Realization, Self-View, and Disclosure of Pedophilia: A Content Analysis of Online Posts.

In order to treat individuals with pedophilia who are at risk of committing offenses, disclosure of the attraction must first take place. The aim of this study was to understand processes of initial recognition of pedophilic attraction, disclosure, and help-seeking. We conducted a qualitative content analysis of online posts from self-identified individuals with pedophilia, finding four categories: (1) (with emotions including denial, shame, and fear), (2) (typically made to family, friends, or therapists, but also done online in an anonymous way), (3) (ranging from rejection to support), and (4) (including minimization, distortions, despair, resignation, and non-offending/anti-contact commitment).