Co-developing a measure of technology-facilitated dating violence with youth in Samoa

Technology-facilitated dating violence (TFDV) is an urgent concern for youth globally, yet existing measurement tools often lack alignment with youth experiences and local contexts. This paper presents Co-MAP, a participatory process for co-developing a TFDV measurement tool with youth in Samoa. Guided by participatory action research, the study involved six phases: literature review, training of youth peer researchers, peer-led qualitative data collection, item selection, participatory validation, and pilot testing. Youth co-researchers played a central role in collecting data, identifying context-specific forms of digital abuse and refining tool items. The final 15-item tool captures nuanced experiences such as online impersonation, coercive messaging, and image-based abuse. Preliminary findings suggest high prevalence of TFDV among Samoan youth. This paper reflects on the methodological value of participatory approaches in tool development and offers Co-MAP as a replicable model for researchers seeking to centre youth voices in the study of sensitive health and social issues.