Toward a Universal Definition of Child Sexual Grooming. Issue 8 (3rd August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Winters, Georgia M.; Kaylor, Leah E.; Jeglic, Elizabeth L.
• Is Part Of: Deviant behavior. Volume 43:Issue 8(2022)
• Page Start: 926
• Page End: 938
• Publication Date: 2022-08-03
• Subjects: Deviant behavior -- Periodicals; 302.54205
• DOI: 10.1080/01639625.2021.1941427
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0163-9625

Abstract

ABSTRACT: It is estimated that 30–45% of child sexual abusers use sexual grooming tactics. While sexual grooming is considered integral to the child sexual abuse process, there has yet to be a universally accepted definition of the construct that condenses and summarizes this complex process. Based upon a thorough evaluation and critique of prior definitions and research on a content validated model of sexual grooming, a new operational definition of sexual grooming is proposed. An easily understood and applied definition of sexual grooming is needed for measurement of the construct. Further, having a common language to describe sexual grooming is necessary for research, communication, detection, prevention, and intervention of child sexual abuse.