The offenders of online child pornography Hypotheses of psychic functioning with projectiv methods
Résumé
Introduction In France, the problem of online child pornography offences has not been the subject of a systematic study, unlike in other countries (United States, Canada, etc.) where this issue has been studied since the 1990s. To fill this gap, a multidisciplinary research project (psychology, sociology, law) is currently underway. One of its aims is to gain a better understanding of the life history, personality and psychic functioning of subjects with online child pornography practices. Based on two study cases, this presentation presents the first hypotheses resulting from the analysis of projective tests. Methodology The qualitative research protocol includes two clinical interviews (one focusing on the "life story"; the other on practices) and the Rorschach and TAT - scored and analyzed according to the “French School” method. This protocol will be submitted to 30 voluntary participants (free and informed consent), convicted of offences related to online child pornography (viewing, downloading, production...). They were met in health and care centers, at the start of their treatment. The two cases presented have the particularity of being exclusively consumers of online child pornography content (no sexual assault with contact). Results The protocols show difficulties in mentalizing sexuality. Overall, fanstasms are not accessible. Finally, an intense struggle against depressive affects was observed. Conclusion These initial hypotheses offer stimulating ideas about these subjects' relationship to their environment and to perception, and about the meaning of using online child pornography.