Ehlers, Paul-Sebastian (2024) Public opinion and called for consequences for Paedophiliacs. Master thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
This study investigates the opinions of the general public about pedophilia via the forum Reddit with the objective to quantify responses of anonymous online users. The intent is to identify positive, neutral or negative frameworks when discussing pedophilia and to investigate what consequences these users prefer for pedophilic behaviors or individuals. A content-analysis was conducted with an initial top-down approach based on a previously conducted study. This is used to categorize 100 posts and 1929 comments, in addition to a data-driven approach to further specify a category that consists of half the sample of comments. The results suggested that the majority of posts and comments fitted in a negative or neutral framework and identified violent acts and incarceration as the preferred repercussions for pedophiles. These statements were made irrespective of the behavior or attitude of the pedophile, since pedophilia was equated with offending behavior and considered as continuously at risk for offending. It became apparent that negative emotions underlie aggressive reactions and were characterized by vulgar language, as well as descriptions of violent acts committed against these individuals. That lead to the conclusion that there is currently little room for pedophiles to safely come forward so that they can seek help to manage their urges. However, this is required to make them engage with therapy, to experience positive treatment outcomes, as well as reducing the risk of offending.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Karsten, J. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | Clinical Forensic Psychology and Victimology (FP) [Master Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 15 Jul 2024 06:57 |
| Last Modified: | 15 Jul 2024 06:57 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3878 |
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