Annotated bibliography

Read more about characteristics and feelings of men attracted to underage boys. Clicking on the title will take you to more details from the article or book. Titles with an asterisk (*) will open an off-site article in a new window.

Bradford, J.M.W., Bloomberg, B.A., & Bourget, D., "The heterogeneity/homogeneity of pedophilia," Psychiatric Journal of the University of Ottowa, v. 13, no. 4, pp. 217-226, 1988.

This study by three University of Ottawa criminologists actually examines convicted child molesters rather than a representative sample of pedophiles. Their results contradict some of the findings of earlier studies, however they are consistent in finding that the vast majority of child molesters are non-violent.

Campbell, T.W., "The Reliability and Validity of Gardner's Indicators of Pedophilia,"* Issues In Child Abuse Accusations, vol. 5, no. 3, 1993.

Clinical and forensic psychologist Terence W. Campbell critiques psychiatrist Richard A. Gardner’s 24 "indicators of pedophilia." See also:

• Response to Campbell* - Gardner defends his indicators of pedophilia.
• Reply to Gardner* - Campbell finds Gardner’s defense less than convincing.

Howells, K., "Adult sexual interest in children: Considerations relevant to theories of aetiology," in Cook, M. & Howells, K. (Eds.), Adult sexual interest in children, London: Academic Press, 1981, pp. 55-94.

A British psychologist discusses studies that have attempted to determine the characteristics of pedophiles and classify them according to these characteristics.

Langevin, R., Sexual strands: Understanding and treating sexual anomalies in men, Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum, 1983.

Chapter 8 of this book, written by a sex offender treatment professional at the Clarke Institute Psychiatry in Toronto, examines theories of the development of pedophilia, characteristics of pedophiles, and treatment approaches.

Li, C.K., "Some Case Studies of Adult Sexual Experiences with Children," Journal of Homosexuality, Vol. 20, Numbers 1-2, 1990b, pp. 129-144.

A clinical psychologist describes the findings of his study which examined the perceptions and thoughts of 27 men who had sexual relationships with boys or girls. He asked them what attracted them to children and young teenagers, and what they sought in their relationships.

Okami, P. & Goldberg, A., "Personality Correlates of Pedophilia: Are They Reliable Indicators?", Journal of Sex Research, Vol. 29, No. 3, 1992, pp. 297-328.

UCLA psychologists critically review the literature that attempts to investigate personality characteristics of pedophiles.

Wilson, G. & Cox, D., The Child-Lovers: A Study of Paedophiles in Society, London: Peter Owen Publishers, 1983.

British psychologists describe the results of their study of 77 men attracted to minors. They investigated their feelings about children and teenagers, their relationships, their emotional and mental health, and their feelings about their sexuality. The study also describes in more detail the lives of several of the men.