Document Type : Original Research
Authors
1
Counseling Department, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabatabai University, Tehran, Iran
2
Assistant Professor, Counseling Department, Faculty of Humanities, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran
3
Associate Professor, Department of Counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabatabai University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Background and aim: Adolescent girls, being in the phase of sexual identity formation and sexual exploration, are one of the vulnerable groups to online sexual harassment. Conducting research to prevent and reduce the harms in this context is crucial. The current research aims to explore the contextual factors facilitating online sexual harassment in this group.
Method: The research employed a qualitative method, specifically descriptive phenomenology. The study population included adolescent girls aged 15-19 in Tehran who had experienced online sexual harassment at least once. In this regard, 15 adolescent girls were purposefully selected, and the sampling process continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Two final interviews were conducted to ensure data saturation. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data, and the interview data were coded using the Claisz method and the MAXQDA2020 software.
Findings: The results showed that the interview data were categorized into 20 sub-themes, 7 main themes, and 4 core main themes, including "psychological predisposing factors, socio-cultural predisposing factors, the role of online space structure, and lack of awareness and insufficient education."
Conclusion: The findings of this research indicate that individuals close to adolescents can play a significant role in preventing and stopping online sexual harassment by providing support, giving information, and responsibly reporting incidents.
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