Testing Revenge Pornography Using The General Strain Theory and Online Disinhibition Effect

The current study tests whether perceptions of general strain and online disinhibition effect could explain the intent to commit Revenge Pornography (RP). The data was collected using an online survey that was launched on a research platform called "Connect Cloud Research." After gathering the data, bivariate correlation and multiple regression analysis were necessary to establish the relationship and causality. Results were mixed, showing that there is a positive correlation with general strain and online disinhibition effect factors with the intent to commit RP, while multiple regression indicated that the independent variables did not predict the intent to commit RP. Unexpectedly, findings demonstrated that the theoretical control variables (peer cybercrime, revenge behavior, & opportunity cybercriminal behavior) predict the intent to commit RP. In conclusion, strain and online disinhibition effect could not explain the intent to commit RP; however, the theoretical control variables explain the intent to commit RP.