An exploratory study on personality and ideological factors behind attitudes toward pedophilia in a convenient Greek sample

Abstract

Much theoretical and applied interest is in understanding the social-psychological and personality elements concerning attitudes toward pedophilia. The current study examines an underexplored domain of research: the relationship between the D-factor of personality, the Light Triad traits, conservative ideological factors (i.e., conservative values and religiosity), and attitudes toward pedophilia.

An online cross-sectional research was conducted between March 3 to April 30, 2023. Two hundred and eighteen participants were recruited for this study. Given the exploratory nature of the investigation, convenience sampling was selected as the appropriate strategy, using social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn, as well as the snowball procedure. A multiple regression model was used to predict attitudes toward pedophilia from the other research variables (i.e., conservative values, religiosity) based on the importance of associations.

This study provides evidence that individuals could adopt attitudes toward pedophilia based not on their inherent personality characteristics but on their adherence to conservative moral frameworks. Research into the personality and ideological factors influencing attitudes toward pedophilia provides a crucial understanding of how individuals may form moral judgments and navigate complex societal issues.