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© 2002 Jordan Institute
for Families

Vol. 7, No. 2
May 2002

Causes of Child Molestation

Child molestation can be caused by the following:

  • Heightened arousal to children
  • Early childhood experience
  • Hormone imbalance
  • Inadequate social skills
  • Sexual anxiety
  • Emotional immaturity
  • Unresolved conflicts
  • Child pornography and advertising
  • Arrested development
  • Socialization to violence
  • Sexual addiction
  • Poor impulse control
  • Alcohol and drugs
  • Heredity
  • Cultural tolerance
  • Failure of incest taboo
  • Situational stress
  • Ignorance about sexuality

Source: Fuller, K. A. (1998). Unacceptable risk: Child sexual abuse and AIDS. Thomas College Press, 1501 Millpond Road, Thomasville, GA 31792.