Causal Attributions, Implicit Beliefs, and Immutability from the Perceptions of Pedophiles
Date of Conferral
10-26-2023
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Psychology
Advisor
Sandra Caramela-Miller
Abstract
Pedophilic immutability is a complex phenomenon that has been challenging to understand. Perceptions of pedophiles have largely been ignored in understanding how pedophilic immutability develops. However, relationships between causal attributions and implicit beliefs may provide evidence for new conceptualizations related to pedophilic immutability. The purpose of this study was to explore pedophiles’ perceptions directly with attribution and implicit theory as key foundational principles of pedophilic immutability. Research questions were developed to allow for rich description from participants regarding their causal attributions and implicit beliefs associated with pedophilic immutability. Qualitative exploration was necessary to address the dearth of research related to pedophilic immutability focusing on pedophiles’ perceptions. Four male individuals volunteered and participated in the research study interviews. Thematic analysis was used to identify common themes among causal attribution and implicit beliefs that are associated with pedophilic immutability. Major themes identified during thematic analysis included that pedophilia development is complex, nature then nurture, nothing I can do about it, never believed but tried and failed, reality for pedophiles, and change is ambiguous. External causal attributions led to entity implicit beliefs related to pedophilic immutability, which was likely a main factor behind that particular mindset. A more diverse population with a deeper sample size would provide stronger evidence for some of the resulting interpretations. The findings from this study can be used to facilitate positive social change through development of a conceptual framework and a more comprehensive societal view of pedophilic immutability.
Recommended Citation
Fontan, Gabriel, "Causal Attributions, Implicit Beliefs, and Immutability from the Perceptions of Pedophiles" (2023). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 15015.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/15015
