Date

12-4-2025

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

Thomas W. Hudgins

Keywords

law enforcement, resiliency, trauma, compartmentalization, child sexual abuse materials, child exploitation, child exploitation investigations, ICAC, NCMEC, organizational supports, wellness needs, cumulative stress

Disciplines

Counseling | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

This transcendental phenomenological study describes the resiliency-building skills implemented by investigators during pre-engagement, engagement, and post-engagement with Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) cases. This study will include no non-adults, as participants are those in the law enforcement field assigned to investigating CSAM cases. The theory guiding this study is Husserl’s transcendental phenomenology, which focuses on intentionality while suspending judgment and moving toward awareness. Schlossberg’s Transition Theory (STT) provides the theoretical framework for the study, which aims to answer the following primary research question: How do investigators handling CSAM describe their strategies to sustain resilience during engagement with distressing digital content? Qualitative data will be collected through one-on-one semi-structured interviews, a cognitive representation activity, and a focus group. Data will be analyzed through bracketing, coding, and phenomenological reduction. Additionally, the researcher will conduct a focus group.

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