Etiological Factors and Dark Personality Traits of Pedophiles: A Multiple Case Study

This qualitative study examines the etiological factors and peculiar personality traits distinguishing individuals with pedophilic disorder from other child sexual offenders. Using purposive and snowball sampling, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five incarcerated males in Pakistan meeting DSM-5-TR criteria. Thematic analysis identified four key themes: environmental factors, emotional and psychological factors, peculiar personality traits, and the abused-abuser phenomenon. Results highlight childhood trauma, psychological distress, abuse history, and social factors as significant drivers. The results emphasize that child sexual offending is as a criminal act warranting legal punishment whereas pedophilia is a psychological disorder requiring clinical interventions, providing a framework for psychologists and legislators to develop specialized treatments and legal policies.