Random Thoughts Thread

[dsheinem]

I'm ignorant on the subject. Can you refer me to some respectable research that corroborates this?

[o.pwuaioc]

http://books.google.com/books?id=tGwKQS ... er&f=false

http://www.springerlink.com/content/q51l1j12x75832p2/

[dsheinem]

Google Books

http://www.springerlink.com/content/q51l1j12x75832p2/

I very much appreciate the links. But, to my earlier point, there's certainly nothing conclusive that attraction to children is yet defensible, by most definitions, as "natural." The book chapter summarizes things quite nicely:

The available data suggest that anomalous neurological development, whether of genetic or environmental origin, does increase...risk of pedophilia. More detailed conclusions are difficult to justify. It may well be that specific brain structures or functions are implicated in erotic pathology, but that has not yet been convincingly demonstrated by [neurosurgery or brain imaging].

They go on to say that there does seem to be some correlating biological observations, but - importantly - they do not know if those are environmental or genetic. If environmental, than it is not a "natural" attraction as we usually conceive of the word.

I would guess JT might have something to say on this, too. In any case, this is the kind of discussion I like finding here (informed), so thanks!

[elmagicochrisg]

I would guess JT might have something to say on this, too.

Do not forget that psychology is not an exact science.

Finding proof that pedophelia is either a mental illness or a physiological phenomenon might be harder than you think...

I would even go as far as to say that all 'mental illnesses' have their roots in physiology.

Thus making a clear distinction between the two impossible...

Is Psychology a Science?

[Luke]

My Sister is one of the most prominent psychologists in the South East who specializes in eating disorders/hyper-femininity/child abuse. I'll post her take on this subject once I hear back from her. I guess the question to ask is: "Is pedophilia a natural occurrence or a mental illness?". Or in Luke Language "Are these guys just perverts?".

[dsheinem]

"Is pedophilia a natural occurrence or a mental illness?"

That's a false dichotomy.

[Erik_Twice]

It's important to remember that was we call a "mental illness" is pretty arbitrary as we mainly decide what an illness is based on it's social effects. The reasons why homosexuality was considered an illness and then it ceased to be one were political, not related to science.

They go on to say that there does seem to be some correlating biological observations, but - importantly - they do not know if those are environmental or genetic. If environmental, than it is not a "natural" attraction as we usually conceive of the word.

And it can be both! Humans are weird like that.

[dsheinem]

FYI, those of you interested in the categorization of illness/sexuality over time would do well to check out Michel Foucault's The History of Sexuality series and/or his Madness and Civilization. Challenging but extremely rewarding reading.

[Luke]

"Is pedophilia a natural occurrence or a mental illness?"

That's a false dichotomy.

No, actually that's just a dichotomy.

From my Sister:

"I honestly don't know the educated answer to that question. I refused to work with that population and really didn't take any forensic classes. I do think it's at least partly a choice and people do know right from wrong. Especially since there was cover up (with Penn state). People with psychosis (like the OK shooter) are a bit different. People who repeatedly abuse are not psychotic in my opinion."

So I guess, no answers from me.

[elmagicochrisg]

I do think it's at least partly a choice and people do know right from wrong.

To act upon the urge is a choice. To have these feelings is not...

No, actually that's just a dichotomy.

Read my previous post...