How do researchers study pedophilia?

Factual Questions
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I’m no expert on the topic but is there any reason why this subject would be any different from other studies of contraband items? I’m sure there are exceptions allowed for the scientific testing of drug use. I’m guessing there is some procedure involved in acquiring the needed paraphernalia. I’m sure the Authorities have confiscated plenty of kiddie porn that could serve a purpose to benefit society.

As for the mental anguish angle, am I the only one who thinks that idea is a little silly? Personally I think that studying serial killers, performing autopsies or having to perform vivisections on research animals is in an entirely different ballpark on the scale of psychological trauma. I’m thinking that if I had to scientifically study something I’d find seeing a child being molested way less traumatic than seeing a child being beaten and murdered.

22

Omniscient: I accept your point that my question about “the anguish” was a little silly. I imagine anyone who went in for this line of work would have to be pretty strong-minded in the 1st place, and would have found some kind of ‘coping mechanism’, like the similar trauma involved professionals, suggested by you and other posters.
The responses to my OP in this thread have certainly confirmed my guesses that this isn’t a line of work for your average Joe or Josephine.