2.1 Identifying your triggering factors
Reasons behind my use
In the first section, you will learn about the general thought and behavioral patterns that guide people’s actions and may lead to the use of CSAM.
According to cognitive behavioral theory, our actions are based on three factors:
- Behavior
- Thoughts
- Feelings
The three factors operate together. Through cognitive-behavioral rehabilitation, by changing the behavior, it is possible to also change thoughts and feelings.
In the following, you will be presented with different motives for using CSAM, and the psychological and sexual needs that one might try to fulfil through your use of CSAM. These motives and needs are different for everyone. Note these different reasons and begin reflecting on your own possible motives and triggering factors.
My life at the time of using CSAM
- Triggering factors
- Internal factors
- External factors
What makes me want to use CSAM?
- Motives/needs
- Collapse of self-regulation
How do I justify my use of CSAM?
- How do I justify my use of CSAM before, during and after watching CSAM?
- Excuses and justifications that you use
How does the use of CSAM take place?
- How do I remove external obstacles?
Using CSAM
Remember
This section will help you identify triggers that lead you down the path of CSAM use.
By recognizing these factors, and by practicing alternative responses, you can handle your own behavior and step off the path to CSAM use.
You will gain a better understanding of the factors that cause you to use CSAM. Later in the Module 3, you will learn new skills that will help you abandon harmful behaviors and replace them with new goals.
What makes people use CSAM?
The use of CSAM is a complex phenomenon, which can occur because of a number of underlying factors, including:
Factors that trigger the use
The use of CSAM does not happen on its own but is set in motion by various internal and external triggers.
A trigger is a factor that sets off a chain of events that leads to the use of CSAM. Both internal and external factors can impact your use of CSAM, by leading you to act on your emotions and feelings.
These factors include your personal qualities, emotions, values, relationships, sexual interests and daily routines, as well as external factors in your social environment.
By understanding your triggers, you can choose how you want to respond to them. You are now more aware how you react, and you can either choose to use CSAM or take active steps to go in the other direction: “I, myself, can choose how to react to a trigger – I can choose whether or not I want to use CSAM.”
Factors that trigger the use of CSAM and alternative ways to react to triggers
Internal triggers:
External triggers:
In the next module, you will look more in-depth into the specific factors that trigger your use of CSAM.
Quotes
CSAM users told us about different triggering factors that lead them to use CSAM:
Traumatic life events (such as sexual, physical and/or mental abuse in childhood)
“I was a victim myself and we watched it together.”
“I have been abused in my younger days, and every time I recall what has happened to me, I feel the urge to view this kind of material so I don’t feel alone.”
“I was sexually abused when I was really young and this is a coping mechanism, a horrible one.”
Moving from watching legal adult porn to more taboo and extreme sexual materials
“When watching porn, sometimes it isn’t enough and I need something more “taboo”, so normal porn isn’t enough”
“I use CSAM when regular porn bored me”
Easy access to CSAM
“It is very easy to access and the thought of viewing something illegal and forbidden is very sexually exciting”
Negative emotional states
“I was feeling depressed and nervous”
