In this episode of One in Ten, host Teresa Huizar welcomes Dr. Brian Allen, professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Penn State, to discuss what motivates problematic sexual behavior (PSB) in children and youth and what the research shows. Allen explains his path into the field and why he conducted a meta-analysis—combining results across studies to create a much larger dataset (about 9,000 children) and examine the strength of associations across age, gender, and different risk factors.

Time Stamps 

Time Topic 

00:00 What Drives Problematic Sexual Behavior (PSB) in Kids? (Episode Intro) 

01:15 Meet Dr. Brian Allen + How He Got Into PSB Research 

02:54 Meta-Analysis 101: What It Is and Why It Matters for PSB 

05:26 Beyond the Assumption: Is PSB Always Linked to Sexual Abuse? 

07:24 Who’s Affected? Gender & Age Patterns in the Data 

08:41 Age Matters: Developmental Motivations, Curiosity & Online Exposure 

14:01 Why Parents Struggle to Talk About Sex, Boundaries & Prevention 

16:44 What the Meta-Analysis Found: PSB’s Link to Sexual Abuse (and How to Ask) 

19:00 Physical Abuse, Dysregulation & Coercion: A Surprising Strong Correlate 

25:35 Screening & Mental Health: Externalizing vs Internalizing Problems 

29:01 Big Research Gaps: Cross-Cultural Data, Developmental Pathways & Social Media 

32:12 What’s Next: New Assessment Tool, Longitudinal Studies & Treatment Trials 

33:38 Key Takeaways for Clinicians: Treatable, Low Risk, Don’t Go Punitive 

36:22 Reframing These Kids + Resources, Training, and Closing 

39:10 Final Thanks & Where to Learn More 

Resources

Problematic Sexual Behavior Among Children: A Meta-Analysis of Demographic and Clinical Correlates | Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology | Springer Nature Link

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In this episode of One in Ten, host Teresa Huizar speaks with Dr. Robin Ortiz, an assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, about neglect recurrence in child abuse cases. Dr. Ortiz discusses the factors contributing to neglect recurrence, including adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), environmental influences, and societal factors. They explore the gaps in the literature, the complexities of defining neglect, and the need for tailored interventions. Findings from Dr. Ortiz's recent research indicate that various risk factors exist at the child, family, community, and policy levels, and they emphasize the importance of societal investment in mental health, substance abuse treatment, domestic violence intervention, and financial stability to prevent neglect. The episode highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to support families and break the cycle of neglect. 

Time Stamps 

Time Topic 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 

00:13 Understanding Neglect Recurrence 

01:11 Guest's Background and Research Focus 

03:11 Literature Review on Child Maltreatment Recurrence 

05:33 Defining Neglect and Its Challenges 

10:08 Study Hypotheses and Findings 

18:26 Risk Factors for Neglect Recurrence 

25:07 Impact of Services on Neglect Recurrence 

38:24 Policy Implications and Societal Responsibility 

41:03 Conclusion and Takeaways 

Resources

Child, Family and Societal Factors Related to Neglect Recurrence After CPS Investigation - Robin Ortiz, Vincent J. Palusci, 2025

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In this episode of 'One in Ten,' host Teresa Huizar speaks with Liisa Jarvilehto, a psychologist and PhD candidate at Åbo Akademi University, about the positive uses of AI in child abuse investigations and forensic interviews. The conversation addresses the common misuse of AI and explores its potential in assisting professionals by proposing hypotheses, generating question sets, and more. The discussion delves into the application of large language models (LLMs) in generating alternative hypotheses and the nuances of using these tools to avoid confirmation bias in interviews. Huizar and Jarvilehto also touch on the practical implications for current practitioners and future research directions. 

Time Stamps: 

00:00 Introduction to the Episode 

00:00 Introduction to the Episode 

00:22 Exploring AI in Child Abuse Investigations 

01:06 Introducing Liisa Jarvilehto and Her Research 

01:48 Challenges in Child Abuse Investigations 

04:24 The Role of Large Language Models 

06:28 Addressing Bias in Investigations 

09:13 Hypothesis Testing in Forensic Interviews 

12:18 Study Design and Findings 

25:54 Implications for Practitioners 

33:41 Future Research Directions 

36:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 

Resources:

Pre-interview hypothesis generation: large language models (LLMs) show promise for child abuse investigations

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In this episode of 'One in Ten,' hosted by Teresa Huizar, Dr. Sheryl Chatfield from Kent State University discusses the alarming rise in youth suicides and its correlation with technology use. Delving into data from the National Violent Death Reporting System, Dr. Chatfield highlights the significant impact of technology, including social media and gaming, on youth mental health. They explore the triggers leading to suicidal thoughts, focusing on restrictions on technology use as precipitating factors. Dr. Chatfield also discusses the demographic trends in youth suicide and suggests prevention strategies, emphasizing the importance of diverse leisure activities and open communication between parents and their children. The episode concludes with practical advice for both professionals and parents on how to support youth effectively. 

Time Stamps: 

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 

01:22 Guest Introduction: Dr. Cheryl Chatfield 

01:27 Research Origins: Technology and Youth Suicide 

03:42 Trends in Youth Suicide 

05:21 The Role of Technology in Suicidal Behavior 

07:17 Understanding Suicidal Ideation in Youth 

15:56 Age-Related Differences in Suicide Motivations 

20:18 Impact of Mental Health Crisis on Youth 

25:07 Conflicts and Restrictions Leading to Suicidal Behavior 

26:48 Grieving the Loss of a Chatbot 

27:35 Addiction and Withdrawal Symptoms 

28:36 Social Media and Gaming Stress 

29:48 Fear of Missing Out 

31:05 Identity and Online Presence 

32:13 Technology Use and Mental Health 

36:44 Demographics of Youth Suicide 

40:43 Prevention Strategies 

46:52 Encouraging Diverse Activities 

51:14 Concluding Thoughts 

Resources:

• Exploring the role of technology in youth and adolescent deaths by suicide using data from the 2017-2019 National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) - PubMed

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In this episode of One in Ten, host Teresa Huizar engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Jim Hamilton, an associate professor adjunct at Yale School of Medicine, on the topic of medical child abuse. They explore the complexities of why caregivers might fabricate illnesses in their children, the significant discrepancies that pediatricians should look for, and the systemic issues that enable this form of abuse. Dr. Hamilton shares insights from his experience and research, including an innovative study using school nurses to understand the prevalence and detection of medical child abuse. The episode underscores the importance of early intervention, compassionate care, and preventing the escalation of such cases to protect children and support families. 

Time  Topic 

00:00 Introduction to Medical Child Abuse 

01:21 Dr. Jim Hamilton's Journey into Medical Deception 

04:19 Understanding Medical Child Abuse 

06:33 Indicators and Evidence of Medical Child Abuse 

09:52 The Role of Healthcare Professionals 

12:02 Complexities in Diagnosing Medical Child Abuse 

17:22 Systemic Issues and Parental Influence 

25:10 Legal Challenges and Case Studies 

26:14 The Chilling Reality of Medical Child Abuse 

27:16 Prevalence and Study Design Insights 

27:52 Understanding Medical Child Abuse: Rare or Not? 

31:15 The Role of School Nurses in Identifying Abuse 

36:04 Study Findings and Surprising Results 

43:00 The Importance of Early Intervention and Compassion 

51:40 Final Thoughts and Future Directions 

Resources

Prevalence of Suspected Medical Child Abuse in the School Setting: A Study of School Nurses - PubMed

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In this episode of 'One in Ten,' host Teresa Huizar speaks with Dr. Maggie Stevenson, Associate Professor of Psychology at Kenyon College, about the interplay between jurors' personal histories of child sexual abuse and their attitudes and decisions in similar cases. The conversation delves into Dr. Stevenson's meta-analysis study, which explores whether adult survivors of child sexual abuse exhibit more empathy toward child victims and examines the implications for jury selection. The discussion highlights how severity of past abuse impacts juror empathy, potential biases, and the need for more trauma-informed practices within the court system. The episode raises important questions about practical legal implications and suggests areas for future research to ensure fairness in child sexual abuse trials. 

Time Stamps: 

TimeTopic 

00:00 Introduction to Today's Topic 

01:28 Meet Dr. Maggie Stevenson 

02:06 Research Background and Study Design 

04:53 Key Findings and Implications 

10:17 Challenges in Defining Severity 

21:01 Practical Implications for the Court System 

26:04 Future Research Directions 

31:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 

Resources:

More Severe Juror Sexual Abuse Strengthens Empathy for Child Sexual Abuse Victims: Meta-Analyses - Tayler M. Jones-Cieminski, Margaret Stevenson, Bette L. Bottoms, 2025

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In this episode of One in Ten, host Teresa Huizar talks with Dr. Matt Kafafian from George Washington University about his research on how the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the nature of the characteristics of exploited youth served by a Children’s Advocacy Center. Dr. Kafafian discusses significant findings from studies examining post-pandemic changes in the identification and referral of commercially sexually exploited children and youth. They explore how shifts to online environments and evolving police and social service practices have impacted the demographics and types of exploitation cases being reported. Key points include the new challenges facing child abuse professionals, changes in risk factors, and the implications for screening tools designed to identify vulnerable youth. Dr. Kafafian also discusses emerging trends related to gender differences and mental health issues among exploited youth, highlighting the need for updated tools and approaches in the field. 

Time Stamps 

Time Topic 

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 

00:17 Guest Introduction: Dr. Matt Kavian 

00:48 Impact of the Pandemic on Youth Exploitation 

04:29 Pre-Pandemic Vulnerabilities and Risk Factors 

06:53 Changes in Youth Exploitation During the Pandemic 

08:39 Study Findings and Hypotheses 

24:20 Implications for Child Abuse Professionals 

26:35 Future Research Directions 

29:17 Acknowledgments and Conclusion 

Resources

Changing Profiles of Youth Referred for Commercial Sexual Exploitation before and since the Onset of COVID-19 in the United States - Matthew Kafafian, Ieke de Vries, Amy Farrell, Christen Asiedu, Elizabeth Bouchard, 2025

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 In this episode of 'One in Ten', host Teresa Huizar speaks with researcher Scarlet Cho, a doctoral student at the University of California Irvine, about the reluctance of trafficked youth to disclose their experiences to authorities. They explore the unique challenges these youth face, including complex relationships with their exploiters, mistrust of police and legal systems, and the adversarial nature of initial police interactions. Scarlet shares insights from her research on forensic interviews and court testimonies, highlighting the need for better rapport-building strategies and trauma-informed approaches to improve the disclosure process and support for these vulnerable adolescents. 

Time Stamps: 

Time  Topic 

00:00 Introduction to the Episode 

00:59 Understanding Reluctance in Trafficked Youth 

01:46 Scarlet Chip's Research Journey 

03:33 Developing a Coding Scheme for Reluctance 

04:44 Unique Challenges of Interviewing Trafficked Adolescents 

09:04 Study Hypotheses and Methodology 

12:09 Key Findings and Surprising Insights 

19:53 Implications for Practitioners 

30:12 Future Directions and Final Thoughts 

Resources:

Identifying novel forms of reluctance in commercially sexually exploited adolescents - PubMed

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In this episode of 'One in Ten,' host Teresa Huizar engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Rosaleen McElvaney, a clinical psychologist and lecturer in psychology at Dublin City University. They delve into the often-overlooked impact of child sexual abuse on non-abused siblings. The discussion covers topics such as the changes in sibling relationships post-disclosure, the psychological and emotional toll on non-abused siblings, and the challenges in providing adequate support. Dr. McElvaney shares insights from her research, which includes both a small qualitative study and a larger survey, emphasizing the need for more attention and resources dedicated to understanding and supporting the entire family affected by abuse. 

Time Stamps: 

Time. Topic 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 

00:24 The Importance of Sibling Relationships in Abuse Cases 

02:01 Research Origins and Initial Findings 

11:56 Challenges and Surprises in Research 

16:54 Exploring Closeness and Emotional Support 

26:02 The Power of Belief in Family Relationships 

26:38 Survey Insights on Sibling Belief 

27:23 Ambivalence and Misunderstandings 

29:16 The Complexity of Disclosure 

31:04 Delayed Disclosure and Its Impact 

33:34 The Burden of Keeping Secrets 

34:33 Intra-Familial Abuse and Its Consequences 

39:06 Advice for Professionals 

43:23 Encouragement for Future Research 

Resources

“I Feel Closer to Her Now That I Know What She Went Through”: Findings from a Survey on Siblings’ Relationships Following Childhood Sexual Abuse - Rosaleen McElvaney, Simon Dunne, Laura Cahill, Rachael McDonnell Murray, 2025

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This episode originally aired November 7, 2024.

In this episode of One in Ten, Teresa Huizar interviews Dr. Melanie Nadon from the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign, about the intricacies of mandatory reporting in child abuse cases. The discussion delves into the disparities in report substantiations by educators compared to other professionals, the influence of socio-political shifts on welfare referrals, and the challenges of over-reporting. The conversation highlights findings from Dr. Nadon's recent study, shedding light on the complex interplay between poverty, race, and the child welfare system. The episode emphasizes the need for refined mandatory reporting training and better public policy solutions to support families effectively.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:18 Guest Introduction: Dr. Melanie Nadon

00:48 The Disparity in Child Abuse Reporting

01:38 Motivations Behind the Study

01:56 Impact of the Pandemic on Welfare Referrals

03:27 Understanding Mandatory Reporting

05:48 Educators and Mandatory Reporting

10:14 Hypotheses and Surprising Findings

13:56 Role of Medical and Legal Professionals

16:16 Implications of Prior Maltreatment

22:26 Poverty and Child Welfare

37:53 State vs. County Administered Systems

44:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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