Peer reviewedERIC Number: EJ699140
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2004-Apr-1
Pages: 9
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1055-3835
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Supportive Distortions: An Analysis of Posts on a Pedophile Internet Message Board
Malesky, L. Alvin, Jr.; Ennis, Liam
Journal of Addictions and Offender Counseling, v24 n2 p92 Apr 2004
A covert observation of posts on a pro-pedophile Internet message board investigated evidence of distorted cognitions that were supportive of sexually abusive behavior. Implications for the treatment and supervision of members of online communities that support pedophilic interests and behaviors are discussed. The purpose of the present study was to observe interactions between members of an online community that was sympathetic to individuals with pedophilic interests. This endeavor was guided by the following research questions: (a) How is the Internet used to establish or strengthen cognitive distortions regarding adult-child sexual contact? (b) What types of cognitive distortions are exhibited in posts on online pedophile message boards? (c) What specific functions do these message boards serve for individuals who access them? The data were collected from an Internet message board that caters to individuals who have pedophilic interests.
Descriptors: Internet, Sexuality, Sexual Abuse, Computer Mediated Communication, Child Abuse, Cognitive Processes, Psychological Patterns
American Counseling Association, 5999 Stevenson Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304. Web site: http://www.counseling.org.
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A


