Female Child Sexual Offenders: An Adlerian Perspective

Running head: FEMALE CHILD SEXUAL OFFENDERS 1
Female Child Sexual Offenders: An Adlerian Conceptualization
Devin N. Leivo
Loyola University New Orleans

FEMALE CHILD SEXUAL OFFENDERS 2
Abstract
Female Child Sexual Offenders (FCSOs) perpetrate sexual abuse against children and
adolescents. In this document, I first discuss cultural opposition to the idea of FCSOs based on
traditional views of femininity and sexual scripts and how this opposition contributes to severe
underreporting of female-perpetrated child sexual abuse. Next, I examine the characteristics of
three FCSO typologies: the teacher/lover, the intergenerationally predisposed offender, and the
male-coerced offender. I also discuss psychological symptoms developed by those who survive
female-perpetrated sexual abuse and provide a statistical breakdown of the duration and
frequency of child sexual abuse, as well as perpetrator relationship to abused children. I then
conceptualize FCSOs from an Adlerian perspective and provide brief descriptions of several
basic tenets of Adlerian therapy, including social interest, inferiority feelings, masculine protest,
life tasks, family constellation, and lifestyle. Following these descriptions, I apply the tenets to
FCSOs’ behaviors and cognitions and conceptualize their motivations to sexually abuse. Lastly, I
suggest Adlerian treatment techniques, including development of a therapeutic relationship,
‘spitting in the client’s soup,’ conducting lifestyle assessments, and emphasizing client strengths.

Female Child Sexual Offenders: An Adlerian Conceptualization
Pedophilic disorder in adult males is defined as the presence of recurrent, arousing
fantasies that sexualize prepubescent children and/or instances of sexual contact with
prepubescent children (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013). Despite numerous
research findings and case studies indicating the existence of females with pedophilic tendencies
(Ferguson & Meehan, 2005; Gannon, Rose, & Williams, 2009; Grattagliano et al., 2012;
Lawson, 2008; McCloskey & Raphael, 2005; Muskens, Bogaerts, van Casteren, & Labrijn, 2011;
Saleh, Dwyer, & Grudzinskas, 2006; Sandler & Freeman, 2007; Strickland, 2008), clinical and
social service professionals often fail to recognize female-perpetrated sexual abuse of children.
Sexual abuse of a child involves the mistreatment of a minor through sexual activity by an adult
in a position of power (Saltzman et al., 2013). Traditional Western notions of femininity and
sexual scripts contribute to a cultural denial of sexually aggressive women, which renders the
concept of female child sexual offenders (FCSOs) uncommon (Denov, 2001, 2003a; Matthews,
Matthews, & Speltz, 1991).
Due to the taboo nature of female-perpetrated child sexual abuse, many professionals
experience discomfort discussing this topic. Therefore, police officers, social workers, and
clinicians frequently minimize or deny the sexual abuse by utilizing strategies that bring accused
females back within the culturally accepted view of female sexuality (Bunting, 2007; Denov,
2001; Kramer & Bowman, 2011). Minimization and denial strategies include viewing the sexual
abuse as an element of childcare responsibilities misconstrued by children and maintaining that
the sexual acts involved no malice (Bunting, 2007; Denov, 2001, 2003b; Strickland, 2008).
Failure to take accusations seriously leads to severe underreporting of female-perpetrated child

sexual abuse, as many victims fear that they will not be believed or will receive blame for the
abuse they suffered (Denov, 2001, 2003a, 2003b).
Female Child Sexual Offender Typologies
Based on results from their study of females enrolled in a sexual offender treatment
program, Matthews et al. (1991) identified three types of FCSOs: (a) the Teacher/Lover
Offender, (b) the Intergenerationally Predisposed Offender, and (c) the Male-Coerced Offender.
Differences in offending patterns and motivations determine the typology in which a female
offender falls.
The Teacher/Lover Offender
This type of offender typically engages in sexual relationships with adolescent students,
usually males, via a position of authority (Deering & Mellor, 2007; Gannon & Rose, 2008;
Matthews et al., 1991; Robertiello & Terry, 2007; Tsopelas, Spyridoula, & Athanasios, 2011).
The teacher/lover initiates sexual contact with the adolescent with the intention to educate him
about sex and initiate him into sexual activity (Deering & Mellor, 2007; Matthews et al., 1991;
Tsopelas et al., 2011). The teacher/lover fails to recognize her behavior as criminal and abusive
because she perceives her actions as lacking malice (Grattagliano et al., 2012; Matthews et al.,
1991; Robertiello & Terry, 2007; Sandler & Freeman, 2007). These offenders target adolescents
through grooming, the process of creating a trusting relationship with an adolescent to initiate
and maintain a sexually abusive relationship (Knoll, 2010). Many teacher/lover offenders
experienced sexual abuse as children, which impairs their ability to establish healthy adult sexual
relationships (Gannon & Rose, 2008; Matthews et al., 1991; Robertiello & Terry, 2007). Due to
their inability to achieve intimacy in adult relationships, these offenders turn to adolescents to
meet their needs for intimacy (Deering & Mellor, 2007; Grattagliano et al., 2012).

The Intergenerationally Predisposed Offender
This type of offender typically victimizes prepubescent children in her care and/or her
own children regardless of child gender (Gannon & Rose, 2008; Matthews et al., 1991;
Robertiello & Terry, 2007; Sandler & Freeman, 2007; Tsopelas et al., 2011). These offenders
tend to victimize children under the age of six, and are more likely to cause pain and harm to
those they abuse (Robertiello & Terry, 2007). Characteristically, Intergenerationally
Predisposed Offenders suffered violent and repetitive instances of sexual abuse by adult family
members during childhood, which persisted for several years (Deering & Mellor, 2007; Gannon
& Rose, 2008; Matthews et al., 1991; Robertiello & Terry, 2007; Sandler & Freeman, 2007;
Tsopelas et al., 2011).
As a result of severe, prolonged abuse, these offenders experience distorted thinking,
emotional instability, low self-esteem, feelings of persecution, and extreme distrust of others
(Gannon & Rose, 2008; Grattagliano et al., 2012; Robertiello et al., 2007). The aforementioned
psychological symptoms create difficulty in establishing appropriate sexual relationships in
adulthood (Robertiello et al., 2007). Consequently, these women may victimize children in order
to experience feelings of intimacy and acceptance that their adult relationships lack (Deering &
Mellor, 2007). Additionally, Intergenerationally Predisposed Offenders view sexual abuse as an
inevitable part of every child’s life, and, therefore, may abuse children in an attempt to ‘protect’
them from sexual abuse at the hands of others (Matthews, et al., 1991).
The Male-Coerced Offender
Male-Coerced Offenders typically engage in sexual abuse of their own children under
duress and intimidation from dominant, often abusive, male partners (Deering & Mellor, 2007;
Ferguson & Meehan, 2005; Gannon & Rose, 2008; Grattagliano et al., 2012; Matthews et al.,

1991; Sandler & Freeman, 2007). The male accomplice initiates the sexual abuse then utilizes
the female offender’s fear of negative repercussions, such as domestic violence, to force her into
sexual contact with the child (Deering & Mellor, 2007; Matthews et al., 1991; Robertiello &
Terry, 2007). Most Male-Coerced Offenders suffered sexual abuse in childhood, leading them to
seek out male protection and care (Deering & Mellor, 2007; Matthews et al., 1991). Therefore,
these women embody characteristics of submission, feelings of powerlessness, and exceptional
dependence on male partners (Gannon & Rose, 2008; Matthews et al., 1991; Robertiello &
Terry, 2007; Sandler & Freeman, 2007; Tsopelas et al., 2011). To ensure continued protection
and care from their partners and avoid repercussions, these offenders may later sexually abuse
their children without coercion (Deering & Mellor, 2007; Tsopelas et al., 2011).
Problem Faced by Female Child Sexual Offenders
FCSOs are defined by their problem: They engage in inappropriate, sexually abusive
relationships with children and adolescents. Denov (2003b, 2004) found that a female relative
victimized 64% of a sample of adult individuals sexually abused by females during childhood.
Sixty-seven percent of those victimized by a female relative reported sexual abuse by their
mothers. Additionally, 57% of individuals who confirmed abuse by men and women indicated
sexual abuse by their mothers and fathers (Denov, 2004). Moreover, Denov (2004) found that
75% of her sample who indicated sexual abuse by an unrelated female was victimized by a
female babysitter. Furthermore, Denov (2004) identified six years as the average duration of
female-perpetrated sexual abuse in her sample and that 36% of participants experienced sexual
abuse more than once per week. Participants in Denov’s (2004) sample also indicated that
female-perpetrated sexual abuse causes more psychological damage and a stronger sense of
betrayal than male-perpetrated sexual abuse. Ferguson and Meehan (2005) suggested that

approximately 10,000 separate incidents of female-perpetrated child sexual abuse occur every
year and expect these numbers to increase. However, women still account for only 2% to 5% of
all reported sexual perpetrators against children (Ferguson & Meehan, 2005).
Despite comprising a relatively small percentage of total incidents of sexual abuse against
children, female-perpetrated sexual abuse may cause marked psychological damage to survivors
(Deering & Mellor, 2011; Denov, 2004; O’Leary, Coohey, & Easton, 2010). Common
psychological themes among survivors of female-perpetrated child sexual abuse include self-
consciousness, engagement in socially inappropriate behaviors, suicidal ideation and attempts,
anxiety, traumatic flashbacks, substance abuse, depression, self-harm, low self-esteem, and
problematic relationships in adulthood (Deering & Mellor, 2011; Denov, 2004). Furthermore,
O’Leary et al. (2010) found that abuse at a young age, frequency of abuse, and the number of
people who abused the child correlate with higher amount and severity of mental distress. An
Adlerian psychotherapeutic approach may prove effective in treating FCSOs, which could reduce
the number of victimized children and adolescents, sparing them from the negative psychological
effects of sexual abuse.
Tenets of Adlerian Psychotherapy
Adlerian psychotherapy may be beneficial in treating FCSOs, as this approach addresses
the underlying motivations that manifest in maladaptive, sexually abusive behaviors toward
children and adolescents. Adlerian theory reflects a holistic view of human beings, which refers
to the individual as an irreducible whole (Dinkmeyer, Dinkmeyer, & Sperry, 1987; Maniacci &
Johnson-Migalski, 2013; Mosak & Maniacci, 2001; Sweeney, 1998). Adler (1927) also endorsed
teleology, the idea that all human behavior is purposeful and goal-oriented. Personal ideals and
beliefs about self and others influence these goals and the behaviors used to achieve them

(Dinkmeyer et al., 1987). Additionally, Adlerian theorists utilize the concept of phenomenology,
the notion that an individual’s perspective of events shapes his or her reality (Maniacci &
Johnson-Migalski, 2013). Adler’s theory of personality development reflects the
aforementioned concepts and provides explanation for the development of neurosis, a defense
mechanism that distorts reality and allows people to deny personal responsibility for current life
situations (Adler, 1927, 1930, 1959; Ansbacher & Ansbacher, 1956; Sweeney, 1998). The
Adlerian concepts of social interest, masculine protest, inferiority feelings, family constellation,
and lifestyle contribute to personality development and the formation of neurosis.
Factors in Personality Development
Social interest. Several authors (Adler, 1927, 1930; Ansbacher & Ansbacher, 1956;
Dinkmeyer et al., 1987; Reitveld, 2004; Sweeney, 1998) described social interest as an
individual’s sense of belonging and purpose within the community along with the attitudes he or
she holds toward others. Social interest reflects Adler’s idea of interdependence among human
beings and responsibility to each other (Adler, 1927; Dinkmeyer et al., 1987; Reitveld, 2004;
Sweeney, 1998). People act responsibly toward each other and contribute to their communities
by engaging in the major life tasks: (a) Friendship, (b) Love (c) Work, (d) Self, and (e)
Spirituality.
Sweeney (1998) provided descriptions for each life task. Friendship involves a sense of
connection and fellowship within social relationships with others. He described Love as intimate
relationships involving trust, cooperation, compassion, and long-term commitment between two
people. Work involves engaging in personally and communally useful occupations that one
enjoys. The concept of Self includes personality, regulation, direction, and discipline. Lastly,
Spirituality refers to the existence of a soul and a sense morality within an individual. Normal

human functioning requires social interest and achievement of the life tasks, and failure in this
area causes neurosis and pathology (Adler, 1930; Ansbacher & Ansbacher, 1956; Ansbacher,
1992; Dinkmeyer et al., 1987). Characteristics of neurotic individuals include selfishness,
indifference to community welfare, and maladaptive behavior within relationships that
contributes to personal isolation (Adler, 1927; Dinkmeyer et al., 1987).
Inferiority feelings and the masculine protest. Every individual’s personality embodies
traditional male and female qualities, which Adler (1959) termed ‘psychical hermaphroditism.’
The masculine protest involves the acquisition of power and strength by an individual who
perceives the self as weak and inferior to others (Adler, 1927, 1930). All human beings
experience inferiority feelings and compensate for them by utilizing the masculine protest to
suppress their femininity as they strive for perfection (Ansbacher, 1992; Dinkmeyer et al., 1987;
Nelson, 1991; Reitveld, 2004; Vaughan, 1927). This enhances traditionally masculine attributes
within the individual and provides opportunity for superiority and power over others (Ansbacher,
1992; Mosak & Maniacci, 2001; Nelson, 1991). The masculine protest in females involves
attempts to act like a man in order to obtain some of the power and advantages that men enjoy
within society (Adler, 1930, 1959; Nelson, 1991). However, striving for superiority may turn
neurotic and maladaptive, taking the form of a superiority complex in which the individual
dominates and oppresses others (Ansbacher & Ansbacher, 1956; Vaughan, 1927).
Family constellation. The family constellation refers to the structure of the family and
how each member functions within the family system (Dinkmeyer et al., 1987; Sperry, 2011).
Components of the family constellation include birth order, age differences, family size, and the
personality characteristics of each member (Adler, 1927; Mosak & Maniacci, 2001; Sweeney,
1998). The family serves as the first society where people learn favored behaviors and make

early social connections (Dinkmeyer et al., 1987). Additionally, children experience their first
inferiority feelings within the family as they compete with other members to solidify their status
(Adler, 1927). An individual’s perceptions of events that take place within the family dynamic
and the position he or she occupies impacts thoughts, behavior, and personality development
(Adler, 1927; Dinkmeyer et al., 1987; Sweeney, 1998).
Lifestyle. Social interest, inferiority feelings and desire for supremacy, and the family
constellation combine to form an individual’s lifestyle. The lifestyle refers to an individual’s
patterned behavior, as well as his or her fundamental understanding of life (Adler, 1927;
Dinkmeyer et al., 1987; Sperry, 2011; Sweeney, 1998). Individuals develop a lifestyle during
early childhood by adopting certain behaviors in response to various situations (Adler, 1927;
Ansbacher & Ansbacher, 1956). An individual’s perception of childhood events, which are
highly influenced by opinions about the self, others, and the world, serves as the foundation for
the lifestyle (Ansbacher & Ansbacher, 1956; Hejertaas, 2013). These opinions often lead to
flawed perceptions called basic mistakes, erroneous beliefs that constitute private logic and
contribute to the development of safeguarding tendencies that justify the individual’s current
lifestyle (Adler, 1927, 1930; Sweeney, 1998).
Adlerian Conceptualization of Female Child Sexual Offenders
Gannon, Rose, and Williams (2009) found that FCSOs do not implicitly associate
children with sex, indicating that sexually abusing children and adolescents serves some purpose
other than sexual gratification. As indicated by Matthews et al. (1991), all three FCSO typologies
experienced sexual abuse, often by men within their family constellations, and, therefore, suffer
from trauma. Strauch (2001) defined trauma as “a social circumstance, event, or set of events
that leaves a person feeling overwhelmed, threatened, and unable to cope with life and its

demands” (p. 246). These traumatic experiences, which Adler (1927) termed “shock,” lead to the
development of neurosis and pathology, namely sexual perversions (Adler, 1930). Additionally,
sexual abuse by adults within the family constellation normalizes sexual aggression between
adults and children as an acceptable way of relating to others. Therefore, females abused by
family members during childhood may develop flawed perceptions in which they find it normal
to sexually abuse children. Consequently, these women form lifestyles that allow them to justify
their abusive actions by placing blame for their behavior on situations they consider to be out of
their control.
FCSOs’ traumatic experiences trigger feelings of fear, specifically fear of re-
victimization, which leads them to develop the life goal of not allowing men to harm them again
(Adler, 1930; Butler & Newlon, 1992; Millar, 2013; Strauch, 2001). Therefore, they direct their
behavior toward the avoidance of re-victimization. However, fearful avoidance complicates
romantic relationships with men, whom FCSOs regard as violent, aggressive, and dangerous
(Lawson, 2008). This prevents these women from engaging in the life task of love, despite their
needs for affection and intimacy (Adler, 1930; Hjertaas, 2013; Lawson, 2008; Mosak &
Maniacci, 2001; Strauch, 2001). Failure to engage in life tasks lowers an individual’s social
interest, which leads to the selfishness, indifference to the welfare of others, isolation, and
maladaptive behaviors that characterize neurosis and pathology. Since these women avoid
intimate relationships with men, and, thus, the life task of love, FCSOs develop neurosis and
meet their needs by initiating inappropriate sexual contact with children and adolescents.
Male-coerced offenders (Matthews et al., 1991) experience fear of re-victimization
differently than other FCSOs. These women seek out male partners to serve as protectors whom
they believe will prevent further abuse. However, these relationships often turn sexually and/or

physically violent, and the women engage in child sexual abuse to avoid negative repercussions
from their partners (Lawson, 2008). Initially, these offenders unwillingly abuse children, but they
may later freely engage in sexual contact because such actions prevent their own abuse.
Some FCSOs engage in the masculine protest in response to their traumatic experiences.
Incidents of abuse produce feelings of inferiority within the individual, making her feel
powerless in her life (Adler, 1930; Hjertaas, 2013; Millar, 2013; Rosen Saltzman, Matic, &
Marsden, 2013;). This perceived inferiority prompts her to obtain superiority and power over
other individuals, and achievement of power becomes the life goal (Adler, 1930). The patriarchal
nature of Western society prevents women from truly gaining power over men. Hence, these
women develop superiority complexes and sexually dominate children because they occupy a
lower societal position (Adler, 1930; Suprina & Chang, 2005). The sexual abuse of children
involves suppressing the inferior feminine qualities of the self in exchange for sexual aggression,
a traditionally masculine and superior quality. Through sexual victimization of children, FCSOs
achieve power and control over weaker individuals, satisfying their life goals (Butler & Newlon,
1992; Maniacci & Johnson-Migalski, 2013; Strauch, 2001; Suprina & Chang, 2005).
Treatment Recommendations
I will now provide four Adlerian treatment recommendations that I believe will facilitate
therapeutic work with FCSOs. These recommendations include: (a) developing a therapeutic
relationship with the client, (b) conducting lifestyle assessments, (c) ‘spitting in the client’s
soup,’ and (d) emphasizing client strengths rather than weaknesses.
Developing a Therapeutic Relationship
Due to their own experiences of abuse, FCSOs experience difficulties with trust and fear
in most adult relationships. Consequently, Adlerian therapists must provide a sense of

stabilization and safety before clients will feel comfortable disclosing personal information
(Millar, 2013). Developing trusting, empathetic relationships with these clients creates a safe,
stable place (Dinkmeyer et al., 1987). Such therapist-client relationships act as a model of safe
interpersonal functioning, which demonstrates to the client that not all people are dangerous.
This encourages clients to take risks and engage in appropriate adult contact, which increases
their social interest and sense of belonging (Dinkmeyer et al., 1987; Millar, 2013). Creating such
relationships will likely require several sessions, as FCSOs have deep-rooted negative views of
others and the world that the therapist must challenge (Butler & Newlon, 1992; Lawson, 2008;
Millar, 2013; Strauch, 2001).
Additionally, therapists must not react with surprise to disclosures of previous sexual
abuse, as these clients often fear that their reports of sexual trauma will not be believed (Denov,
2001, 2003a, 2003b). This holds especially true for those victimized by individuals within the
family constellation (Denov, 2003a). Moreover, therapists should not treat reported instances of
previous sexual abuse as crises. Reacting with surprise and treating disclosures as crises may re-
traumatize these individuals, confirming their negative worldviews (Slavik, Carlson, & Sperry,
1993).
Lifestyle Assessments
Due to the here-and-now nature of Adlerian psychotherapy, therapists should not focus
on past traumatic events. Rather, therapists should focus on client perceptions of those events
and how they impact current client functioning (Adler, 1927, 1930; Ansbacher & Ansbacher,
1956; Millar, 2013). By conducting lifestyle assessments with these clients, therapists gain
insight into client perceptions, motivations, and goals, which elucidates current client behavior
and cognition (Ansbacher & Ansbacher, 1956; Dinkmeyer et al., 1987; Sperry, 2011).

‘Spitting in the Client’s Soup’
Often, FCSOs utilize rationalization techniques to avoid taking responsibility for their
current situations (Ansbacher & Ansbacher, 1956; Mosak & Maniacci, 2001). Specifically, those
sexually abused as children experienced feelings of perceived powerlessness and lack of control
that carried over into adult life (Deering & Mellor, 2011; Denov, 2004). These women believe
they possess no responsibility for, or control over, their sexually abusive behavior and use this
conviction to rationalize or even justify their actions. Adlerian therapists can negate client
rationalizations by ‘spitting in the client’s soup,’ a technique that involves the therapist exposing
the goals of clients’ maladaptive behaviors in order to disengage clients from them (Mosak &
Maniacci, 2001; Sweeney, 1998). Once clients understand the goals of their actions, they must
take responsibility for maladaptive behavior, as they are aware of the underlying meaning
(Slavik et al., 1993; Sweeney, 1998).
Emphasizing Client Strengths
FCSOs also experience strong feelings of inferiority that motivate them to utilize
maladaptive behavior to achieve superiority and power (Adler, 1930; Hjertaas, 2013; Millar,
2013; Rosen Saltzman et al., 2013; Suprina & Chang, 2005). Therefore, therapists must address
these inferiority feelings in order to reduce the usefulness of abusive, maladaptive behaviors.
According to Slavik et al. (1993), therapists should emphasize client strengths and minimize
weaknesses. Emphasis on strengths reduces self-degrading thoughts and behaviors, which
empowers clients to take control of their lives and improves functioning (Maniacci & Johnson-
Migalski, 2013). Additionally, therapists should promote the use of client strengths and success
through encouragement (Slavik et al., 1993; Sweeney, 1998). When clients utilize their strengths

and experience triumph in achieving healthy goals, inferiority feelings subside, and the FCSO
will experience a decreased desire to abuse and dominate children (Slavik et al., 1993).
Conclusion
FCSOs, while perpetrators, experience negative psychological symptoms and distorted
cognitions as a result of their own experiences of sexual abuse. Adlerian psychotherapy provides
a framework from which therapists can conceptualize FCSOs and offers intervention techniques
that may effectively reduce inferiority feelings, fear and distrust in adult relationships, and
maladaptive behaviors. Adlerian therapy would likely prove effective for survivors of female-
perpetrated child sexual abuse as well, due to similarities in victimization and symptomology.
However, relatively few FCSOs and their victims receive psychological treatment because of the
culturally taboo nature of female-perpetrated child sexual abuse. Cultural denial of this issue
leads to severe underreporting, which makes it difficult to identify those, both survivors and
perpetrators, who could benefit from Adlerian interventions. This contributes to a cycle of
victimization and perpetration, in which those who experienced sexual abuse as children go on to
sexually abuse as adults. To appropriately address the issue of female-perpetrated child sexual
abuse, the denial and minimization of such offenses by police officers, social workers, and
mental health professionals must end.

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