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This study examined the effects of victim characteristics and past life experiences on attributions of blame to human trafficking victims in hypothetical scenarios. Specifically, this study investigates the main and interaction effects of the victim’s race, age, and victimization disclosure on outsider’s perceptions of blameworthiness. A factorial vignette survey that

This study examined the effects of victim characteristics and past life experiences on attributions of blame to human trafficking victims in hypothetical scenarios. Specifically, this study investigates the main and interaction effects of the victim’s race, age, and victimization disclosure on outsider’s perceptions of blameworthiness. A factorial vignette survey that provided information about a victim altering her race (Black or White), current age (15 or 21), and availability of victimization disclosure was given to a university-based sample (N = 592). Utilizing three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for the analysis, the results showed that the main effects of the victim’s age and victimization disclosure significantly influenced attributions of blame. The results also indicated that there are significant two-way and three-way interactions. The conclusion highlights the importance of these findings as well as avenues for future research and potential programming.
ContributorsPuckett, Audrey Lynn (Author) / Maguire, Edward (Thesis advisor) / Fox, Kate (Committee member) / Roe-Sepowitz, Dominique (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2020
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Description
Social media has become a significant aspect of American life and culture.

Criminal groups including extremists of various ideological milieus have found social

media useful in their recruitment efforts. Further, these online spaces allow extremists to

easily interact with one another, reinforcing each other’s radical perspectives. Little

research has examined

Social media has become a significant aspect of American life and culture.

Criminal groups including extremists of various ideological milieus have found social

media useful in their recruitment efforts. Further, these online spaces allow extremists to

easily interact with one another, reinforcing each other’s radical perspectives. Little

research has examined social media’s role in radicalization and fewer studies have tested

the differences between the radicalization processes of individuals espousing disparate

ideologies. Using Profiles of Individual Radicalization in the United States, a data set of

804 extremist men, this study sets out to determine whether the role of social media in the

radicalization process varies between Islamist and far right extremists using social

learning as a theoretical framework. The results indicate no significant difference

regarding the role of social media in radicalization between Islamists and far rightists.

Additionally, the odds of having radical friends and family were much lower for Islamists

than far rightists, suggesting only partial support for social learning theory as an

explanation of radicalization.
ContributorsStewart, Connor James (Author) / Young, Jacob (Thesis advisor) / Decker, Scott (Committee member) / Telep, Cody (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2019
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Description
Officials employed in the criminal justice system have a duty to serve, protect, and uphold the law. Nevertheless, previous research has found problematic drinking and illegal substance use exists among criminal justice system employees. Criminal justice employees may be more likely to use substances due to strains or due to

Officials employed in the criminal justice system have a duty to serve, protect, and uphold the law. Nevertheless, previous research has found problematic drinking and illegal substance use exists among criminal justice system employees. Criminal justice employees may be more likely to use substances due to strains or due to increased access to drug. On the other hand, self-selection and screening processes may result in a pool of employees who fewer substances than the general population. Using waves 1 through 17 of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, the current research examines substance use patterns of criminal justice system employees, assessing how their rate of substance use compares to a nationally representative sample, and how their substance use changes once employed with the criminal justice system, this research surveys the alcohol and illicit drug use of people who went on to work in the criminal justice system and how their substance use compares to the general population. In addition, this research compares police officer substance use to the general population. When compared to a nationally represented sample, criminal justice system employees consistently use illegal substances at lower rates. However, the prevalence of alcohol use among police officers specifically is higher when compared to the general population and increases once employed with the criminal justice system. Information from this research can be used to help agencies with employee selection procedures and employee assistance programs for current employees.
ContributorsRobin, Angela Evelina (Author) / Sweeten, Gary (Thesis advisor) / Scott, Michael (Committee member) / Decker, Scott (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2019
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Description
The opioid crisis has become one of the most persistent public health crises in America, killing over 100 people a day. The opioid crisis emerged in the late 1990s and 2000s when opioid overdoses began to dramatically increase due to prescription painkillers. Heroin subsequently became a popular drug that was

The opioid crisis has become one of the most persistent public health crises in America, killing over 100 people a day. The opioid crisis emerged in the late 1990s and 2000s when opioid overdoses began to dramatically increase due to prescription painkillers. Heroin subsequently became a popular drug that was obtained through illicit markets in 2010. More recently, fentanyl, a potent and illicitly manufactured synthetic opioid, has driven a notable increase in the number of opioid overdose deaths. The opioid crisis has impacted many communities across the country. However, some communities are more susceptible to higher rates of opioid use. In order to determine which neighborhoods in Tempe, Arizona are more vulnerable to opioid use the author uses Tempe Emergency Medical Services (EMS) calls for service data and American Community Survey data to address two research questions: 1) What sociodemographic factors at the census-tract level are associated with calls for service to opioid related incidents and 2) are aspects of the physical environment associated with calls for service to opioid related incidents (e.g. vacant units, lack of complete plumbing, multiple unit housing structures)? Understanding community-level risk and protective-factors is essential for furthering the discussion on interventions that aim to address problematic opioid use in vulnerable communities. The current study finds that communities that are economically disadvantaged, and have a higher percentage of units that are vacant have more EMS calls for service to opioid related incidents. However, counter to the proposed hypothesis of social disorganization theory, residential instability was associated with fewer calls for service to opioid related incidents (i.e. higher levels of residential transience). Additionally, racially and ethnically diverse communities had fewer calls for service to opioid related incidents albeit statistically non-significant. These findings have implications for future research and for possible policy implications directed at reducing opioid overdoses.
ContributorsWatts, Seth (Author) / White, Michael D (Thesis advisor) / Chamberlain, Alyssa W (Committee member) / Telep, Cody W (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2021
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Abstract   The following research addresses some of the contemporary problems that individuals experiencing homelessness face; specifically, investigating the decision to forgo shelter services and spend nights in places unfit for human inhabitation, a phenomenon known as sleeping rough. The paper begins with a broad look at the historical roots

Abstract   The following research addresses some of the contemporary problems that individuals experiencing homelessness face; specifically, investigating the decision to forgo shelter services and spend nights in places unfit for human inhabitation, a phenomenon known as sleeping rough. The paper begins with a broad look at the historical roots of homelessness, urbanization and the failure of mental health services, before exploring past attempts at answering the research question, why do the homeless choose to sleep rough? Several seminal studies, most of which were performed in large New York City shelters, gave context to the dangers present within shelters, but, due to both their location and methodologies, failed to capture the nuances of decision making for individuals experiencing homelessness. In order to expand the literature’s understanding of homelessness and the decision to forgo shelters, I conducted 23 in-depth interviews with various individuals embedded in the homeless culture in Phoenix, Arizona, including those experiencing homelessness, shelter employees, service providers, and the police squad designated to work the shelter beat. This thesis also provides information about the unique circumstances of Phoenix shelter services, the majority of which are housed on the Human Services Campus, a cluster of services specialized for homeless outreach. To supplement the information gathered through in-depth interviews, I analyzed crime maps of the Human Services Campus. This information, coupled with the in-depth interviews, helps explain that the homeless avoid the shelter services for a variety of reasons. These include concerns for safety, freedom, and personal property, as well as a longing to maintain dignity and avoid confrontation with shelter staff and security. Mental health and substance abuse implications are also discussed.
ContributorsHughes, Andrew David (Author) / Scott, Michael (Thesis advisor) / Maguire, Edward (Committee member) / Telep, Cody (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2021
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There is a large debate surrounding the legality of prostitution that leads to a negative portrayal of sex entertainment. Research examining the history of sex entertainment was reviewed to establish common themes. There are many arguments in support of or against the legalization of prostitution. Public support for the legalization

There is a large debate surrounding the legality of prostitution that leads to a negative portrayal of sex entertainment. Research examining the history of sex entertainment was reviewed to establish common themes. There are many arguments in support of or against the legalization of prostitution. Public support for the legalization of prostitution has increased over time meriting research on recent perceptions. This study was based on a newly collected opinion survey (N=302). It is used to examine attitudes towards individuals who sell sex by using sex, education, religion, and age as independent variables against the Attitudes Towards Individuals who Sell Sex (ATISS) scale. The data set provided that a majority of individuals prefer the legalization of prostitution and webcamming models. Results indicated that religion was the only statistically significant predictor of attitudes towards those who sell sex which is aligned with past research. Moving forward, it is important to understand the discrepancies between attitudes towards those who sell sex and legalization of prostitution and current laws and policies.
ContributorsMaravilla, Morelia Malina (Author) / Sweeten, Gary (Thesis advisor) / Peguero, Anthony (Committee member) / Talbot, Kathleen (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2021
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Much of the current literature regarding the well being of children of incarcerated

parents has focused largely on the trauma that results from losing a parent to incarceration. Little research has been dedicated to examining the pre-existing trauma and negative life experiences these children are exposed to prior to parental incarceration.

Much of the current literature regarding the well being of children of incarcerated

parents has focused largely on the trauma that results from losing a parent to incarceration. Little research has been dedicated to examining the pre-existing trauma and negative life experiences these children are exposed to prior to parental incarceration. Using cross-sectional data on children (N = 1,221) from a representative study of Arizona Department of Corrections inmates, the present study examines the relationships among children who have contact with Child Protective Services (CPS) prior to parental incarceration and: (1) parental substance abuse, (2) exposure to violence and (3) parental mental illness. Nearly a quarter of all children whose inmate parents were interviewed were contacted by CPS before experiencing parental incarceration. Children whose inmate parents reported being unemployed or less involved in the lives of their children and children who were reportedly exposed to violence were significantly more likely to have been contacted by CPS prior to experiencing parental incarceration as were younger children. The children of incarcerated mothers were more likely to have been contacted by CPS than were the children of incarcerated fathers. This effect remained even after controlling for additional parent, child and family risk factors for CPS contact such as prior history of incarceration and race.
ContributorsMcCaskill, Whitney (Author) / Rodriguez, Nancy (Thesis advisor) / Wright, Kevin (Committee member) / Tasca, Melinda (Committee member) / Krysik, Judy (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2014
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Description
In May 2020, following the death of George Floyd, communities across the nation organized protests to raise awareness about police brutality and racism in police departments. Protesters popularized the term “defund the police,” which encourages local officials to remove funding from police departments and reinvest it into community resources. This

In May 2020, following the death of George Floyd, communities across the nation organized protests to raise awareness about police brutality and racism in police departments. Protesters popularized the term “defund the police,” which encourages local officials to remove funding from police departments and reinvest it into community resources. This study uses qualitative methods to analyze archival and interview data (N= 13) regarding the Defund the Police Movement in Minneapolis, MN; Portland, OR; and San Francisco, CA. The study provides insight into the relationship between community members and police officers before the movement, how people conceptualized the movement, and hopes for public safety in the future. The results indicated that regardless of people’s perspectives of the Defund the Police movement, people appreciated the increase in discussion about best practices and policy changes to increase public safety.
ContributorsAugustine, Brandee (Author) / Maguire, Edward (Thesis advisor) / Montes, Andrea (Committee member) / Henson, Abigail (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2021
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There is a wealth of knowledge about the harmful effects of prisons. This expertise on negative experiences has resulted in a limited understanding of incarcerated people’s strengths and how prisons may be places where growth can occur. Some researchers have discovered narratives of positivity and identity reconstruction among people in

There is a wealth of knowledge about the harmful effects of prisons. This expertise on negative experiences has resulted in a limited understanding of incarcerated people’s strengths and how prisons may be places where growth can occur. Some researchers have discovered narratives of positivity and identity reconstruction among people in prison who have described their experiences as transformative. However, there is little knowledge about the nuanced aspects of their positive experiences and less understanding about how this information can be translated into practice. The effects of age on positive experiences have also gone unexamined within this literature, despite known linkages between age and positive outcomes such as fulfillment in life and desistance from crime. Through structured interviews with 100 incarcerated women, the current study uses thematic analysis to identify themes within women’s responses to a prompt about a time they felt their best in prison and how these themes vary according to their ages. Four major themes were identified across all responses: accomplishments, personal growth, healthy relationships, and helping and supporting others. While accomplishments and personal growth remained the most common themes across responses from women of all adult life stages (i.e., young, middle, and late adulthood) the theme of helping and supporting others was more often the focus in responses from women in middle and late adulthood (ages 35-83) compared to women in young adulthood (ages 21-34). The results have important implications for taking action to identify the sources of incarcerated people’s positive experiences and provide the means to generate and reinforce them.
ContributorsWhite, Hannah Rose (Author) / Wright, Kevin A (Thesis advisor) / Young, Jacob T N (Committee member) / Stolzenberg, Stacia (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022
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Despite the constitutional right to trial, the vast majority of defendants waive this right and enter a guilty plea. There are many factors defendants consider when entering a plea, with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic being the newest factor that may impact defendant decision making. Previous research has found that both

Despite the constitutional right to trial, the vast majority of defendants waive this right and enter a guilty plea. There are many factors defendants consider when entering a plea, with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic being the newest factor that may impact defendant decision making. Previous research has found that both innocent and guilty participant defendants were more likely to plead guilty when provided information on COVID-19 outbreaks. Additionally, innocent defendants ranked concerns related to COVID-19 higher than guilty defendants in driving their plea decisions. As the pandemic continues to evolve, so do the various policies and tactics used to reduce transmission rates. This thesis expands on previous work by employing an experimental plea simulation on a college sample to see how varying levels of COVID-19 mitigation strategies in a jail setting impact plea decision making. Varying levels of COVID-19 mitigation efforts on their own did not significantly impact plea decision making; however, presenting COVID-19 related information did increase the willingness to accept a guilty plea more generally. Given the possibility of innocent defendants pleading guilty, this thesis demonstrates the importance of reforming the application of pretrial detention and calls for more oversight into plea negotiations.
ContributorsForston, Jacob W (Author) / Yan, Shi (Thesis advisor) / Mitchell, Ojmarrh (Committee member) / Wilford, Miko (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022