Suicidal Ideation Among Male Victim-Survivors of Financial Sextortion

Abstract

ABSTRACT Financial sextortion is a specific form of image-based sexual abuse (IBSA) in which an offender threatens to publicly distribute a victim’s intimate images or videos unless the victim pays a ransom to the offender. While other forms of IBSA predominately impact women, financial sextortion is unique in that adult men and minor boys are most at risk for victimization. Incidents of financial sextortion have increased globally in the last five years, yet there is limited empirical research on the psychological outcomes for victim-survivors. However, recent media reports highlight several tragic cases in which financial sextortion victims, especially minor boys, have taken their own lives in response to these coercive scams. The purpose of this study is to understand the prevalence and predictors of suicidal thoughts and ideation among male victims of financial sextortion. Using a sample of 215 victim-survivors of financial sextortion, the results indicate that suicidal thoughts are common for this group. In addition, victims who experience concurrent self-conscious emotions (such as shame, guilt, embarrassment, and humiliation) and hypersensitivity are more likely to endorse suicidal ideation. The results also indicate that among participants who do endorse suicidal ideation, depressed mood significantly predicted severity of suicidal thoughts.