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Langvik E, Størdal TR, Steel CM, Christiansen LF, Iversen A. Public perception of individuals who commit Child Sexual Abuse Material offences: Exploring the impact of demographic variables and cross-national differences. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024:106922. [PMID: 38926007 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lay perceptions of persons who download and distribute Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) is an underexplored subject. There is a need for understanding the factors that influence perceptions as the public perceptions have implications for endorsement of sex offender rehabilitation that in turn can influence the availability of treatment programs and stigma for help-seeking. OBJECTIVE To explore public perceptions of individuals that commit child sexual abuse offences, to compare the results to those obtained in a large US sample, and to explore associations between demographic variables, general perceptions and endorsement of imprisonment and treatment for individuals that commit CSAM offences. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING An online survey were distributed in Norway in February 2023. 618 individuals responded, 76 % were female, mean age 34.99 (SD = 14.23), the majority (>70 %) had higher education, and 44 % had children. RESULTS Consistent with prior research, the public perceptions overestimated the risk of future contact offences and recidivism. Women overestimated the percentage of risk of contact offences and pedophilic interest more than men. The overestimation was significantly less in this sample compared to the US sample (d = 0.39-0.96). Those working with online child abuse had perceptions of persons committing CSAM offences that were more aligned with empirical findings. Demographic variables were only marginally associated with endorsement for treatment and imprisonment, except for having children, which was associated with endorsement of imprisonment. Perceived risk of contact offences, pedophilic preference, and assumed childhood sexual victimization were associated with perceptions of individuals committing CSAM offences as different than those committing physical sexual abuse and both endorsement of treatment and imprisonment. CONCLUSIONS The perceptions of those who commit CSAM offences showed a stronger association with endorsement for treatment and imprisonment than demographic variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Langvik
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian university of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Tale R Størdal
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian university of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Chad M Steel
- Volgenau School of Engineering, George Mason University, VA, United States of America
| | - Lisbet F Christiansen
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian university of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Anne Iversen
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian university of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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2
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Lievesley R, Harper CA, Woodward E, Tenbergen G. Fantasy Sexual Material Use by People with Attractions to Children. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2023; 25:395-404. [PMID: 37523114 PMCID: PMC10506952 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-023-01435-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW With the Internet allowing consumers easy access to fantasy and fictional sexual materials (FSM), it is becoming increasingly important to understand the context of their use among specific populations. Of particular, social, clinical, and legal interest is FSM use by people who are attracted to children and whether this may have a risk-enhancing or protective impact on their likelihood of committing a contact or non-contact sexual offence. RECENT FINDINGS There is a lack of data currently available in relation to the use of FSM by those with sexual attractions to children. Evidence from allied areas appears to show no meaningful associations between FSM use and sexual aggression. We propose a novel research program and some initial research questions that provide a theoretical framework for more evidence-based inquiry on FSM use by people who experience attractions to children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Lievesley
- NTU Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Craig A Harper
- NTU Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Ellie Woodward
- NTU Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Gilian Tenbergen
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Oswego, Oswego, NY, 13126, USA
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3
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Finkelhor D, Turner H, Colburn D, Mitchell K, Mathews B. Child sexual abuse images and youth produced images: The varieties of Image-based Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Children. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 143:106269. [PMID: 37336088 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE This paper presents a categorization of sexual image crimes and abuse that occur against children, and it compares their frequency, dynamics, and emotional impact. PARTICIPANTS A national sample of 2639 respondents aged 18-to-28 disclosed 369 childhood episodes involving a variety of image abuse. METHODS Online self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS The analysis classified the cases into five incident types: 1) adult made images (child sexual abuse images), 2) images non-consensually made by other youth, 3) voluntarily provided self-made images that were non-consensually shared by other youth, 4) voluntarily provided self-made images non-consensually shared by adults, and 5) voluntarily provided self-made images to adults that entailed an illegal age difference or were part of a commercial transaction. We propose to refer to this aggregation of types as Image Based Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Children (IBSEAC). Only 12 % of the image episodes qualified as adult produced, child sexual abuse images. Such adult produced image experiences were also not higher in negative emotional impact than the youth produced images. Only 10 % of the episodes involved images of children under age 13. CONCLUSION The study highlights the predominance of youth made sexual images among the image exploitation and abuse affecting youth according to self-report. It also highlights the difference between what victim surveys reveal about the problem and what is inferred from police record studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Finkelhor
- Crimes Against Children Research Center, University of New Hampshire, 125 McConnell Hall, 15 Academic Way, Durham, NH 03824, United States of America.
| | - Heather Turner
- Crimes Against Children Research Center, University of New Hampshire, 125 McConnell Hall, 15 Academic Way, Durham, NH 03824, United States of America
| | - Deirdre Colburn
- Crimes Against Children Research Center, University of New Hampshire, 125 McConnell Hall, 15 Academic Way, Durham, NH 03824, United States of America
| | - Kim Mitchell
- Crimes Against Children Research Center, University of New Hampshire, 125 McConnell Hall, 15 Academic Way, Durham, NH 03824, United States of America
| | - Ben Mathews
- School of Law, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George St, Brisbane City, QLD 4000, Australia
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4
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Jordan LP, Zhou X, Abdullah A, Emery CR. Gendered Dimensions of Demand for Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) in Kathmandu, Nepal. Violence Against Women 2023:10778012231172708. [PMID: 37165657 DOI: 10.1177/10778012231172708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Breaking the demand chain for sex from minors would render supply worthless, contributing to the elimination of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). Using a novel sampling technique, this study reports on actual and potential adult customers of CSEC in two areas in Kathmandu (n = 466). Controlling for refusal conversion, age, education, and income, higher scores on a new Love-Fantasy Scale (LFS) were associated with increased odds of purchasing sex from young girls, as were patriarchal norms emphasizing the power of men. Further research is needed to design interventions that include aspects related to sexual fantasy for young girls to combat demand for CSEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy P Jordan
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, HKSAR, China
- Center of Social Development for Africa, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Xiaochen Zhou
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, HKSAR, China
| | - Alhassan Abdullah
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, HKSAR, China
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Clifton R Emery
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, HKSAR, China
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5
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Konsum von Missbrauchsabbildungen: Prävalenz, Ätiologie, Fallpriorisierung und Prognose. FORENSISCHE PSYCHIATRIE, PSYCHOLOGIE, KRIMINOLOGIE 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s11757-022-00752-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
ZusammenfassungDer Konsum von Missbrauchsabbildungen hat sich im Hellfeld in den letzten Jahren immer wieder verdoppelt. Dieses erhöhte Fallaufkommen stellt Polizei, Bewährungshilfe und forensische Therapeuten vor eine Vielzahl neuer Herausforderungen. In diesem Beitrag sollen daher aktuelle theoretische Modelle und empirische Erkenntnisse dargestellt werden, um Praktiker in ihrer täglichen Arbeit zu unterstützen. Im Einzelnen sollen das Ausmaß der Problematik und ätiologische Erklärungsmodelle dargestellt werden. Darauffolgend werden empirische Erkenntnisse zu Konsumenten von Missbrauchsabbildungen aufgeführt und diese mit Tätern, die zusätzlich auch Hands-On-Delikte begehen, verglichen. Ferner wird die Problematik von „Crossover“-Tätern diskutiert. Abschließend werden Ansätze vorgestellt, um Fälle in der polizeilichen Ermittlungsarbeit zu priorisieren sowie um das Rückfallrisiko von Konsumenten von Missbrauchsabbildungen vorherzusagen.
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Savoie V, Quayle E, Flynn E, O'Rourke S. Predicting Risk of Reoffending in Persons with Child Sexual Exploitation Material Offense Histories: The Use of Child Pornography Offender Risk Tool in a Scottish Population. SEXUAL ABUSE : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2022; 34:568-596. [PMID: 34601999 DOI: 10.1177/10790632211047190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In the past decade, there has been an increase in child sexual exploitation material (CSEM) offenses and convictions. Although research shows that individuals with CSEM offence histories generally are at low risk of reoffending, certain factors do increase in CSEM convictions, in order to assist with case prioritization, management and supervision, risk assessment is helpful across agencies. The Child Pornography Offender Risk Tool (CPORT) was created specifically for this population and shows significant predictive validity for various outcomes. This study aimed to validate the use of the CPORT in a Scottish sample of 141 adult males who were convicted of CSEM offenses. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) and logistic regression analyses indicated that the CPORT significantly predicted any recidivism (Area Under the Curve = .81), any sexual recidivism (AUC = .78) and CSEM recidivism (AUC = .74), suggesting that it is a valid risk assessment tool for Scottish populations. Recommendations for further research and clinical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Savoie
- Department of Psychology, 3129NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ethel Quayle
- Department of Clinical Psychology, 65932University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Elizabeth Flynn
- Department of Psychology, 3129NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
- Forensic Network, 2294The State Hospitals Board for Scotland, Carstairs, UK
| | - Suzanne O'Rourke
- Department of Clinical Psychology, 65932University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Psychology, 2294The State Hospitals Board for Scotland, Carstairs, UK
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7
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Nicol SJ, Harris DA, Kebbell MR, Ogilvie J. Online child sexual exploitation material: A comparison from police data on men charged with child sexual exploitation material exclusively and men charged with contact child sexual abuse exclusively. SEXUAL OFFENDING 2021. [DOI: 10.5964/sotrap.4301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We do not know whether men who access Child Sexual Exploitation Material (CSEM) are contact child-sex offenders using technology - or a new and different type of child sex offender. This study compares men who were charged with Contact Child Sexual Abuse (CCSA) (n = 95) exclusively, and men who were charged with offences involving online CSEM (n = 99) exclusively. This is the first study of its kind in Australia, the first to divide participants into mutually exclusive offending type groups and to do this using police data. Logistic regression results indicated that CSEM offenders were significantly more likely to be older, more likely to be employed, have fewer criminal charges and supervision violations compared to CCSA offenders. The findings further highlighted the heterogeneity of those charged with child sexual offences based on offence typology. The identification of demographic, lifestyle and interpersonal characteristic differences between online CSEM and CCSA offenders’ questions the use of uniform approaches to community supervision and treatment protocols. The implications of these findings are discussed in light of an increased volume of people charged with CSEM offences.
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8
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Rimer JR. Discipline as Prevention: Psychoeducational Strategies in Internet Sexual Offending Group Programs. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2021; 65:1607-1628. [PMID: 32886025 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x20952389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This paper analyzes a UK-based psychoeducational intervention for users of online child sexual exploitation material (CSEM). It is founded on 17 months of anthropological research in group programs with 81 participants and 15 staff. The article argues that group exercises help participants reframe knowledge about their offending, and ultimately reinforce the theoretical concept of discipline (Foucault) toward internal and external surveillance, normalization, and decreased risk. The paper first discusses factors participants believed contributed to offending. It then analyzes the program and participants' experiences, focusing on exercises about the mind (fantasy), Internet usage (disclosure and relationships), needs met by offending (Good Lives and true needs), and planning for the future (relapse prevention). Critical is that participants are encouraged to reengage offline lives and enact discipline on and to the online world. Thus, the article ends with an anthropologically-minded discussion about digital norms, online morality, and implications for Internet offender psychoeducational practice.
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9
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Lim YY, Wahab S, Kumar J, Ibrahim F, Kamaluddin MR. Typologies and Psychological Profiles of Child Sexual Abusers: An Extensive Review. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8050333. [PMID: 33922985 PMCID: PMC8146192 DOI: 10.3390/children8050333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Child sexual abuse is a public health issue that has been associated with a variety of negative health outcomes. Child sexual abusers constitute a heterogeneous population of individuals. This review lays out an overview of the current understanding of typologies and psychological profiles of child sexual abusers. Typologies of child sexual abusers in general and online child sexual abusers are reviewed to summarise the existing knowledge. Psychological traits including personality traits, cognitive distortion, empathy, and impulsivity are examined to provide a wider perspective of the psycho-criminogenic factors of child sexual abuse. Although past research on child sexual abusers has provided insights into the organisation and classification of different types of child sexual abusers, the classification of these typologies has drawn widespread criticisms. In this review, we discuss the challenges and limitations pertaining to the existing typologies and studies related to the psychological profile of child sexual abusers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeong Yeong Lim
- Department of Early Childhood Studies, Faculty of Creative Industries, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang 43000, Malaysia;
- Centre for Research in Psychology and Human Well-Being, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia;
| | - Suzaily Wahab
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
| | - Jaya Kumar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
| | - Fauziah Ibrahim
- Centre for Research in Psychology and Human Well-Being, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia;
| | - Mohammad Rahim Kamaluddin
- Centre for Research in Psychology and Human Well-Being, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +60-3-89213923 (ext. 8923); Fax: +60-3-8921-3541
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10
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Brankley AE, Babchishin KM, Hanson RK. STABLE-2007 Demonstrates Predictive and Incremental Validity in Assessing Risk-Relevant Propensities for Sexual Offending: A Meta-Analysis. SEXUAL ABUSE : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2021; 33:34-62. [PMID: 31516097 DOI: 10.1177/1079063219871572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
STABLE-2007 is a measure of risk-relevant propensities for adult males convicted of a sexual offense. This meta-analysis evaluated the ability of STABLE-2007 and its items to discriminate between recidivists and nonrecidivists, and the extent to which STABLE-2007 improves prediction over and above Static-99R. Based on 21 studies (12 unique samples, N = 6,955), we found that STABLE-2007 was significantly and incrementally related to sexual recidivism, violent (nonsexual) recidivism, violent (including sexual) recidivism, and any crime. Scores on STABLE-2007 items and the three STABLE-2000 attitude items also discriminated between individuals who sexually reoffended and those who did not sexually reoffend. These findings support the use of STABLE-2007 in applied risk assessment practice and the interpretation of STABLE-2007 items as indicators of treatment and supervision targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E Brankley
- Public Safety Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - R Karl Hanson
- Public Safety Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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11
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review examines the literature on technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV). The prevalence, perpetrators, harms, and victims of a selection of types of TFSV are covered. Particularly, the topics of image-based sexual abuse, video voyeurism, sending of unsolicited sexual images, and the use of technology to facilitate in-person sexual violence are discussed. RECENT FINDINGS The literature suggests that the types of TFSV discussed are prevalent and the impacts far-reaching. There is emerging evidence outlining the characteristics associated with and motivations behind these acts of TFSV. The impacts of TFSV victimization can be diverse and damaging. Many questions about TFSV are unanswered, highlighting the need for more empirical investigations. Technology can be used to facilitate sexual violence through several means. It is clear that there is the potential for the impact on victims to be extensive; thus, it is critical that more work be done to understand the extent and nature of TFSV and the individuals who perpetrate this type of violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Fisico
- Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2000 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, ON L1H 7K4 Canada
| | - Leigh Harkins
- Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2000 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, ON, L1H 7K4, Canada.
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12
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Soldino V, Merdian HL, Bartels RM, Bradshaw HK. Implicit Theories of Child Sexual Exploitation Material Offenders: Cross-Cultural Validation of Interview Findings. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2020; 64:315-334. [PMID: 31550957 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x19877599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Offense-supportive cognitions are thought to result from underlying implicit theories (ITs). As child sexual exploitation material (CSEM) users are a distinct type of sex offender, Bartels and Merdian proposed that CSEM offenders hold five different ITs from those endorsed by contact sex offenders (i.e., Unhappy World, Self as Uncontrollable, Child as Sexual Object, Nature of Harm [CSEM variant], and Self as Collector), linked by an assumption about the Reinforcing Nature of the Internet. This article reports a conceptual content analysis of 23 interviews conducted with CSEM offenders in the United Kingdom and Spain. Support for all CSEM-specific ITs was found across both samples, providing an empirical validation of this conceptualization. Finally, four ITs originally identified for contact sex offenders were also identified, namely, Uncontrollability, Child as Sexual Being, Dangerous World, and Nature of Harm. Further validation of CSEM-related ITs is encouraged.
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13
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Knack N, Holmes D, Fedoroff JP. Motivational pathways underlying the onset and maintenance of viewing child pornography on the Internet. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW 2020; 38:100-116. [PMID: 32056275 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The staggering rate at which incidents of child pornography (CP) are increasing highlights the need for proactive approaches to this problem. Improving the efficacy and accessibility of interventions designed for individuals who view CP provides one means of addressing this growing concern. This article explores the self-identified motivations underlying the onset and maintenance of viewing Internet-based CP among a sample of 20 men receiving treatment for this behavior. Our findings suggest two primary motivational pathways, namely a desire to achieve sexual gratification and/or an attempt to avoid emotional pain. We propose a behavioral facilitation process, initiated by extensive exposure to Internet pornography, to explain the use of CP in men without a sexual interest in children. We also discuss factors that appeared to facilitate the maintenance of this behavior. Our findings indicate that social skills deficits, maladaptive coping strategies, and a lack of sexual education require further investigation regarding their role in promoting or precluding desistance from viewing CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Knack
- Forensic Research Unit, The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, Canada
| | - Dave Holmes
- Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - J Paul Fedoroff
- Forensic Research Unit, The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Canada
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14
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Stoll CB, Boillat C, Pflueger MO, Graf M, Rosburg T. Psychopathy, Neuroticism, and Abusive Behavior in Low Risk Child Sex Offenders. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2019; 28:990-1006. [PMID: 31225780 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2019.1630880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Personality traits are considered as an important aspect in the assessment of child sex offenders (CSOs). The current study sought to elucidate the association between neuroticism, psychopathy, and abusive behavior in low risk CSOs. 43 pedophilic CSOs and 21 controls (CTLs) completed the NEO-Personality Inventory-Revised (NEO-PI-R), Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version (PCL:SV), and Multiphasic Sex Inventory (MSI). Our results revealed small differences in PCL scores between CSOs and CTLs, with comparatively low levels of psychopathy in both groups. Higher levels of neuroticism were associated with higher PCL scores, in both CSOs and CTLs. However, higher PCL scores in CSOs did not correlate with higher MSI total scores on the subscale child molest. These findings suggest an ambiguous role of psychopathy in CSOs: higher levels of psychopathy co-occur with higher levels of neuroticism, but psychopathy does apparently not modulate abusive behavior, at least not in low risk offenders, as currently investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric B Stoll
- Forensics Department, University Psychiatric Clinics Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Coralie Boillat
- Forensics Department, University Psychiatric Clinics Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marlon O Pflueger
- Forensics Department, University Psychiatric Clinics Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marc Graf
- Forensics Department, University Psychiatric Clinics Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Timm Rosburg
- Forensics Department, University Psychiatric Clinics Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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15
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Schmidt AF, Mann RE. Heraclitus’ River and Recent Advances in Criminal Psychology. EUROPEAN PSYCHOLOGIST 2018. [DOI: 10.1027/1016-9040/a000327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander F. Schmidt
- Institute of Psychology, Social & Legal Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Medical School Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ruth E. Mann
- Her Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service, England and Wales, London, United Kingdom
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