The Dark Tetrad and online sexual victimization: Enjoying in the distance

Abstract

Online sexual victimization (OSV) refers to the experience of online pressure to obtain unwanted sexual contact or/and the distribution of sexual images or information of the victim against his/her will. This behaviour is predisposed by a wide variety of risk factors, including personality. Focusing on personality, antisocial behaviours tend to be better predicted by the Dark Tetrad of personality. Therefore, the main aim of the present study was to study the connections between the Dark Tetrad and OSV. Secondly, we aimed to clarify the OSV construct by exploring its prevalence in our sample. For this purpose, 1988 participants answered measures assessing the Dark Tetrad and their involvement in OSV. To analyze the connections structural equation modelling was performed between the two constructs. To explore the OSV construct, gender differences were calculated, and different rates of perpetration and victimization are offered. Results showed that the Dark Tetrad of personality is closely related to OSV, being the sadistic enjoyment the strongest predictor trait for both, to be victimized and perpetrate it. Additionally, women tend to be more victimized by OSV while men tend to perpetrate it. OSV usually happens through messaging apps or social media in a background of an existing relationship.