Examining Self-Reported Physical Contact With Minors Among Pedophile Support Forum Users

Abstract

Minimal research has considered the extent to which pedophile social support forum users disclose physical relationships with minors in the course of their posts. As these forums cater to those who express sexual interests in minors, the users may be at higher risk for contact offenses and require unique treatment and supervision. To address this gap in the literature, this study utilized a quantitative analysis of the posts from 806 users from four separate pedophile support forums to identify the correlates of self-disclosed contact with minors. The findings demonstrated that although most users do not disclose physical contact, those who do share several common traits, specifically fantasies of minors, mentions of relationships with minors, and a sexually suggestive username. The implications of this analysis for our understanding of the role of online forums and potential clinical treatment are discussed in detail.

Realization, Self-View, and Disclosure of Pedophilia: A Content Analysis of Online Posts

“…Nevertheless, by relying exclusively on peer-to-peer online communities and not seeking professional help, individuals with pedophilia would be missing the opportunities granted by a face-to-face evaluation, such as the assessment of other contextual factors, or receiving empirically-based interventions from a professional. Furthermore, some online spaces have been found to promote pro-contact attitudes, reinforcing the idea that minor-adult relationships are acceptable, and justifying child sexual abuse (Durkin & Bryant, 1999; Holt et al, 2010, 2020; Quayle & Taylor, 2011; Taylor et al, 2001). Because of this, caution should be exercised when accessing online groups.…”

“…These disclosures can suggest early help-seeking behavior (wanting to learn to control urges, alleviate distress, or address other psychological issues). However, disclosure can also be motivated by validation seeking (i.e., seeking affirmation that the attraction to minors is not wrong; see e.g., Holt et al, 2010; 2020).…”

The perspective of victims/survivors on media coverage of child sexual abuse

“…Holt et al (2020) wrote, as quoted earlier, that it is "imperative that we continue to examine online communities to understand the potential risks as well as discover the possible measures of prevention". In their article, the authors themselves speculate that the pro-social influence on individuals from peer-support forums could serve as protective factors that prevent contact with minors (Holt et al, 2020). Here, through an explorative and observational fieldwork on two forums, this chapter has sought to contribute to a further examination of the risk and possible mea sures of prevention of online peer support.…”

“…Here, through an explorative and observational fieldwork on two forums, this chapter has sought to contribute to a further examination of the risk and possible mea sures of prevention of online peer support. As both Holt et al (2020) and Lasher and Stinson (2017) raised, pro-social factors could be the important preventive potential of peer support.…”

Titelei/Inhaltsverzeichnis

“…Peer-support forums can thus give both users and people working to develop preventive programs important knowledge to facilitate a "Good Lives Model" that "focuses on pro-socially obtaining primary human goods, such as a healthy life, knowledge, occu pational excellence, independence, relationships, community, happiness, and creativity" (Ward & Gannon, 2006, as cited in Lasher & Stinson, 2017. Holt et al (2020) wrote, as quoted earlier, that it is "imperative that we continue to examine online communities to understand the potential risks as well as discover the possible measures of prevention". In their article, the authors themselves speculate that the pro-social influence on individuals from peer-support forums could serve as protective factors that prevent contact with minors (Holt et al, 2020).…”