Evaluating an online prevention program for individuals attracted to children
Help Wanted: Evaluating a Prevention Intervention for People With Sexual Interest in Children
This study is testing an online program to help men who are attracted to children but want to prevent child sexual abuse, to see if it can reduce harmful behaviors and improve their mental well-being.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 310 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Trial ID | NCT06300957 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to assess the Help Wanted Prevention Intervention, an online program designed for individuals with a sexual attraction to children who wish to prevent child sexual abuse. The study will be conducted in two phases: the first phase involves beta-testing the program with a small group of men who have never committed a contact offense, while the second phase will involve a larger randomized controlled trial to evaluate the program's effectiveness in reducing offending behaviors and addressing psychosocial stressors. Participants will engage with the program through online training sessions and surveys to provide feedback and measure outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are men aged 18 and older who self-identify as having a sexual attraction to prepubescent or early pubescent children and have no prior contact offenses.
Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include women and individuals under 18, as well as those with a history of contact offenses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could help individuals manage their attractions responsibly and reduce the risk of child sexual abuse.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel, it builds on previous interventions aimed at preventing child sexual abuse, though direct comparisons may be limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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
Where this trial is running
Baltimore, Maryland
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Elizabeth J Letourneau, PhD — Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Elizabeth J Letourneau, PhD
- Email: elizabethletourneau@jhu.edu
- Phone: 8433436865
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.