Recent pedophile cases making headlines, especially involving older men, raises the question of what could be feeding this type of behavior. 

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Dr. Robi Ludwig, a nationally known psychotherapist, in New York, explained that adults who are attracted to children have a sexual Paraphilia, or something intrinsic in who they are.

"You can't really control who you're attracted to. Now in some cases, people who are attracted to younger kids also are attracted to adults as well. So, it's not exactly clear what's going on in this older population, especially since as men get older, their testosterone decreases, so that would also influence their sexuality and who they go after," said Dr. Ludwig.

Ludwig described these particular cases as a very fascinating phenomenon that provoke a few thoughts.

"Since it's the elderly population, I wonder if there's something else going on with the brain. Sometimes you can have certain things going on with the brain organically, that change a person's behavior or impulse," she explained, adding, "And I wonder about the loneliness level. So, if for some reason this person was engaged in a relationship and they become a widower, did that influence in some way this impulse that was perhaps otherwise in check."

Ludwig also believes another possible contributing factor could be the use of male sexual enhancement drugs.

"Certainly Viagra, or any type of drug enhancement which makes sexuality more appealing, could in some cases, if someone's a pedophile, would increase their sexual desire and perhaps their acting out," she said.

Parents wondering how they can better protect their children from pedophiles should be aware that a grooming process usually takes place.

"The sexuality doesn't necessarily happen right away. It's something that happens over time. So, initially, it's spending time together," said Ludwig.

Single mothers, or families that like the idea of having a male around, are particularly vulnerable, according to Ludwig.

Part of the grooming process can involve pedophiles giving gifts or candy, or something that will allow time for them to spend alone with the child.

"If your child has any change in terms of their behavior, if they either don't want to spend time with this person or they want to spend too much time with this person, it is unusual for adolescents to want to spend time with an elderly male. They want to spend time with peers," cautioned Ludwig.

Parents also should pay attention for anything slightly odd or a departure from a child's normal behavior.

"Nightmares, change in grades, change in sleep, those are all signs something is going on somewhere and you just want to look into it," added Ludwig.

 

 

 

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