Many researchers taking a different view of pedophilia

In searching for causes of pedophilia, researchers have largely dismissed the popular belief that abuse in childhood plays an important role. Studies show that few victims grow up to be abusers, and only about a third of offenders say they were molested. Scientists at the Toronto center have uncovered a series of associations that suggest pedophilia has biological roots.

Among the most compelling findings is that 30% of pedophiles are left-handed or ambidextrous, triple the general rate. Because hand dominance is established through some combination of genetics and the environment of the womb, scientists see that association as a powerful indicator that something is different about pedophiles at birth. "The only explanation is a physiological one," said James Cantor, a leader of the research.

Researchers have also determined that pedophiles are nearly an inch shorter on average than non-pedophiles and lag behind the average IQ by 10 points - discoveries that are consistent with developmental problems, whether before birth or in childhood.

source: Article 'Many researchers taking a different view of pedophilia' by Alan Zarembo; articles.latimes.com/2013/jan/14/local/la-me-pedophiles-20130115; Los Angeles Times; 14 January 2013