Revenge porn: the prevalence and characteristics of perpetrators and victims on non-consensual image sharing
Publication Date
July 19, 2019
Creator
Abstract
This thesis explores research evidence for when sexting goes wrong. More specifically, it investigates the prevalence of when sexual images are forwarded to those not originally intended for, and the characteristics of those who forward images, and those who have their images forwarded on to third parties. A systematic review examined research investigating the prevalence of the sharing of sexual imagery with third parties. This found that the majority of research has been carried out on student populations, with females accounting for a significant proportion of the participants. Sexting as a research area is receiving an increasing amount interest. Too broad or too narrow definitions make establishing a base rate prevalence difficult to ascertain. In addition, a lack of standardised questionnaire to establish prevalence compounds this further. Furthermore, in completing this systematic review it was revealed that a further identification the characteristics of those who forward images (perpetrators), and those who have images forwarded to third parties (victimised) is required to gain a further understanding of potential risk factors involved in this. Further analyses using the data within systematic review revealed that there is no correlation between the year of publication and the prevalence of forwarding images.
An empirical research study explored the problem-solving ability, impulsivity and self-esteem of individuals who had forwarded a sexual image of another without the consent of the individual depicted in the image/video. Using the Social Problem Scale-Revised (SPSI-R; D’Zurilla, Nezu Maydeu Olivares, 2002), perpetrators were found to have significantly higher scores on the impulsivity and carelessness subscale, and the positive problem orientation scale than those who had not shared an image. Perpetrators were also found to have significantly higher levels of impulsivity using the The Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (Patton, Stanford, & Barratt, 1995). It further explored the impact of coping and levels of shame experienced by those who had been threatened or had a sexual image of them shared. Levels of shame and coping were found to be similar within those who had been threatened and those who had an image of them shared.
A critical analysis is presented of the SPSI-R (D’Zurilla et al., 2002), a widely used psychometric tool within forensic populations. It has good validity within multiple areas, although it may be necessary to consider impression management when using it due to its high face validity. Caution must be used when applying it within forensic populations due to a paucity of normative data for this specific population.
Finally, a media analysis sought to examine cases where an individual has been found guilty of sharing or threatening to share a sexual image without the consent of the individual depicted. Characteristics including the gender of the offender/victim, prior intimate relationship history, any additional offences, whether or not a motive was financial gain, as well as the law used to prosecute the case were considered. The afore mentioned characteristics reported within the media analysis did not appear to be associated with the sentence given to the perpetrator. This thesis provides a further understanding of the non-consensual sharing of sexual images, and implications are discussed.
Item Type
ethesis
Thesis Type
DForenPsy
Supervisors
Subjects (LC)
Associated Schools / Departments
School of Medicine
eprints ID
56465
UoN Repository URI
Except where otherwise noted, this item's license is described as
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
Name
sarahbothamleyFINALTHESISpublishedpaperremovedApril2019.pdf
Type
Full-text
Description
Examined
Size
7.06 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
4ce68509e5b2db3d8c81c5813d059bbd