Beyond Images and Videos: A Narrative Review of Text-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material

Abstract

While there is a growing body of literature on the content and impact of image- and video-based child sexual exploitation and abuse material (CSEAM), knowledge of text-based CSEAM (e.g., fictional stories describing sexual interactions between a child and an adult) remains sparse. This narrative review synthesizes findings from nine theoretical and empirical studies, which were identified through a systematic search of PsycInfo, PsycNet, PSYNDEX, PubMed, and Scholars Portal Journals. Any study addressing the definition and content of text-based CSEAM, societal reactions to and receptions of text-based CSEAM, or the potential role of text-based CSEAM as a risk or protective factor was included. We found that limited empirical research on the effects of text-based CSEAM exists. While some preliminary findings and theoretical considerations suggest that engagement with text-based CSEAM may be a risk factor for (re-)offending against children, there may also be circumstances in which text-based CSEAM could even serve as a protective sexual outlet for individuals with pedohebephilic interests. It will be the task of future research to further elucidate the phenomenon of text-based CSEAM. Specifically, empirical research is needed on the content of text-based CSEAM, on situational factors, and on individual differences in users and producers that determine the criminogenic or protective effects of text-based CSEAM.