Doctoral Research Study

You are invited to take part in a study about self-esteem, loneliness and distorted thinking (included are questions relating to child sexual offences and victimisation experiences, which may or may not be applicable to you).

Who am I? 

I am Lucy Allen and I am currently studying for a Professional Doctorate in Forensic Psychology at the University of Nottingham. I have been employed by The Lucy Faithfull Foundation and Stop It Now! since 2012. This research is not commissioned by the foundation, but the foundation has provided full support to recruit participants. 

What is this research about? 

Increasingly more adults are using the internet to talk with under 18s in a sexual way. Each adult will have their own reasons for doing so; often influenced by how they feel about themselves and how they view children. Through research we can learn how to support these adults, in turn keeping children safe. This study aims to explore how individual characteristics may relate to online sexual behaviours. 

What do I have to do? 

Complete an electronic questionnaire; it will take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete.  

Important information:

Before completing the questionnaire, you will be presented with a list of statements. Your participation is voluntary, confidential and you will remain anonymous. Please read the statements carefully and ensure you fully understand each statement prior to participating. As no data is collected that can identify you, we cannot withdraw your responses once submitted. If you wish to stop participating, simply close the web browser (previous answers will not be retained). Data will be stored on an encrypted device and destroyed following analysis (approximately Winter 2023). The research findings will be collectively published in an academic journal and university doctoral thesis.

Any questions? 

You are welcome to contact the researcher directly (lucy.allen@nottingham.ac.uk; lallen@lucyfaithfull.org.uk; 01372 847 160). Alternatively, you can contact Emma King, the researcher’s clinical supervisor (eking@lucyfaithfull.org.uk). Please be mindful that if you were to disclose any offences that the authorities are not aware of, or we felt you were a risk to yourself or anyone else, we may have to pass this information on.

Alternatively, if you require anonymous support, please contact Stop It Now! on 0808 1000 900 or via email.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this research. I really appreciate it.