The Relationship Between Self-Esteem and Deviant Sexual Arousal in Nonfamilial Child Molesters

Changes in self-esteem as a result of direct treatment were evaluated in 12 nonfamilial child molesters, and the relationship between these changes and reductions in deviant arousal was assessed. Treatment enhanced self-esteem, and these improvements were significantly correlated with reductions in deviant arousal even though deviant fantasies were not targeted in treatment. Implications of these findings for theoretical analyses of sexual offending and for treatment are discussed.