Linguistic Strategies of Manipulative Language in Child Grooming: A Discourse Analysis of TV Series Cruel Summer

Ericka Lasiko (English Departement , Nusa Cendana University, Kupang, Indonesia)
Elisna Huan (English Departement , Nusa Cendana University, Kupang, Indonesia)
Ida Nyoman Tri Darma Putra (English Departement , Nusa Cendana University, Kupang, Indonesia)

ARMADA : Jurnal Penelitian Multidisiplin
Vol. 4 No. 9 (2026): ARMADA : Jurnal Penelitian Multidisplin, September 2026

This study examines the linguistic strategies of manipulative language in child grooming as represented in the television series Cruel Summer. It aims to identify the manipulative strategies used by the perpetrator, explain their functions in the grooming process, and analyse their representation of power relations. This research employs a qualitative descriptive method using Fairclough’s three-dimensional Critical Discourse Analysis framework, including textual analysis, discursive practice, and social practice. Data were collected through documentary analysis of selected dialogues from Episodes 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10 of Cruel Summer Season 1, which depict grooming interactions between Martin Harris and Kate Wallis. The findings reveal six strategies: affection escalation, emotional validation, pseudo-romantic bonding, reciprocity framing, secret-keeping normalisation, and threat-based silence reinforcement. These strategies develop from trust-building into psychological control, with emotional validation as the dominant strategy. The study demonstrates that grooming discourse constructs emotional dependence, secrecy, and compliance, reflecting unequal power relations between adults and adolescents.