Comments on Debunking the myth that being a victim of childhood sexual abuse increases the chances that an individual will sexually abuse others

Evan Burton commented on 'Debunking the myth that being a victim of childhood sexual abuse increases the chances that an individual will sexually abuse others'

2009-07-31T21:29:32Z

Thanks, Mike I thoroughly enjoy what I do, and I'm glad things are going well for you also!

We need the academicians to take to the streets and media and start yelling about their findings, the louder and more obnoxious the better!

Mike Anestis commented on 'Debunking the myth that being a victim of childhood sexual abuse increases the chances that an individual will sexually abuse others'

2009-07-31T15:51:06Z

Funkmaster -

First off, great name. Secondly, I agree that somebody needs to inform Dr.Drew and other personalities about actual data. It's frustrating that, whereas nobody thinks they are a physicist unless they have a degree in that field, most folks think they are psychologists. A lot of people have the sense that this field is intuitively obvious even though - as this particular issue shows quite clearly - our intuition is often off base and things are more complicated than they seem.

I love that there are psychologist-personalities trying to help - but I wish those personalities had a better idea what they are talking about with respect to mental health.

Thanks for the comment.

Mike Anestis commented on 'Debunking the myth that being a victim of childhood sexual abuse increases the chances that an individual will sexually abuse others'

2009-07-31T15:42:42Z

Evan -

I remember you from Research Methods and I'm glad to her you're doing so well. It sounds like you've thrown yourself right into the action in this field and I hope you're enjoying it.

I like your thoughts on what to do with respect to managing what information appears on TV. Personally, as a first amendment nut, I'm hesitant to push for any type of advisory board that could influence what is said directly, but I can see the potential utility of that with respect to viewer safety. My belief is that our best weapon is education. Myths persist because those who believe in them repeat them often and do so loudly from large podiums with a persuasive tone. Science currently does not compete with those voices, so the truth is ignored. The proper response is enhanced marketing of science and scientific mindedness so that, instead of "I heard if on Dr.Phil," we hear something more along the lines of "I heard it on Dr.Beck," "I heard it on Dr.Leahy," "I heard it on Dr.Joiner," or "I heard it on Dr.Linehan." If scientists want people to know about their work, they actually have to tell somebody about it. Nobody is siting around waiting to find what we have to say - we actually have to have the initiative to build our own audience and create a demand for our product. If we do that, I think that writers on TV shows will be naturally inclined to base their depictions of psychological phenomena on facts instead of misinformation.

funkmaster commented on 'Debunking the myth that being a victim of childhood sexual abuse increases the chances that an individual will sexually abuse others'

2009-07-29T20:06:18Z

Someone needs to tell this to Dr. Drew Pinksy, too.

Why do all these doctor-personalities promulgate nonsense when it comes to psychology?

Evan Burton commented on 'Debunking the myth that being a victim of childhood sexual abuse increases the chances that an individual will sexually abuse others'

2009-07-29T15:34:17Z

I think this is a substantial point you are making. I am always disturbed/frustrated to hear people cite examples of valid psychotherapy as "something they saw on Dr. Phil." I was just discussing this article with my coworkers in regards to why these myths are perpetuated, and why, in the face of valid psychologial research, people still have these misconceptions. I believe that the reason why the research is never acknowledged is because it lacks a sensationalism component.

Speaking of burdens for victims of CSA, the labeling component involved in this situation might prove to be more detrimental than anythig else. Perhaps there needs to be some accountability on the part of television producers. I guess I'm thinking about some sort of committee composed of psychological researchers that screen these shows for validity. Maybe the perpetrators should be fined. Or there should be more of an attempt to provide adequate disclaimers stating that the writers of the program have limited knowledge regarding medical or mental health issues.

On a side note, I wanted to say that I really appreciate this website. I am a school counselor and I have forwarded the address to all of my coworkers. To Mike Anestis, I am an FSU alumni, and I was in a lab course that you taught. As an intern in the field, I am grateful to have this website as an invaluable resource, and my hope is that you guys will continue to post articles indefinitely. So I guess I want to say thanks!