Etiological Perspectives of ABDL Behavior from Members of an Online ABDL Community Jennie Marie Hilleren Walden University
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Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2018 Etiological Perspectives of ABDL Behavior from Members of an Online ABDL Community Jennie Marie Hilleren Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Jennie M. Hilleren has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Brian Zamboni, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty Dr. Trevor Nagle, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty Dr. Sandra Rasmussen, University Reviewer, Psychology Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2018 Abstract Etiological Perspectives of ABDL Behavior From Members of an Online ABDL Community by Jennie M. Hilleren MS, University of Wisconsin - Stout, 2005 BS, University of North Dakota, 2002 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Health Psychology Walden University November 2018 Abstract Atypical sexual behavior is often viewed from a perspective of pathology and non- clinical samples are not typically used in research. The current exploratory research is a qualitative study that examined the etiological perspectives of Adult Baby/ Diaper Lover (ABDL) behavior from members of an online ABDL community. Archival survey data from an online sample (N = 1,795) of ABDL participants were used. The theories informing this research included attachment theory and the sexual health model. Research questions included an examination of: (a) what we can be learn from the way an ABDL individual perceives the origin of ABDL behavior, (b) differences in the way participants find their ABDL interests, and (c) the origin beliefs of participants from a community sample compare to the results from historical data. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the archival survey data, and grounded theory was used to forward a theory about the etiology of ABDL. Participants suggested that ABDL may not be the result of a mental health condition or a trauma history. The majority of participants believe their ABDL behaviors are connected to childhood experiences, which partially dovetails with current theories on the etiology of paraphilias. Although some participants believe ABDL behaviors are related to toilet training, most do not. Most participants endorse a wide range of explanations for their ABDL interests and behaviors. The environmental shaping theory of ABDL is based on data from this study and both supports and conflicts with historical research on paraphilia. This study contributes to positive social change by allowing clinicians and scholars the opportunity to hear the voices of a stigmatized group and understand them better. An increased awareness of sexual diversity can allow for greater acceptance and less stigmatization in the mental health and medical fields. Etiological Perspectives of ABDL Behavior From Members of an Online ABDL Community by Jennie Hilleren MS, University of Wisconsin - Stout, 2005 BS, University of North Dakota, 2002 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Health Psychology Walden University November 2018 Dedication I would like to dedicate this dissertation to my husband, and my 4 children. Your support and encouragement made this possible. I love you. Acknowledgements I would first like to acknowledge and thank my committee, Dr. Brian Zamboni, my chair; Dr. Trevor Nagle, my committee member; and Dr. Rasmussen, my URR. Thank you all for all your effort, your guidance, and your support during this process. I would also like to acknowledge my friends and family. Thank you for supporting me and encouraging me on this journey. My family has grown by exponentially during this process and I love you all. Table of Contents List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... iv Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1 Background ..............................................................................................................1 Problem Statement ...................................................................................................2 Purpose of the Study ................................................................................................2 Research Questions ..................................................................................................4 Framework ...............................................................................................................4 Nature of the Study ..................................................................................................5 Definitions................................................................................................................6 Assumptions .............................................................................................................7 Limitations ...............................................................................................................7 Significance..............................................................................................................8 Summary ..................................................................................................................8 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................10 Literature Search Strategy......................................................................................10 Theoretical Framework ..........................................................................................12 Sexual Health Model..............................................................................................12 Sexual Deviance.....................................................................................................13 Adult Baby Diaper Lover .......................................................................................15 Current Etiological Theories ..................................................................................19 Summary and Conclusions ....................................................................................22 i Chapter 3: Research Method ..............................................................................................24 Research Design and Rationale .............................................................................24 Setting and Sample ................................................................................................24 Measures ................................................................................................................25 Data Analysis .........................................................................................................26 Threats to Validity .................................................................................................26 Ethical Considerations ...........................................................................................27 Summary ................................................................................................................28 Chapter 4: Results ..............................................................................................................29 Introduction ............................................................................................................29 Begin To Practice ABDL .......................................................................................32 Born With Sexual Interest in ABDL ......................................................................36 Sexual Interest in ABDL Are Learned ...................................................................40 Interests in ABDL Are Related to Something in Childhood .................................43 ABDL Interests and Toilet Training ......................................................................46 Perception of the Origin of ABDL Interests ..........................................................48 Chapter 5: Discussion, Conclusions, and Recommendations ............................................55 Introduction ............................................................................................................55 Qualitative Themes ................................................................................................55 Distinctive Themes to Each Survey Question .......................................................56 Interpretation of the Findings.................................................................................58 Limitations .............................................................................................................60 Implications............................................................................................................61