A Preliminary Review of Cyber-Deception Factors: Offerings from a Systematic Review

Authors

  • Anoushka Anderson
  • Jo Bryce
  • Carol A. Ireland
  • Jane L. Ireland

Keywords:

Cyber-detection, Motivation, Attention, Preserve identity, Harm, Enjoyment

Abstract

The current paper aims to provide a preliminary exploration of the characteristics associated with cyber-deception, by focusing on motivations for engagement and the psychological characteristics of those perpetrating such behaviour. It aims to further outline gaps in the literature and suggest what areas any potential model of cyber-deception could include to benefit future research. A systematic search of 11 databases was undertaken, with additional manual searching for relevant journals and sources. This was followed by data extraction and thematic analysis. A total of 21 studies were identified as meeting eligibility criteria. Six motivational themes emerged (i.e. acquiring attention and sympathy; a response to negative childhood experiences; preserving identity and presenting your ‘true’ self; to cause intentional harm and to pursue personal enjoyment; to exploit materially; deception as a stress-reliever in response to life strain), and one individual theme (i.e. perpetrator personality). Perpetrator motivation included a varied range of factors, with more static characteristics (i.e. personality) less well captured in the literature. Future research could determine if psychological differences are of value or if the area is better understood through consideration of more dynamic (motivational) factors.

Author Biographies

  • Anoushka Anderson

    Anoushka Anderson was a student at the University of Central Lancashire, who completed her MSc in Forensic Psychology, and engaged in further post-graduate research, of which the current paper is part of this.

  • Jo Bryce

    Jo Bryce is Director of the Cyberspace Research Unit at the University of Central Lancashire. Her research interests focus on the psychological, social and forensic aspects of the Internet and related technologies, with a specific focus on their use by young people, associated risk exposure and esafety. Other interests include: the role of ICTs in the commission of criminal offences; online privacy and security; online piracy and filesharing. She is also School equality and diversity lead and Vice-chair of the ethics committee in the school.

  • Carol A. Ireland

    Carol A. Ireland PhD, MBA is a Chartered Psychologist, Consultant Forensic Psychologist and Chartered Scientist. She previously worked in a High Secure Setting for nine years, where she was lead for sex offender therapies and critical incident (hostage) negotiation, and where she acted as an advisor in crisis/conflict situations. Dr. Ireland is also a Senior Research Lead at the Ashworth Research Centre at Ashworth Hospital. She also works at CCATS (www.ccats.org.uk), a child and adult therapeutic service in the community. She has more than 70 publications, including journal articles, books and book chapters, mainly on offending, consultancy and crisis (hostage) negotiation.

  • Jane L. Ireland

    Jane L. Ireland PhD is a Chartered Forensic Psychologist and Chartered Scientist. Professor Ireland holds a Professorial Chair at the University of Central Lancashire and is a Violence Treatment Lead within High Secure Services, Ashworth Hospital, Mersey Care NHS Trust, where she holds a clinical practice. She is an elected Academy Fellow of the Council of the Academy of Social Sciences and Fellow of the International Society for Research on Aggression (ISRA). Professor Ireland is currently lead for the Ashworth Research Centre (ARC), an NHS clinical and forensic centre for research based within Mersey Care NHS Trust and covers all secure services. Professor Ireland has over 100 publications, including book chapters and journal articles.

References

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Published

2023-02-04

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 1 (2019)

Section

Research Articles

License

Authors retain copyright in their articles and grant SALUS the right of first publication. The work is simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0), which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution, and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as appropriate credit is given to the author(s) and the journal, a link to the license is provided, and any changes made are indicated.

How to Cite

A Preliminary Review of Cyber-Deception Factors: Offerings from a Systematic Review. (2023). Salus Journal, 7(1), 88-107. https://journals.csu.domains/index.php/salusjournal/article/view/98