Can social learning theory explain child sexual assault?
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Hannah E. Scott (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Cindy Brooks Dollar
Abstract: This research seeks to examine if the social learning theory proposed by Ronald L. Akers has potential in explaining patterns among men who report engaging in sexual assault. Many studies reveal an association between CSA (child sexual abuse) and adult violent behavior, examining a victim-offender overlap and social learning being at least one of the reasons for it. These studies, however, do not focus inherently on Akers’ social learning theory or extensively on the adult male sex offender population in America. Social learning theory posits that actions like sexual violence occur when an individual is exposed to such deviant behavior through different associations favorable to crime and through imitation and learning reinforcement. The present study examines pre-recorded videos of adult male-identified persons convicted of sex crimes from a social learning theory lens. Specifically, I assess the extent to which the interviewees use language and/or other expressions that reflect social learning components at macro- (systemic) and micro-(interpersonal) levels. The question driving the research is: Can Akers’ Social Learning theory explain men’s sexual assault? The pre-recorded videos are from the single playlist, ‘Sexual Abuse,’ on the publicly available YouTube channel, Soft White Underbelly created by Mark Laita who is also the interviewer for each video. All the interviewees in the sample are registered sex offenders in the state of Florida. Using a guide sheet to assess various components of social learning theory, I systematically evaluate the validity of Akers’ social learning theory. My results indicate that five of the eight male sex offenders in the sample experienced CSA. The large majority of the sample sexually violated minors. Some, but not all, of the men imply or directly state that they learned how to sexually assault by interactions with others, thus supporting aspects of Akers’ social learning theory.
Can social learning theory explain child sexual assault?
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Created on 5/1/2024
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- Language: English
- Date: 2024
- Keywords
- Child abuse, Male offenders, Sexual abuse, Social learning theory