Prevalence of grooming and sexting among Portuguese youth: Adaptation of the Questionnaire for Online Sexual Solicitation and Interactions with Adults and Sexting Questionnaire

Background: Online grooming is a type of victimization that is related to sexting behaviors and hurts youth. Research shows a high prevalence of online grooming victimization and sexting behaviors. Objectives: This study aims to analyze the Portuguese version of the Questionnaire for Online Sexual Solicitation and Interactions with Adults (QOSSIA) and Sexting Questionnaire (SQ) factor structure and psychometric properties; assess the relationship between the QOSSIA and sexting, sexual victimization, and positive emotions; and to assess the prevalence of online grooming victimization and sexting among Portuguese youth. Methods: The sample comprised 172 adolescents between 12 and 17 years old (M = 15.84, SD = 1.13), of which 101 were girls (58.7 %) and 71 were boys (41.3 %). Results: QOSSIA and SQ show good internal consistency and an adequate model fit. Positive correlations were identified between QOSSIA, sexting, and sexual victimization. Negative correlations were identified between QOSSIA and positive emotions. Seventy-two youths reported at least one online grooming solicitation during the past year. Conclusions: This is the first Portuguese version of the QOSSIA and SQ. The QOSSIA and the SQ allow the assessment of online grooming and sexting, contributing to identifying youth victimization and developing multicultural research. According to our study, the prevalence of online grooming victimization and sexting behaviors among Portuguese youth is high. These findings highlight the importance of assessing and addressing these issues in youth interventions.