Purpose This study aims to investigate the psychological, behavioral and sociological dynamics of scam victimization, aiming to bridge the gap between financial loss and the lived experience of victims. Design/methodology/approach Using a qualitative methodology, the research uses in-depth interviews with 18 victims to explore susceptibility factors, scammer modus operandi and subsequent coping mechanisms. Findings Findings also reveal that victim susceptibility is driven by diverse traits, including greed, over-trusting natures, desperation and ignorance. Scammers exploit these vulnerabilities through sophisticated social engineering, persuasive tactics and the cultivation of emotional bonds. The consequences extend profoundly beyond financial depletion, encompassing severe emotional trauma such as anxiety and depression and social ramifications like “losing face” and isolation. Furthermore, victims often experience “secondary victimization” through societal stigmatization and a lack of empathy from law enforcement. To manage distress, individuals use adaptive coping mechanisms, such as religion, sports and professional therapy or maladaptive strategies like gambling, avoidance and self-blame. Research limitations/implications The research and researchers had to adhere to strict anonymity at the request of the victims and this became an arduous task to find victims who were willing to speak openly with the researchers. It was also a challenge to find victims in each category of frauds. In terms of research administration, because of the large team, the team leader had to carefully assign tasks which relate to the strength of each member. Practical implications These insights inform targeted intervention strategies and policy development to mitigate the pervasive impact of scams. Social implications By enhancing awareness and understanding of scams, the research aims to empower individuals and communities to protect themselves against fraudulent activities and to suggest ways in which victims can cope and perhaps find support. Originality/value There are limited research on the combination of fraud and victim coping mechanism. There are limited resources to understand how victims cope and find support upon being scammed. The question of how does one deal with being frauded has always risen.
Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential impact of social media violence on the mental health of female adolescents. Design/methodology/approach The paper opted for a quantitative approach. A survey was conducted using a questionnaire sent to 120 selected respondents. The study was conducted in Mutare, Zimbabwe. The questionnaire was used to collect data. Findings Findings indicated a correlation between online violence and social media use, particularly among female adolescents. Respondents in this study noted that prolonged stay on social media may result in the possibility of falling into mental health challenges due to violence. Research limitations/implications The researchers note that, because of the chosen quantitative approach, the research results may lack generalisability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to further test the proposed propositions. Practical implications This research has important practical implications for important knowledge to inform the development of digital safety education and interventions that promote responsible social media use. Findings can strengthen mental health screening and support services, to improve measures for safety against online violence on adolescents. Originality/value This paper fulfils an identified need to study the influence of social media technologies on internet violence among adolescents.
Purpose Community-based intervention is a major strategy through which gender-based violence (GBV) is being addressed in many communities in Nigeria. Despite the wide adoption of this approach, research focusing on its utility is rare. Therefore, this study aims to investigates the community-based intervention strategies being adopted for addressing GBV against women and girls in Ogun State, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The exploratory cum cross-sectional research design was employed. Qualitative methodology involving triangulation of in-depth interview (IDI), key-informant interview (KII) and focus group discussion (FGD) was principally utilised for the elicitation of data from the study respondents. Findings Results showed that most of the respondents affirmed that community-based intervention is a useful approach for the handling and management of GBV. However, a segment of the respondents was skeptical about the utility of the approach as they claimed it tended, in some cases, to shield perpetrators of GBV, while also denying victims access to justice. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is original as it focused on an important subject matter on which there is limited empirical information in Nigeria.
Purpose This study aims to explore the formation of travel risk perceptions and the risk management and responses of tourists and authorities. Design/methodology/approach By analysing online reviews, this study identifies the causes of incidents, tourist responses and destination management strategies, determining factors that influence risk response and satisfaction. Findings Personal characteristics and destination information influence tourists’ risk perceptions, and effective risk management can alter tourists’ views. Research limitations/implications These include the subjectivity of travel reviews and limited data sources. Originality/value The integrated theoretical model developed in this study deepens travel risk research and offers recommendations to mitigate negative impacts on the destination image.
Purpose This study aims to explore the extent to which risk factors grounded in general strain theory consistently influence adolescent substance use across varying situational contexts. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on self-reported data from the 2022 Minnesota Student Survey (MSS; n = 123,583), this study employs conjunctive analysis of case configurations to explore profiles of adolescents at risk of substance use through the lens of general strain theory. Findings The results of this study indicated that some strains experienced by adolescents contribute to an increased risk of substance use and that these outcomes are highly context dependent. Research limitations/implications While the outcomes of this study generally align with prior research demonstrating a link between adolescents’ experiences of certain strains and substance use, the results regarding the dominant profiles and the main effects of likelihood on substance use were not necessarily consistently stable across these profiles. Practical implications Schools offering adolescent substance use programs should consider the significant strains youth face and incorporate these factors into effective, evidence-based interventions tailored to those most at risk, using generated risk profiles informed by a Conjunctive Analysis of Case Configurations (CACC) approach. This targeted strategy is likely more effective than generalized programs aimed at the broader student population. Social implications By acknowledging limited resources and funding many schools face, such an approach ensures that support reaches those who need it most and avoids blanket strategies that have demonstrated ineffective results. Originality/value While few studies have attempted to explain why adolescents engage in substance use through the lens of General Strain Theory (GST), consistent support for the core propositions of GST is lacking. One potential explanation for this inconsistency lies in the reliance on variable-oriented methods in prior research. These inquiries have not systematically examined the contextual profiles of adolescents and the likelihood of substance use defined by these multidimensional profiles. In response, data from the 2022 MSS were analyzed using CACC.
