Ellen Zakreski

This thesis explores the association between sexual victimization and paraphilic interesets in the Czech Republic using data from a nationally representative sample. It examines the prevalence of paraphilic interests and investigates whether individuals with a history of sexual victimization are more likely to exhibit these interests. Specifically, two hypotheses will be tested: 1) Individuals with a history of sexual victimization will report higher levels of paraphilic interests compared to those without such experiences, and 2) childhood victimization will have a stronger association with paraphilic interests than adulthood victimization. Paraphilic interests and victimization experiences are assessed through self-report measures, and multiple linear regression analyses are conducted to examine the relationship between victimization timing and paraphilic interests.

Evidence suggests that rape myth acceptance is a risk factor for committing sexual violence, but can it also increase the risk of sexual victimization? This thesis will examine the association between rape myth acceptance and sexual violence victimization experiences in adulthood. Among survivors of sexual violence, the thesis will also examine whether individuals with higher levels of rape myth acceptance are also less likely to have sought help or report the incidence. Finally, the student will examine which types of sexual violence victimization are most strongly associated with rape myth acceptance.

This thesis will explore the associations between adverse childhood experiences and cognitions supportive of sexual offending against adults and children, and how this association involves insecure attachment style. As part of the thesis preparation, the student will be involved in the preparation of the survey, data collection and quantitative analysis.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and cortisol are steroids hormones that may be involved in the development of children's social perception and behavior. For example, as children approach adolescence, increases DHEA are associated with a shift towards social hierarchies, while increased cortisol reactivity is associated with greater sensitivity to social evaluation. Dr. Lindová's lab has conducted a study examining social behavior in Czech school children and measured DHEA and cortisol in saliva while children performed interactive activities in their classrooms. The student will examine how levels of these hormones relate to social network parameters, interactions with same vs. opposite sex peers, and friendship nominations. The student will focus on conducting a thorough and comprehensive literature review and analyzing data. This includes familiarizes themselves with some basic topics in psychoneurendocrinology, as well as social developmental psychology.

Sexual offense-supportive cognitions are beliefs that justify, excuse or minimize sexual offending. These cognitions increase the risk of sexual offending. These cognitions may develop after a person offends to reduce guilt, which can then increase the risk of subsequent offending. Since individuals also experience guilt if they have paraphilic interests (e.g., pedohebephilia), this project will examine whether offence-supportive are also present in people with sexual interests in minors or violence who have not offended.