A Matter of Low Self-Control? Exploring Differences Between Child Pornography Possessors and Child Pornography Producers/Distributers Using 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.

Characteristics and treatment of internet child pornography offenders

“…Based on Table 1, ICPOs are significantly more likely to be better educated, employed, and have higher incomes than contact offenders (Ly et al, 2016). Clevenger, Navarro, and Jasinski (2016) propose that being employed could indicate more self-control in online offenders. Clevenger et al (2016) concluded that ICPOs may be less likely to commit hands-on offenses because they have more self-control than online solicitors.…”

“…Clevenger, Navarro, and Jasinski (2016) propose that being employed could indicate more self-control in online offenders. Clevenger et al (2016) concluded that ICPOs may be less likely to commit hands-on offenses because they have more self-control than online solicitors. However, ICPOs reported having less self-restraint when compared to online solicitors (Clevenger et al, 2016).…”

“…Clevenger et al (2016) concluded that ICPOs may be less likely to commit hands-on offenses because they have more self-control than online solicitors. However, ICPOs reported having less self-restraint when compared to online solicitors (Clevenger et al, 2016). Similarly, Seto, Wood, Babchishin, and Flynn (2012) found that solicitation offenders (luring or traveler offenders) had lower sex drive and sexual preoccupation when compared with ICPOs (Seto et al, 2012).…”

Technology and the endless “cat and mouse” game: A review of the interpersonal cybervictimization literature

“…Although assessing the prevalence of child pornography is challenging, studies on arrested offenders are enlightening. For example, in a study focused on arrested online sexual offenders, nearly half of the perpetrators included in the sample (48%) engaged in the sexual solicitation of a minor (Clevenger, Navarro, & Jasinski, ). In terms of child pornography, most offenders solely possessed the offensive material (46%) whereas a smaller percentage produced and distributed it (6%; Clevenger et al, ).…”

“…For example, in a study focused on arrested online sexual offenders, nearly half of the perpetrators included in the sample (48%) engaged in the sexual solicitation of a minor (Clevenger, Navarro, & Jasinski, ). In terms of child pornography, most offenders solely possessed the offensive material (46%) whereas a smaller percentage produced and distributed it (6%; Clevenger et al, ). In another study that utilized a community sample , a small percentage of men (9%) and women (3%) expressed desires indicative of being child pornographers (Wurtele, Simons, & Moreno, ).…”