The Role of Perpetrator Attractiveness and Relationship Dynamics on Perceptions of Adolescent Sexual Grooming

Sexual grooming, exacerbated by increased internet and social media usage , is a growing concern. Past researchers have found differences in perceptions of sexual grooming based on gender-pairing, perpetrator attractiveness, as well as perpetrator and victim age and gender. Our study extends this research by exploring how the attractiveness of the perpetrator and their relationship to the victim - specifically, whether they are a teacher, religious leader, or family friend - affects perceived grooming severity and recommended legal response. Contrary to expectations, relationship type, but not attractiveness, impacted perceptions. Vignettes involving family friends were perceived as less harmful compared to those involving teachers or religious leaders, highlighting nuanced responses based on the perpetrator's role. These findings suggest that grooming perceptions are heavily influenced by the nature of the relationship rather than the attractiveness of the perpetrator, indicating a need for policies and educational initiatives that address these complexities to enhance the detection and prevention of sexual grooming.