Adolescent Compensated Dating in Hong Kong: Choice, Script, and Dynamics

Although numerous studies have examined the prevalence, contributing factors, and consequences of compensated dating (CD) among young people, few empirical studies have investigated the process of engaging in CD. This article intends to fill this research gap through semi-structured interviews with 30 young people who have experience in CD in Hong Kong. The current study provides a step-by-step account of the involvement of young people in this illegal/immoral activity from a crime script perspective. Twelve decision-making points in four crime commission stages are identified in this study. The findings of the study will not only advance conceptual understanding of the choice, script, and dynamics of young people’s path to CD but also provide suggestions for formulating stage-specific measures for situational crime prevention. This empirical study is the first to investigate the process of this specific emerging offense in the Chinese community.