Addiction to child pornography: A psychological analysis

Rachel A Sitarz, Purdue University

Abstract

Addiction to the Internet, the usage to deviant materials, such as child pornography, and personality traits which correlate with the usage of child pornography are the main points of interest in the current study. A literature review was conducted in order to gain an understanding of what has been done in terms of addiction to the Internet, sexualized addictions, and a background of consumers of child pornography. The purpose of the study was to see if consumers of child pornography are addicted to the materials, causing them to spend excessive amounts of time viewing, collecting, or trading with others. The study focused on the general population on the Internet, whom are over the age of 18. The study was a self-reported survey, which measured demographics, personality, morals which affect decision-making, exploitive and manipulative behaviors, how often the individual used pornography, and testing for Internet addiction. There were 144 respondents to the survey. 26 of the respondents were classified as child pornography users, and 118 were classified as non-child pornography users. Statistical analysis revealed a relationship between child pornography usage, personality traits, addiction to the Internet and online behaviors. Specifically, there was a statistical difference between child pornography users and non-child pornography users, and addiction to the Internet. The current study proved to measure child pornography usage on the Internet, and show significant findings of child pornography user’s behaviors and personality.

Degree

M.S.

Advisors

Rogers, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Personality psychology|Criminology

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