03/24/2026
By Stephanie Block

The University of Massachusetts Lowell, Department of Psychology, invites you to attend a doctoral dissertation defense by Michaela Ramsey on “Youth Engaging in Sexualized Behavior: Understanding Context, Legal Responses, and Perceptions.”

Defense Date: Monday, April 6, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. - noon
Location: Via Zoom

Committee

  • Stephanie Block, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Joseph Gonzales, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Ryan Shields, Ph.D., School of Criminology and Justice Studies, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Abstract:
Problematic sexual behavior (PSB) in youth is understudied, particularly in legal contexts and attitudes towards individuals with PSB. Research suggests that prior victimization, internalizing behaviors, environment, and support are factors in the development of PSB. Negative attitudes towards PSB may also be impacted by unclear definitions and the use of biased language that stigmatizes reported youth. This dissertation examined the details and legal context of 125 child sexual abuse (CSA) cases reported to prosecutors’ offices where the reported individual was a youth, how individual and case characteristics predict legal and non-legal actions and recommendations. Results from the first study indicated that the data sample had two main classifications, cases of one-time, opportunistic incidents and cases where there were multiple incidents and more use of force. The second study revealed that, for the most part, case characteristics do not predict legal/investigative or non-legal recommendations. Finally, this dissertation examined how individual and case characteristics influence college students’ attitudes toward reported youth by having them read vignettes of sexual incidents and report their agreement with case decisions, concerns for the victims, and negative attitudes towards reported youth. Results suggest that age and gender of the victim and reported youth impact how the incidents are perceived and agreement with what actions should be taken against the reported youth. The findings from the dissertation can inform practice and policy work surrounding reported youth who face harsher consequences due to their age and gender.