Studies have shown that pedophilia is a mental disorder that compels victims to become sexually aroused by children who are below the age of puberty (Cantor et al., 2004).
Apparently, the disorder drives victims to become sexually abusive to children below 13 years. Studies have shown that this sexual deviation is as a result of abnormalities in the brain’s morphology (Schiffer & Volaufen, 2011).
Certainly, neurological structures of the brain especially the frontal lobe and temporal lobe have been known to cause the disorder.
On the other hand, non-pedophiles are individuals who are perceived to be normal and have no mind disorder (Cantor et al., 2008). For this reason, differences in morphological make up between pedophiles and non-pedophiles influence their brain functions (Carlson, 2010).
It is against this background that this paper summarizes the evidence to support the suggestion that there are differences in brain function between pedophiles and non-pedophiles. Moreover, the paper will also propose a study to advance the knowledge on pedophiles and the mind.
Evidences
From a careful review of literature, 95% of pedophiles are likely to commit sexual abuse that amounts to 70% of assaults to pre-pubescent children (Cantor et al., 2004). Of great importance to note is that 90% of pedophiles are men whose sexual abusive behavior occurs due to testosterone-related disorders.
Studies have shown that the disorder cannot be cured due to the fact that it is inborn (Schiffer & Volaufen, 2011). Nevertheless, there are measures that can be taken to control the sexual urge among pedophiles.
Medical experts have done investigation on the brain structures of people who are pedophiles and have compared them with the non-pedophiles. From the study, evidence has shown that pedophiles have less widespread tissues in the brain region (Cantor et al., 2008).
Notably, their superior frontal-occipital and right-actuate fasciculus have less tissues, a factor that triggers the development of the disorder (Schiffer & Volaufen, 2011).
Previous studies have shown that such tissues are responsible in controlling body functions such as sexual urge, self-control and sexual responses.
For this reason, it attributes to sexual deviations among pedophiles as opposed to non-pedophiles (Carlson, 2010).
In addition, numerous biological clues indicate that pedophiles often have low intelligence quotient. Hence, they perform poorly at school as opposed to non-pedophiles.
This literature can be supported by the argument that most of the victims are lefties. In other words, their left part of the brain is more functional than the right one. This has been attributed by the assumption that pedophiles might have suffered head injuries in their childhood age (Cantor et al., 2004).
Moreover, Schiffer and Volaufen (2011) suggest that this can be caused by problems that inhibit early childhood development. In line with this, brain function influences social development.
In this case, disorders in the brain can result into deviation of the social aspect of an individual’s life. For this case, one can analyze that most of the pedophiles have poor social links with other adults (Carlson, 2010).
Moreover, brain function influences one’s social behavior where pedophiles are unable to maintain their normal relationship with other adults.
In this case, they turn to children who are more vulnerable and are easily coerced as opposed to non-pedophiles who manage to construct consented relationships with their colleagues.
Besides, medical experts have revealed that there is a difference in the biological make up and mental functioning between pedophiles and non-pedophiles.
Conclusive research evidence indicates that pedophiles have less white matter in the brain as opposed to non-pedophiles (Cantor, 2004). Notably, the white assists the wiring system in the brain. Therefore, the deficiency affects the IQ as well as the rationality in thinking.
For this reason, Cantor et al (2004) assert that sexual offences committed by such individuals are not accompanied with stern measures like the case of non-pedophiles. In line with this, evidence has shown that even if the pedophiles are imprisoned for sexual offenses, there is likelihood that they will repeat the offence again.
Cantor et al (2004) highlight that there is a prevalence of 25% for pedophiles and that such victims will commit the act more easily as opposed to other criminals. In another line of study, researchers have posited that there are prenatal conditions that interfere with neurodevelopment and hence cause brain dysfunctions.
For instance, disruption of prenatal development in the brain due to stress may lead to pedophilic habit (Schiffer & Volaufen, 2011).
That notwithstanding, studies has shown that pedophiles have certain personality traits that differ from non-pedophiles (Cantor et al., 2004). The traits are psychological and hence are controlled by their brain function.
Traits associated with pedophiles include low self esteem, poor interpersonal functioning and poor social skills. For this reason, it is definite that the brain functions between pedophiles and non-pedophiles are different.
Nevertheless, with the above in mind, it is imperative to mention that there is a need to research further on the connection that exists between brain functions and sexual responses. In this case, advanced study will help to expose strong evidences that show how the disorder occurs.
Notably, this will help researchers to explain how medical practitioners can govern the influence of brain on sexual interests (Carlson, 2010). Needless to say, there is much that needs to be researched upon in order to gain adequate knowledge on pedophilia.
Proposed study
There is need for a study related to the topic to be discussed is why victims with the psychosexual disorder are highly oriented to children than adults. It is imperative to note that there are numerous controversial issues that are related to pedophilia.
For instance, studies have shown that the disorder is highly prevalent among males than females. For this reason, this topic will provide the research basics on this fact in order to derive evidences that can be substantiated.
From a careful review of literature, very few researchers have gone to the extent of studying how one can identify individuals with the disorder (Cantor et al., 2004).
For this reason, there is need to expand the body of knowledge on how to distinguish pedophilia from other sexual disorders that are related with brain functions.
Pointless to say, there has been allegation that pedophiles have low intelligence quotient and that they tend to be shorter as compared to non-pedophiles. However, studies have shown that not all pedophiles show poor performance in class (Cantor et al., 2004).
In this case, there is need to verify such a claim in order to eliminate bias. In addition, biological factors have been regarded to cause the disorder. Nonetheless, there is need to research and verify whether there are other factors that can alter the brain’s function.
Furthermore, it is evident that the sexual deviance causes insults to children and hence there is need to study and come up with legal measures that should be taken in order to control such acts.
This is due to the fact that a significant number of experts argue that victims of pedophilia should not be accused or even prosecuted in courts of law for the offence (Schiffer & Volaufen, 2011).
Study design
In line with this, the study on pedophilia should have a detailed and concise study design in order to capture numerous issues that have been debated upon. This will help to establish declarative facts about the disorder (Cantor et al., 2004).
In this case, the study should entail identifying the possible causes of the disorder and the prevalence rate among the victims. Notably, pedophiles should have their medical history analyzed in order to consider all the possible factors for the disease.
In this case, the study will emphasize more on the connection between sexual dysfunctions with brain disorders. Moreover, the examination or study should be conducted by experienced medical experts in order to avoid errors.
In addition, there is need to identify the possible signs and symptoms of the disorder (Cantor et al., 2008). For this case, a sample taken through random or simplified technique will be used in order to produce positive results.
Besides, the study should also entail curative and preventive measures for the disease (Carlson, 2010). Notably, past research has revealed that pedophilia can not be cured.
Nevertheless, there are therapeutic measures that can be used such as sexual orientation. In this case, the study will evaluate the effectiveness of such therapies.
Research methods to be used
Needless to say, there are numerous research methods that can be applied in the study. Suggested methods include use of qualitative and quantitative research in order to obtain theoretical and numerical facts.
Moreover, the study should be experimental and historical at the same time in order to have clear conclusion of the relationship between pedophilia and brain function.
References
Cantor, J. et al (2004). Intelligence, memory, and handedness in pedophilia. Neuropsychology, 18(1):3–14.
Cantor, J. et al. (2008). Cerebral white matter deficiencies in pedophilic men. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 42(1): 167–183.
Carlson, N. (2010). Carlson Foundations of Behavioral Neuroscience. New York: Pearson Education, Inc.
Schiffer, B. & Volaufen, C. (2011). Executive dysfunctions in pedophilic and non- pedophilic Child Molesters. Journal of Sexual Medicine. 8(7): 17-43.