From Bullying Victimization to Sexual Coercion Victimization: Do These Differ for Heterosexual and LGB Adolescents in the United States?

Abstract

The current study proposes pathways from bullying victimization to sexual coercion victimization mediated by using drugs and engaging in sex with drugs. The study sample included heterosexual or LGB youth. Measures included bullying victimization, using drugs, engaging in sex with drugs, sexual coercion victimization, and the covariates, which are sex and age. Path analyses were conducted for heterosexual and LGB adolescents. Among heterosexuals, bullying victimization was positively associated with sexual coercion victimization. Using drugs and engaging in sex with drugs were also positively associated with sexual coercion victimization. Among LGBs, bullying victimization was positively associated with sexual coercion victimization. Using drugs and engaging in sex with drugs were also positively related to sexual coercion victimization. Findings from the study have implications for juvenile justice and school-based practice.