteristics and elements that have been frequently found when establishing a psychological profile of the pederast.

• Related article: "Differences between pedophilia and pedophilia"

Pedophilia: defining the concept

Pedophilia is considered to be that situation in which a minor is sexually abused by an adult

. This includes all types of conduct or behavior in which the minor is used as a sexual object, taking advantage of the difference in maturity, age or power between the minor and the other subject.

In general, these subjects tend to have preserved mental capacities, being able to discern at a cognitive level between what is right and what is not. That is why they are considered fully aware and responsible for their actions, and therefore imputable.

Pedophile typologies

Attempts to classify behavior and establish a basic profile of the pedophile and pedophile have led to the development of some typologies in this regard. Specifically, the presence of two basic types has been reflected.

1. Situational or incidental child molester

This type of sexual abuser does not have a sexuality restricted to minors, frequently having a partner with whom they can establish relationships normally. This type of individual does not have a specific preference for a type of victim, but instead takes advantage of opportunities to commit abuse.

It is not uncommon for child molesters of this type to have also been abused as children. This is the most frequent type of pedophile and the one that most tends to attack members of the same family.

2. preferential pedophile

These types of pedophiles usually have a greater number of victims. They establish a series of characteristics that attract them more than others, and they tend to have a life more linked to the search for their object of desire..

They do not usually have a partner or, if they do, they use it as a cover, and in general they tend to dedicate themselves to or locate themselves near places with access to minors. They tend to have more compulsive behavior than situational ones.

Aspects in common between this type of subjects

Although the circumstances surrounding each case are particular and not all the characteristics are applicable In all situations, there is a series of elements that tend to be common to the different types of pedophiles.

1. Sex and age

Generally, the typical profile of a pedophile is that of a middle-aged or elderly pedophile subject.. They are usually men between thirty and fifty years of age, although in many cases the criminal behavior appears from adolescence.

Despite the fact that most of them are men, there is a certain percentage of cases that varies between 10 and 25% in which the abusers are women. For the most part, male perpetrators tend to assault victims between the ages of eight and thirteen. In the case of sexual assaults carried out by women, it has been especially detected that the victims tend to be either under five years of age or adolescents.

2. Personality characteristics

As in the case of rapists, as a general rule, pedophiles do not tend to exhibit strange behavior. His behavior is typical and usual in most areas of life.

However, it is possible to observe, especially in those preferential type pedophiles, the existence of some relatively consistent personality patterns.

In general, highlights the presence of very low self-esteem and low stress tolerance. In many cases, the behavior is carried out impulsively, as a way to get rid of psychosocial stress. Besides, many also present feelings of inferiority, difficulties in their interpersonal relationships (although it is not something defining), and a certain level of immaturity. They tend to be reserved and withdrawn.

3. Lack of empathy

Although it could be included in the previous section, this characteristic deserves a special mention, and it is that as a general rule, pedophiles have a considerable lack of empathy, in the sense that they are not able to connect with the suffering that their actions generate in the minor who is attacked or they voluntarily choose to ignore this fact.

However, this lack of empathy is usually expressed only in some cases, not in all types of social relationships that they maintain. Somehow, they stop empathizing with certain people at convenience, depending on their purposes and motivations.

4. They are usually linked or related to the victims

In the vast majority of cases, the abuser and abused maintain some kind of relationship, generally family, work or neighborhood, being infrequent that the act of pedophilia is carried out by a stranger.

This is so because it allows the creation of some type of agreement that commits both parties and that provides certain security, a protection thanks to which it will be more difficult for alarms to go off and for the authorities to find out what is happening.

5. They seek contact with minors

Linked to the previous point, as a general rule, pedophiles and pedophiles tend to seek frequent contact with their object of desire, minors. That is why in many cases they are linked to the world of education or seek residence in places with easy access to minors.

In fact, child molesters are often capable of spending months or even years of almost daily contact with children before committing a crime. They create an alibi in the eyes of acquaintances and neighbors so that at first it does not seem strange that they are surrounded by minors, and during this stage they minimize the risk of being detected. Thanks to this strategy, they are gaining more and more opportunities to be alone with the little ones, since they have the trust of third parties, and they take advantage of it.

6. Previous traumatic experiences

Although it is not a defining fact of pedophilia It is not infrequent that those subjects who carry out behaviors of this type have in turn been mistreated and abused in childhood. This can cause a learning of the stimulating situation in which the child ends up associating sexuality with an abusive situation, replicating the same situation in adulthood.

7. They don't use violence

Although in some cases there have been sadistic and cruel elements in the practice of their sexual activities, usually the result of previous traumatic experiences or the product of other mental disordersAs a general rule, pedophiles do not use violence.

Its modus operandi is usually based on approaching and establishing a relationship of trust with the minor victim of abuse., which is especially evident when we take into account that the vast majority of known cases have occurred between individuals who already knew each other beforehand. They gain access to minors through their work, blood ties or through networks (a phenomenon known as grooming), pretending to understand the vital circumstances of the minor and arousing in them curiosity and affection, trying to get closer little by little.

In fact, in many cases the victims themselves do not initially experience the abuse as such, being manipulated way that they come to think that it is some kind of game or a way of relating to that adult in question.

8. They tend to justify themselves

Although in many cases the arrested pedophiles have expressed a certain relief at being arrested, especially those cases in which they present a feeling of guilt, As a general rule, pedophiles tend to minimize the importance of the act or the damage caused to the victim.

They frequently indicate that the relationship is not harmful to the minor, is accepted and/or desired by the minor or that there is an affective bond that legitimizes the act, and there is no remorse for the abuse task.