Neural mechanisms underlying pedophilia and sexual offending against children - NeMUP

The research network NeMUP-North is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung) and primarily examines the biological mechanisms underlying pedophilia specifically and sexual offending against children generally. We assume that there are different underlying mechanisms for the two different phenomena: not every pedophile commits child sexual abuse and nor does every child sexual abuser have a pedophilic sexual preference. Over the course of this project, various neuroimaging, psychological and physiological methods will be utilized. With the specific design of the study in mind, the aim is to deepen the understanding of the differentiation between sexual preference and sexual behavior. The results are to be applied in the development and enhancement of therapy and prevention strategies.
For further information see here.