Date of Award
Summer 7-26-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department/Program
Forensic Mental Health Counseling
Language
English
First Advisor or Mentor
Elizabeth Jeglic
Second Reader
Cynthia Calkins
Third Advisor
Esther Rister
Abstract
Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a global societal problem. Advances in technology and widespread Internet access have shifted much of the focus and prevention policies toward online CSA (OCSA). Initially, internet crimes against children were seen as “stranger danger” offenses, where the perpetrator was unknown to the victim. However, recent studies show that online sex offenses are mostly committed by individuals known to the victim. While existing literature has explored how the “stranger danger myth” shapes public perceptions about in-person offenders, little is known about public beliefs regarding OCSA within the context of the stranger danger myth. This study aimed to evaluate public beliefs about OCSA through the creation a novel survey that asks specifically about OCSA and the endorsement of the stranger danger myth. In addition, we investigated if a history of OCSA affected these beliefs and determined if participants’ existing knowledge about OCSA influenced their views on online stranger danger. Using Prolific, 127 adult participants in the United States completed questionnaires and were asked about their history of online victimization before the age of 18. Results indicated that participants were slightly more likely to believe in stranger danger online. Additionally, a significant negative correlation was found between beliefs in the stranger danger myth and knowledge about sex offenders, indicating that beliefs increased as knowledge decreased. Overall, this study offers insights into public beliefs about OCSA, underscoring the need for targeted education and prevention strategies to correct misconceptions and promote accurate understanding of OCSA. These findings also have theoretical implications for clinical and social decision-making as well as relevance to counseling outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Delacour, Kendhyl, "Through the Digital Lens: Examining Beliefs About Online Child Sexual Abuse" (2024). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/jj_etds/327
