Exploring the Controversial Relationship between Sex Dolls and Criminal Sexual Behavior: What Does the Research Say?

Sex dolls that look like children have caused a great deal of controversy in recent years, particularly around whether or not they may be used to prevent criminal sexual behaviour. There are concerns that owning a sex doll that looks like a child could lead to an increase in sexual interest in children and, potentially, an increased risk of committing sexual offences against them. However, research is still limited, and the effect of such dolls on individuals is still not clear. This article will explore whether sex dolls that look like children can prevent criminal sexual behaviour.

The Debate Surrounding Child-Like Sex Dolls

The ethical debate surrounding child-like sex dolls has been ongoing for several years. Many people are understandably repulsed by the idea of owning such dolls, but there is still a lot of uncertainty about the potential risks and benefits of owning them.

One concern is that owning a child-like sex doll could increase the risk of someone developing a sexual interest in children. Research has shown that individuals who are attracted to children are more likely to possess child sexual abuse material (CSAM) than those who are not. There is a concern that owning a child-like sex doll could reinforce these sexual interests, leading to an increased risk of committing sexual offences against children.

On the other hand, some argue that owning a child-like sex doll could actually prevent sexual offences against children. By providing an outlet for individuals with a sexual interest in children, it is believed that such dolls could satisfy their sexual urges and prevent them from acting on them in real life.

Current Legal Status of Child-Like Sex Dolls

The legal status of child-like sex dolls varies around the world. In many countries, owning such dolls is not illegal, although there are often restrictions on the importation and sale of such dolls. In some countries, owning a child-like sex doll is considered a criminal offence.

In the United States, several states have passed or are enacting laws that prohibit the importation, sale, or ownership of child-like sex dolls. These laws are intended to protect children from sexual exploitation, but the effectiveness of such laws in preventing criminal sexual behaviour is not clear.

Research on the Effect of Child-Like Sex Dolls

The research on the impact of child-like sex dolls on individuals is still limited, and the conclusions that can be drawn from the available research are limited.

One study by Harper and Lievesley, published in The Archives of Sexual Behavior, compared the psychology of individuals who were sexually attracted to children and owned child-like sex dolls to those who did not own such dolls. The researchers found that the owners of child-like sex dolls were less antisocial and reported less arousal at the idea of actually sexually abusing a child than those who did not own such dolls. However, this study was limited by the fact that it relied on self-report data and did not follow individuals over time.

Another study by Desbuleux and Fuss, published in The Journal of Sex Research, explored how owning an adult or child-like sex doll impacted the owners’ sexual fantasies, behaviours, and preoccupations, particularly in regard to criminal sexual behaviours. The study found that men who owned child-like sex dolls reported a decrease in problematic sexual behaviours, including watching pornography and visiting sex workers. However, like the previous study, this study was also limited by the fact that it relied on self-report data and did not follow individuals over time.

The research on child-like sex dolls is limited by a number of factors. First, all of the studies to date have relied on self-report data, which can be unreliable. Second, the studies have been correlational and have not included longitudinal data that follows individuals over time. Finally, the studies have only included individuals who actually possess such dolls, which may not be a true reflection of men at risk for sexual offending.