Quantitative research on paedophiles does not capture the psychological meaning of child sexual molestation for the perpetrators. This qualitative study attempted to address this aspect by exploring the subjective meaning of paedophilic experience for identified child molesters. Data derived from transcribed open-ended interviews with six identified paedophiles were analysed using an empirical phenomenological methodology. The results challenge traditional stereotypes of child molesters, and show this sample of paedophilic behaviour to originate from a range of non-sexual motives primarily related to unmet childhood needs for parental affection and affirmation. In this group, pervasive feelings of inadequacy and rejection, stemming from motionally neglectful or abusive parenting, results in the paedophile-to-be renouncing the dangerous world of adult sexuality, and turning to children as substitute sources of emotional and physical intimacy. The paedophile misinterprets children's emotional responsiveness as erotic interest, and takes great risks in his compulsive sexual pursuit of children. The child's gender is unimportant as the paedophile is driven primarily by the need for affirmation and affection. Although he avoids physically hurting his victims, the paedophile is unable to acknowledge that they might be psychologically harmed by his actions.
