Prediction of online grooming in adolescents based on emotional problems, sexting, cybervictimization and sex and age differences / Predicción del online grooming en adolescentes argentinos a partir de problemas emocionales , sexting , cibervictimización y diferencias de sexo y edad

Bibliographic Data

ID21479639
AuthorsSantiago Resett (0000-0001-7337-0617, Universidad Argentina de la Empresa, corresponding author), Pablo Christian González Caino (0000-0003-2387-5777, Universidad Argentina de la Empresa), Belén Mesurado (0000-0002-5907-5854, Universidad Austral CONICET, Argentina)
Year2025
Volume48
Issue3
Pages721-750
Publication date2025-09-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal for the Study of Education and Development Infancia y Aprendizaje (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0210-3702 • E-ISSN: 1578-4126
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/02103702251355453
OpenAlexW4413302326
LanguageES
Citations received1
References cited69

This study aimed to predict grooming among adolescents based on emotional problems (depression and anxiety), sexting and cybervictimization. A sample of 564 Argentinian adolescents aged 11 to 16 (40% male and 60% female; M age = 13.45 years, SD = 1.55) completed self-reporting measures on these variables. Two models were tested to explain the relationship between emotional problems, sexting, cybervictimization and grooming. Males and older adolescents experienced grooming more frequently. The structural model showing the best fit included emotional problems as a consequence of sexting and cybervictimization: CFI = .995, TLI = .982, RMSEA = .041, SRMR = .012. Sexting and cybervictimization were found to be positive predictors of grooming. Additionally, cybervictimization was found to act as a mediator between sexting and grooming and between sexting and depression. This study highlights the importance of early education for adolescents on the safe use of social media

Developmental psychology · Gender, Feminism, and Media · Media, Gender, and Advertising · Psychology · Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology

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