An exploratory analysis of the cognitive distortions of a sample of men arrested in internet sex stings

Abstract

The use of the internet by individuals who are sexually interested in children is considered a major problem which has received a tremendous amount of attention in recent years from the media, general public and law enforcement. However, there has been relatively little research on the so-called “travellers”, men who attempt to solicit children online to eventually meet in person for sexual purposes. This exploratory study will address the types of cognitive distortions possessed by a sample (n=18) of men who were arrested for attempting to solicit sex from minors online. These arrests were part of proactive investigations where law enforcement personnel and associates pose as a minor online to identify men who are soliciting sex from children. The results indicate the presence of three types of cognitive distortions in these subjects—refutation, minimization and justifications/rationalizations. The majority of subjects offered justifications/rationalizations, and sought to minimize their behaviour. Implications for mental health professionals and law enforcement are discussed, and suggestions for future research are presented.

Keywords:

• Internet crimes against children
• sex offenders
• cognitive distortions
• Internet predators