A Matter Of Low Self-Control? Exploring Differences Between Child Pornography Possessors And Child Pornography Producers/Distributers Using Self-Control Theory

Keywords

child pornography; child pornography possession; child pornography production/distribution; low self-control; self-control theory

Abstract

This study examined the demographic and background characteristic differences between those arrested for child pornography (CP) possession (only), or CP production/distribution, or an attempted or completed sexual exploitation of a minor (SEM) that involved the Internet in some capacity within the context of self-control theory using data from the second wave of the National Juvenile Online Victimization Study (N-JOV2). Results indicate few demographic similarities, which thereby suggest these are largely heterogeneous groupings of individuals. Results also indicate CP producers/distributers engaged in a greater number of behaviors indicative of low self-control compared with CP possessors. Specifically, offenders arrested for CP production/distribution were more likely to have (a) had problems with drugs/alcohol at the time of the crime and (b) been previously violent. In contrast, the only indicator of low self-control that reached statistical significance for CP possessors was the previous use of violence. Moreover, in contrast to CP producers/distributers, full-time employment and marital status may be important factors to consider in the likelihood of arrest for CP possessors, which is congruent with the tenets of self-control theory.

Publication Date

9-1-2016

Publication Title

Sexual Abuse: Journal of Research and Treatment

Volume

28

Issue

6

Number of Pages

555-571

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1177/1079063214557173

Socpus ID

84978835147 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84978835147

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