Child Pornography: An Examination of Pornography Use across the Lifespan
Advisor Information
Lisa Sample
Location
MBSC 304
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
6-3-2020 12:45 PM
End Date
6-3-2020 2:00 PM
Abstract
Working under the assumption that child pornography arrests are part of broader patterns of pornography viewing, this research examines how legal pornography use becomes a criminal event. The purpose of this research is to examine how pornography use patterns develop across the life span of individuals using a sample of 30 individuals with prior convictions for sex-related offenses. Qualitative life history interviews conducted with participants examine themes related to pornography use throughout the life course, specifically noting when and why legal pornography viewing turns into illegal pornography possession and a criminal event. In addition, the study examines pornography use patterns throughout life to make comparisons among contact and noncontact offenders. Finally, this research concludes with a discussion of the importance of examining the relationship between turning points in the life course of individuals as they relate to facilitating criminal offending or encouraging desistance or a lack of re-offending. Themes observed in prior research suggest that traditional turning points that lead to desistance from criminal offending for most offenders may be those that lead to criminal offending for sexual offenders, specifically those with noncontact offenses.
Child Pornography: An Examination of Pornography Use across the Lifespan
MBSC 304
Working under the assumption that child pornography arrests are part of broader patterns of pornography viewing, this research examines how legal pornography use becomes a criminal event. The purpose of this research is to examine how pornography use patterns develop across the life span of individuals using a sample of 30 individuals with prior convictions for sex-related offenses. Qualitative life history interviews conducted with participants examine themes related to pornography use throughout the life course, specifically noting when and why legal pornography viewing turns into illegal pornography possession and a criminal event. In addition, the study examines pornography use patterns throughout life to make comparisons among contact and noncontact offenders. Finally, this research concludes with a discussion of the importance of examining the relationship between turning points in the life course of individuals as they relate to facilitating criminal offending or encouraging desistance or a lack of re-offending. Themes observed in prior research suggest that traditional turning points that lead to desistance from criminal offending for most offenders may be those that lead to criminal offending for sexual offenders, specifically those with noncontact offenses.