Pedophilia

==== Cognitive behavioral therapy ====
[[Cognitive behavioral therapy]] (CBT) aims to reduce attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that may increase the likelihood of sexual offenses against children. Its content varies widely between therapists, but a typical program might involve training in self-control, social competence and empathy, and use [[cognitive restructuring]] to change views on sex with children. The most common form of this therapy is [[relapse prevention]], where the patient is taught to identify and respond to potentially risky situations based on principles used for treating addictions.{{r|seto|p=171}}

The evidence for cognitive behavioral therapy is mixed.{{r|seto|p=171}} A 2012 [[Cochrane Collaboration|Cochrane Review]] of randomized trials found that CBT had no effect on risk of reoffending for contact sex offenders.<ref name="cochrane">{{cite journal | vauthors = Dennis JA, Khan O, Ferriter M, Huband N, Powney MJ, Duggan C | year = 2012 | title = Psychological interventions for adults who have sexually offended or are at risk of offending | journal = Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | volume = 12 | issue = 12 | pages = CD007507 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD007507.pub2 | pmid = 23235646 }}</ref> Meta-analyses in 2002 and 2005, which included both randomized and non-randomized studies, concluded that CBT reduced recidivism.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Lösel F, Schmucker M | year = 2005 | title = The effectiveness of treatment for sexual offenders: a comprehensive meta-analysis | journal = Journal of Experimental Criminology | volume = 1 | issue = 1 | pages = 117–46 | doi=10.1007/s11292-004-6466-7 | s2cid = 145253074 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Hanson RK, Gordon A, Harris AJ, Marques JK, Murphy W, etal | year = 2002 | title = First report of the collaborative outcome data project on the effectiveness of treatment for sex offenders | journal = Sexual Abuse | volume = 14 | issue = 2 | pages = 169–94 | doi=10.1177/107906320201400207 | pmid = 11961890 | s2cid = 34192852 }}</ref> There is debate over whether non-randomized studies should be considered informative.<ref name=SetoReview/><ref name="rice2012">{{cite book | vauthors = Rice ME, Harris GT | year = 2012 | chapter = Treatment for adult sex offenders: may we reject the null hypothesis? | title = Handbook of Legal & Ethical Aspects of Sex Offender Treatment & Management | veditors = Harrison K, Rainey B | location = London, England | publisher = [[Wiley-Blackwell]]}}</ref> More research is needed.<ref name="cochrane"/>