The intention and duration of paedophilic sexual fantasies have not yet been assessed regarding their influence on the public’s attitudinal judgements towards non-offending paedophiles (NOPs). This study investigated the effects of intention (spontaneous/low vs deliberate/high) and duration (fleeting/low vs prolonged/high) on cognitive judgements (amorality, abnormality, dangerousness), affective reactions (anger, fear, pity), social distance and punitive attitudes towards a man experiencing a sexual fantasy about a child. A total of 224 participants from the public were recruited electronically and randomly assigned to one of four groups in this 2 x 2 vignette study. As predicted, higher intentionality and duration of sexual fantasies led to more punitive attitudes, and higher levels of anger, dangerousness, and social distance. Being as punitiveness was assessed both before and after the vignette was provided, it was also found that punitiveness decreased post-vignette, despite which condition was provided. This study is a valuable starting point into research concerning the influence of cognitive acts on the public’s attitudes towards NOPs.
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