Year: 2014
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The aim of this qualitative research study was to explore the influences of pornographic material on \nthe sexual exploitation of children. An interpretive research method, based on phenomenological \nprinciples, was followed. A total of 18 semistructured interviews were conducted with sentenced sex \noffenders who had committed an offence against a child (a person under the age of 18). \nThe research findings, obtained through a process of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), \nhighlighted personal and family characteristics that could increase individuals’ susceptibility to the \neffect of exposure to pornographic material. Moreover, it was found that early, recurrent exposure \nto pornography results in physical, cognitive and behavioural influences that considerably increase \nthe level of sexual satisfaction and need for instantaneous sexual gratification. This uncontrollable \nneed for sexual gratification often results in destructive behaviour such as addiction to pornographic \nmaterial, criminal sexual acts involving children and damage to the family system. The effect of \nsexually explicit material is furthermore intensified by the availability of pornographic material on the \nInternet, which considerably increases the likelihood of individuals being exposed to a variety of \npornographic images, including illegal material such as child pornography. \nBased on the outcomes of the research study, it can be concluded that pornography does have an \neffect on human behaviour in relation to the sexual exploitation of children which necessitates the \neffective regulation of pornographic material, especially on the Internet, and the evaluation of the \nhelp profession’s approach to effectively deal with issues stemming from exposure to pornographic \nmaterial
Author: Antoinette Basson
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2100029356