Date of Award

January 2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

April R. Bradley

Abstract

The current study examined public perceptions of computer-generated child pornography (CGCP) and its association with pornographic material acceptance, usage, and sexual interests, as well as attitudes regarding children and sexual activities. Moral Foundations Theory was utilized to interpret these findings from a morality perspective. Additionally, the study explored public perceptions regarding the use of computer-generated child pornography in treatment and its effect on risk of contact offending. Participants included a community sample recruited using Amazon’s Mechanical Turk. Results indicated that participants had significantly lower support for illegality of computer-generated child pornography when compared to child pornography; however, support for illegality of computer-generated images was still high. Additionally, participants believed viewing computer-generated child pornography would increase risk for committing a contact offense, and using such images in treatment would be inappropriate and ineffective. Pornography acceptance and usage were negatively associated with higher support for illegality of computer-generated child pornography, while a significant relationship with usage frequency of multiple pornography types was not found. Overall, participants with lower endorsements of cognitive schemas supporting children and sexual activities reported significantly higher support for illegality of computer-generated child pornography. Finally, it was found that support for illegality of computer-generated child pornography had a positive relationship with the Ingroup, Authority, and Purity foundations of Moral Foundations Theory. Implications for public policy and clinical practice are discussed.

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