Question
What does “sexually aggressive” mean in the context of young children’s behavior?
Answer
“Sexually aggressive” behavior in young children refers to a rare and distinct pattern where a child links aggression with sexual behavior in a way that reflects adult sexual dynamics. These children exhibit sexual behaviors that are not just developmentally inappropriate but also driven by anger or hostility, often accompanied by physical or verbal aggression. This pattern suggests a deeper emotional or experiential disturbance, as the behavior is not simply exploratory or mimicked but charged with aggressive intent.
More importantly, this label is reserved for a very small subset of cases. The term was specifically defined to prevent overuse or mislabeling of children who may engage in inappropriate sexual behavior for other reasons, such as exposure to sexual content, lack of boundaries, or trauma. By distinguishing sexually aggressive behavior as rare and specific, professionals are encouraged to avoid pathologizing more common but still concerning behaviors without thorough assessment.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, 'Exploring Healthy and Concerning Sexual Behaviors in Children', presented by Kelli Underwood, MSW, LCSW.
