Help Wanted: Evaluating a Prevention Intervention for People With Sexual Interest in Children

Launched by JOHNS HOPKINS BLOOMBERG SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH · Feb 29, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a program called the Help Wanted Prevention Intervention, which aims to help men who have a sexual attraction to children but have never harmed any child. The goal is to provide them with tools and resources to stay committed to keeping children safe while also improving their own well-being. The trial will take place in two phases. In the first phase, ten men will give feedback on the program and study procedures. In the second phase, 300 men will be divided into two groups: one group will access the Help Wanted program, and the other group will receive different mental health resources for a month before also accessing the program. Participants will complete online surveys to share their thoughts and feelings throughout the study.

To be eligible for the trial, participants must be men, aged 18 or older, who identify as having a sexual attraction to prepubescent or early pubescent children, and must not have any history of harming a child or accessed the Help Wanted program before. Participation is completely anonymous, meaning that personal information will remain confidential. The study is currently recruiting participants and all materials are provided in English, with resources available for individuals in over 30 countries.

Gender

MALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Men (cis-gender and transgender)
• • Age 18 and older (no upper age limit)
• • Self-identified sexual attraction to prepubescent or early pubescent children
• • No prior contact offense with a child
• • Never accessed the Help Wanted intervention.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Women (cis-gender and transgender)
• • Under age 18
• • No sexual attraction to prepubescent or early pubescent children
• • Any prior contact offense with a child
• • Previously accessed the Help Wanted intervention