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Browsing by Author "Durkin, Keith F."

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    Accounts and sexual deviance in cyberspace: the case of pedophilia
    Durkin, Keith F. (Virginia Tech, 1996-08-05)
    This research is unique because it represents the first sociological study of pedophiles who use the Internet. The data were gathered from a Usenet newsgroup that is frequented by pedophiles. A content analysis was performed on all of the postings from admitted pedophiles (N=41) that appeared on this newsgroup during a one month period. Scott and Lyman’s classic formulation of accounts served as the conceptual framework for this study. The primary research question was: "How do pedophiles who use the Internet account for their deviance?” There were four ancillary objectives to this analysis: (1) to ascertain the degree to which pedophiles who participate in this newsgroup provide validation to, and seek validation from, other users; (2) to investigate the extent to which pedophiles who participate in this forum provide information to, and seek information from, other users; (3) to assess the degree to which pedophiles use this newsgroup to seek correspondence with other pedophiles; and (4) to determine the extent to which users of this newsgroup are members of the pedophile organization NAMBLA (the North American/Man Boy Love Association). Slightly more than one-half of the pedophiles in the sample provided some type of account in defense of pedophilia or adults having sex with children. Thirty-nine percent offered a denial of injury account; 31.7% proffered a condemnation of condemners account; 14.6% provided a BIRGing account; and 4.9% used an appeal to loyalties account. Also, nearly one-fourth of these pedophiles used polythematic accounts. The results of this research also indicate that this computer forum serves a validation function for these pedophiles. Moreover, many of the postings that appeared on this newsgroup contained information that should be of interest to pedophiles. Some of these on-line pedophiles use this newsgroup to establish correspondence with other pedophiles. Although only a few of the pedophiles in this sample indicated a NAMBLA affiliation, these individuals frequently provided accounts which reflect the ideology of that pedophile organization.
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    Anabolic steroid use among non-competitive male bodybuilders: an application of two theories of deviant behavior
    Durkin, Keith F. (Virginia Tech, 1992-06-05)
    The purpose of this research is to explain anabolic steroid use among non-competitive male bodybuilders. Two theories of deviant behavior are used in this research: rational choice theory and social learning theory. This thesis tests these theories on a sample of 50 males from fitness centers and gymnasiums. The results are interpreted in light of their implications for future research on the factors that encourage steroid use and other deviant behavior.