Behavioral sciences
Developmental and Psychological Profiles, Risk Assessment, and Recidivism in Online Versus Contact Child Sexual Offending: A Systematic Review
By D'Urso G and Giuliani A.
Abstract
Background
Online child sexual offending, particularly offences involving child sexual abuse material (CSAM), represents a growing area of concern. However, uncertainty remains regarding whether individuals who engage in online offences differ meaningfully from those who commit contact child sexual abuse (CSA) in their developmental histories, psychological characteristics, risk profiles, and treatment needs.
Methods
A systematic search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies examining developmental, psychological, criminological, risk assessment, recidivism, or treatment-related characteristics of individuals involved in online and/or contact child sexual offending were eligible. Twenty-nine studies were included and synthesised narratively by developmental and clinical domain.