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Kokkinos CM, Krommida C, Markos A, Voulgaridou I. A Latent Profile Analysis of Greek University Students' Sexting Profiles: Associations with Big Five Personality Traits. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:1129-1140. [PMID: 38151570 PMCID: PMC10920438 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02762-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the associations between sexting profiles and five factor model (FFM) personality traits among Greek university students. A sample of 2913 participants predominantly aged between 18 and 25 years (M = 22; SD = 3.54; 69.6% females) completed a self-report online questionnaire that measured sexting behaviors and FFM traits. Latent profile analysis identified five distinct profiles which were labeled uninvolved, consensual sexters, non-consensual sexters, unwanted sexters, and highly involved sexters. The different sexting profiles were associated with distinct patterns of FFM trait scores. Specifically, the uninvolved scored higher on agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness than those highly involved in sexting, consensual, non-consensual, and unwanted sexters. Furthermore, those who sent unwanted sexts were more likely to be emotionally unstable than the consensual sexters and those not involved. These findings indicate that sexting behaviors may be related to certain personality traits and emphasize the importance of considering individual differences when studying sexting behaviors. The practical implications of the findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantinos M Kokkinos
- Department of Primary Education, School of Education Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, N. Hili, 68131, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
| | - Christina Krommida
- Department of Primary Education, School of Education Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, N. Hili, 68131, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Angelos Markos
- Department of Primary Education, School of Education Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, N. Hili, 68131, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Ioanna Voulgaridou
- Department of Primary Education, School of Education Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, N. Hili, 68131, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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Thorne E, Babchishin KM, Fisico R, Healey L. Sexting in Young Adults: A Normative Sexual Behavior. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:593-609. [PMID: 38082175 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02728-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
With the advancement of technology, sexting has become more prominent in high school and university samples. The current study examined the rates and characteristics of sexting among an online sample of 2,828 young adults aged 18-30, primarily from the U.S. and Canada. We found that most participants sext (81%), sext often (most report ≥ 11 sexts), and start young (most by 16-17 years of age). Common reasons for sexting echoed reasons for participating in other normative sexual behaviors, including that it was sexually arousing, they were asked and wanted to reciprocate, or they wanted to flirt. Sexual coercion was a gendered phenomenon, with 1 in 10 cisgender women and 1 in 50 cisgender men reporting having sent a sext due to being threatened. The body parts captured in cisgender men's sexts were more diverse, whereas cisgender women focused on their chest, underwear/genitalia, and stomach. Sexual orientation was also found to be a relevant factor, with different patterns in sexting experiences emerging across identities. The current study adds to the mounting evidence that sexting is a normative sexual behavior. Sexual education programs should provide youth with information on consent and safe sexting practices rather than follow an abstinence approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Thorne
- John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kelly M Babchishin
- Department of Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada.
| | - Rebecca Fisico
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Lindsay Healey
- Department of Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
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3
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Morelli M, Plata MG, Isolani S, Zabala MEZ, Hoyos KPC, Tirado LMU, Gracia MSR, Barbosa CP, Pistella J, Zuffianò A, Gerbino M, Laghi F, Pastorelli C, Baiocco R. Sexting Behaviors Before and During COVID-19 in Italian and Colombian Young Adults. SEXUALITY RESEARCH & SOCIAL POLICY : JOURNAL OF NSRC : SR & SP 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37363349 PMCID: PMC9986041 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-023-00798-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Recent research highlight increasing at-risk online sexual activities and behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic among young adults. Specifically, sexting refers to exchanging sexually suggestive messages, photos, and videos through technological devices, and it can be placed on a continuum from safer to riskier behavior. This study aims to improve our knowledge about sexting behaviors in Italian and Colombian young adults before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A survey online was filled in by all recruited participants through a snowball sampling procedure (from December 2019 to June 2021) both in Italy and Colombia, resulting in a total of 2931 participants (2051 from Italy and 880 from Colombia) aged 18 to 35 years old (Mage = 23.85; SDage = 3.63; 67.6% girls). Results Italian youth were more engaged in risky sexting than Colombian participants, while Colombians indicated being more engaged in non-consensual sexting than Italians. Sexual minority people reported more sharing their own sexts, higher levels of sexting under pressure, and 3.2 times more risky sexting than exclusively heterosexual counterparts. During the pandemic period, participants sent their own sexts 1.5 times more and were less involved in non-consensual sexting than in the pre-pandemic era. Conclusions The present research could help understand better the cultural dynamics underlying the differences in sexting behaviors, suggesting the relevance of investigating how sexting behaviors and online at-risk activities have changed since the pandemic started. Policy Implications Results provide implications for educational and prevention programs to improve young people's awareness of sexting behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Morelli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Isolani
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jessica Pistella
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Zuffianò
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Gerbino
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorenzo Laghi
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Baiocco
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Ragona A, Mesce M, Cimino S, Cerniglia L. Motivations, Behaviors and Expectancies of Sexting: The Role of Defensive Strategies and Social Media Addiction in a Sample of Adolescents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1805. [PMID: 36767172 PMCID: PMC9913953 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Adolescents and young adults engage in sexting behaviors. Research has mainly emphasized the relationship between motivations and sexting behaviors, with little attention paid to sexting expectations and the potential role of coping strategies. This study aims to explore the measure of emotional-behavioral functioning with the Youth/Adult Self Report (based on the subject's age), the use of defensive strategies measured with the Response Evaluation Measure (REM-71), social media addiction with the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) and all dimensions of sexting: motivations, behavior and expectations measured with the Sexting Motivation Questionnaire (SMQ), Sexting Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ) and Sexpectancies Questionnaire (SQ), respectively. N = 209 adolescents and young adults were recruited from high schools and universities in Rome to complete the self-report questionnaires. Results show that males tend to have higher expectations of sexting than females. We also found that expectations play a role in determining sexting behaviors and motivations. Our hypotheses on social media addiction and sexting were confirmed, while the relationship between the defensive strategies and sexting was not significant as expected. Further studies on this topic are desirable in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Ragona
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Rome, Sapienza, 00186 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Mesce
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Rome, Sapienza, 00186 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Cimino
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Rome, Sapienza, 00186 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Cerniglia
- Faculty of Psychology, International Telematic University Uninettuno, 00186 Rome, Italy
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Geng J, Wang P, Zeng P, Liu K, Lei L. Relationship between Honesty-Humility and Cyberbullying Perpetration: A Moderated Mediation Model. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP14807-NP14829. [PMID: 33980060 DOI: 10.1177/08862605211016346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have verified the roles of big five personalities in cyberbullying perpetration (CP). The Big Five model has been revised to include an additional dimension, called Honesty-Humility (HH). It is not clear whether HH would be associated with CP. Thus, the effect of HH on CP was examined. To further explore this influencing mechanism, materialism was examined as a mediator, and parental psychological control (PPC) was examined as a moderator in the relationship between HH and CP. A total of 1,004 Chinese adolescents (M = 12.95, SD =1.12) participated in this study using a cross-sectional design and multiple questionnaires, namely, the Honesty-Humility subscale of the 24-item Brief HEXACO Inventory, the Revised Cyber Bullying Inventory, the Material Values Scale for Children, and the Parental Control Questionnaire. Correlation analyses indicated that CP, materialism, and PPC were significantly and positively correlated with each other, and were significantly and negatively associated with HH. The mediation model revealed that materialism played a mediating role in the relationship between HH and CP. The moderated mediation model revealed that stronger PPC strengthened the direct associations of HH with materialism and CP, and further strengthened the indirect relationship between HH and CP. Specifically, Chinese adolescents with lower levels of HH were more likely to build material values and further engaged in cyberbullying perpetration, when they perceived stronger PPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Geng
- Department of Psychology, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Pengcheng Wang
- School of Education, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Pan Zeng
- Department of Psychology, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Department of Psychology, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Li Lei
- School of Education, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
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Negative urgency moderates the association between compulsive sexual behaviors and sending unsolicited sexts among men in residential treatment for substance use disorders. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2022.107385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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7
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Gámez-Guadix M, Mateos-Pérez E, Wachs S, Wright M, Martínez J, Íncera D. Assessing image-based sexual abuse: Measurement, prevalence, and temporal stability of sextortion and nonconsensual sexting ("revenge porn") among adolescents. J Adolesc 2022; 94:789-799. [PMID: 35719041 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study is to develop a new measure of victimization and perpetration of two frequent forms of image-based sexual abuse, namely sextortion (i.e., the threat of distributing sexual images to pressure the victim into doing something) and nonconsensual sexting (i.e., distributing sexual images of someone without the consent of the victim). Additional aims were to analyze the prevalence of these forms of victimization and perpetration and to examine their temporal stability over a 1-year period. METHODS The sample was made up of 1820 Spanish adolescents (mean age = 13.38, SD = 1.42; 929 girls, 878 boys, 3 nonbinary, and 10 did not indicate gender) who completed self-report instruments on image-based sexual abuse and related variables (e.g., cyberbullying victimization). RESULTS Confirmatory factor analysis supported a structure composed of the four hypothesized factors: sextortion victimization and perpetration, and nonconsensual sexting victimization and perpetration. Higher sexting, cyberbullying victimization, and symptoms of depression and anxiety had stronger associations with image-based sexual victimization than with perpetration, which showed evidence of concurrent validity. Prevalence was 2.6% and 0.7% for sextortion victimization and perpetration, respectively, and 3.4% and 4.9% for nonconsensual sexting victimization and perpetration, respectively. Temporal stability over 1 year was .26 for sextortion victimization, .19 for nonconsensual sexting victimization, .33 for nonconsensual sexting perpetration (all ps < .001), and nonsignificant for sextortion perpetration. The stability of nonconsensual sexting victimization was significantly higher for girls compared to boys, whereas nonconsensual sexting perpetration was more stable over 1 year for boys. CONCLUSIONS Future studies must advance the analysis of the predictors and consequences of image-based sexual abuse among adolescents to better prevent this problem. Prevalence of sextortion and nonconsensual sexting is not negligible, and these problems should be particularly addressed in prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Gámez-Guadix
- Biological and Health Psychology Department, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Estibaliz Mateos-Pérez
- Department of Social Psychology and Methodology of Behavior Science, University of Basque Country, Leioa, Spain
| | - Sebastian Wachs
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Michelle Wright
- Department of Psychology, Child Study Center, Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jone Martínez
- Biological and Health Psychology Department, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Íncera
- Biological and Health Psychology Department, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Okumu M, Logie CH, Ansong D, Mwima S, Hakiza R, Newman PA. Exploring the Protective Value of Using Sexting for Condom Negotiation on Condom use Determinants and Practices Among Forcibly Displaced Adolescents in the Slums of Kampala, Uganda. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:3538-3550. [PMID: 35476165 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03677-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Given the global growth of adolescent texting, we evaluate texting-based sexual communication as a potential site for interventions encouraging condom use cascades, particularly among displaced adolescents-a population with disproportionate levels of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. With data from 242 forcibly displaced adolescents in the slums of Kampala, Uganda, we used path analysis to examine pathways from gender/dating relationship to condom determinant (knowledge of where to access condoms) and practices (access/use of condoms), through sexting-based condom negotiation, controlling for sexting practices. We found direct pathways from gender (boys vs. girls) and from dating relationship (dating vs. not) to condom determinant. Sexting-based condom negotiation partially mediated the pathway from gender/dating relationship to condom determinant, and fully mediated the pathways from gender/dating relationship to condom practices. Future digital sexual health interventions should consider the utility of texting-based applications in promoting knowledge and use of condoms among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moses Okumu
- School of Social Work, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 1010 W Nevada St, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- School of Social Sciences, Uganda Christian University, Mukono, Uganda.
| | - Carmen H Logie
- Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street West, ON, M5S 1V4, Toronto, Canada
- United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment, and Health (UNU- INWEH), 204-175 Longwood Rd S, L8P 0A1, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Centre for Gender & Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, Canada
- Canada Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - David Ansong
- School of Social Work, University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill, 325 Pittsboro St CB#3550, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Simon Mwima
- School of Social Work, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 1010 W Nevada St, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- AIDS Control Program, Ministry of Health, Plot 6, Lourdel Road, Nakasero, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert Hakiza
- Young African Refugees for Integral Development (YARID), Nsambya Gogonya, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Peter A Newman
- Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street West, ON, M5S 1V4, Toronto, Canada
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A Cross-Cultural Examination of the Sexting Motives and Attitudes: Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Croatia. HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/7606949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Many sexting studies conducted in the Western cultures have shown that the percentage is higher in less traditional cultures. However, the generalizability of this phenomenon to non-Western cultures has not been extensively researched. The purpose of this study is to examine and explain cross-cultural differences in sexting behavior among subjects from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. A mixed methods approach was used. The first, qualitative phase included focus groups with two groups of high school students from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia (
), aged 15 to 19. In the second, quantitative phase, questionnaires were sent to 440 young adults with an average age of 21 years (
). From the interviews with the young people, nonconsensual sexting was perceived as less beneficial. Sexting was viewed as a double standard. The quantitative study revealed gender and country differences in attitudes toward sexting and motives for sexting. Positive attitudes toward sexting were found to predict different forms of sexting motives in both samples. In the sample from Bosnia and Herzegovina, age was found to predict sexting with instrumental motives and body image reinforcement motives. Gender, on the other hand, was found to be predictive of instrumental sexting motives in the Croatian sample and body image reinforcement sexting motives in the Bosnia and Herzegovina sample. This study illustrates the value of cross-cultural approaches combined with mixed methods as a design to study sexting behavior.
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Van Ouytsel J, Lu Y, Shin Y, Avalos BL, Pettigrew J. Sexting, pressured sexting and associations with dating violence among early adolescents. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2021.106969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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11
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Bianchi D, Baiocco R, Lonigro A, Pompili S, Zammuto M, Di Tata D, Morelli M, Chirumbolo A, Di Norcia A, Cannoni E, Longobardi E, Laghi F. Love in Quarantine: Sexting, Stress, and Coping During the COVID-19 Lockdown. SEXUALITY RESEARCH & SOCIAL POLICY : JOURNAL OF NSRC : SR & SP 2021; 20:465-478. [PMID: 34580599 PMCID: PMC8458047 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-021-00645-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Introduction This study investigated the relationships of pandemic-related stress and coping strategies with different kinds of sexting (i.e., experimental, risky, and emotional) during the COVID-19 lockdown in the Italian context. Methods A sample of 1929 emerging adults (Mage = 24.17, SDage = 2.75; 71.6% girls) completed an online survey about their sexting behaviors during the national lockdown in Italy. Data were gathered in April/May 2020, from 6th to 11th week of home confinement due to COVID-19 pandemic. Hierarchical regression and mediation analyses were performed. Results Pandemic-related stress directly predicted only risky and emotional sexting. Experimental and emotional sexting were positively predicted by social support, and negatively predicted by turning to religion. Risky and emotional sexting were positively predicted by avoidance, and negatively predicted by problem solving. Adaptive coping (i.e., social support) mediated the relationships from pandemic-related stress to both experimental and emotional sexting. Maladaptive coping (i.e., avoidance and problem solving) mediated the relationships from pandemic related-stress to risky and emotional sexting. Conclusions Sexting was a coping tool during COVID-19 lockdown, showing both adaptive and maladaptive facets. Policy Implications Findings suggest new directions for implementing programs of sexual education and safer Internet use targeted to young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Bianchi
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Baiocco
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonia Lonigro
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Pompili
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Zammuto
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Di Tata
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mara Morelli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Anna Di Norcia
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cannoni
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Emiddia Longobardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorenzo Laghi
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Clancy EM, Maas MK, March E, Howard D, Klettke B. Just Checking It Out? Motivations for and Behavioral Associations With Visiting "Slutpages" in the United States and Australia. Front Psychol 2021; 12:671986. [PMID: 34248768 PMCID: PMC8267471 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.671986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
"Slutpages" are a pernicious form of online image-based evaluative voyeurism (OIBEV), whereby (sexualized) images of women are posted on webpages for (predominantly) male groups to rate and comment. Despite media and public concern, OIBEV sites have garnered limited empirical study. This paper presents the first analysis of OIBEV site visitation motivations across United States and Australian samples. Participants comprised a convenience sample of 1148 young adults aged 18 to 29 years (M = 22.54, SD = 2.50); 53.0% women, 47.0% men; 54% residing in the U.S. and 46% in Australia. Respondents completed an online questionnaire. Overall, 23% of United States and 16% of Australian respondents had visited OIBEV sites. OIBEV site visitation was uniquely associated with gender and country (with men and United States being more likely to visit OIBEV sites), requesting and disseminating sexts and having one's own image shared. Cyberbullying perpetration was associated with reduced odds of OIBEV site visitation. Motivations differed by gender, with men (80%) being most likely to visit sites to "check them out" while women were equally likely to check it out (41%) or to see if they were depicted (36%). For men, unique predictors of OIBEV site visitation were having requested, disseminated and received disseminated sexts, lower levels of anxiety and reduced likelihood of cyberbullying perpetration. For women, OIBEV site visitation was uniquely associated with being a United States resident, sext dissemination victimization, receipt of disseminated sexts, higher levels of anxiety but reduced stress. Our findings confirm that OIBEV sites represent a highly gendered form of online image-based sexual abuse, and may have important mental health implications, given the associations with increased anxiety. Our results support the need for "slutpage" education for adolescents and young adults to address social and peer norms that encourage and support non-consensual use of intimate images.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Megan K. Maas
- Human Development and Family Studies, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Evita March
- School of Science, Psychology, and Sport, Federation University Australia, Berwick, VIC, Australia
| | - Dominika Howard
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood East, VIC, Australia
| | - Bianca Klettke
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood East, VIC, Australia
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13
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Bianchi D, Morelli M, Baiocco R, Cattelino E, Chirumbolo A. Patterns of love and sexting in teen dating relationships: The moderating role of conflicts. New Dir Child Adolesc Dev 2021; 2021:133-155. [PMID: 34109733 PMCID: PMC9292559 DOI: 10.1002/cad.20427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
According to the triangular love theory, this study investigated the roles of three components of love (i.e., passion, intimacy, commitment) and the moderating role of conflicts in predicting different forms of sexting (i.e., experimental, nonconsensual, under pressure) in teen dating relationships. Participants were 409 adolescents (Mage = 17.20, SDage = 1.61; 62.6% girls) who completed an online questionnaire. Three moderated regressions were performed. Conflicts positively predicted all forms of sexting. Passion positively predicted experimental sexting. Intimacy negatively predicted experimental and nonconsensual sexting, and positively predicted sexting under pressure. Three interaction effects emerged, pointing out the moderating role of conflicts. Passion positively predicted nonconsensual sexting in the presence of high conflicts, while this relationship became negative when conflicts were low. Commitment negatively predicted nonconsensual sexting and sexting under pressure in the presence of high conflicts, but these relationships were not significant when conflicts were low. Research and applicative implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Bianchi
- Department of Social & Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mara Morelli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Baiocco
- Department of Social & Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Cattelino
- Department of Human and Social Science, University of Valle d'Aosta, Aosta, Italy
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Homophobia is online: Sexual victimization and risks on the internet and mental health among bisexual, homosexual, pansexual, asexual, and queer adolescents. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2021.106728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Van Ouytsel J, Walrave M, De Marez L, Vanhaelewyn B, Ponnet K. Sexting, pressured sexting and image-based sexual abuse among a weighted-sample of heterosexual and LGB-youth. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2020.106630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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16
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Morelli M, Urbini F, Bianchi D, Baiocco R, Cattelino E, Laghi F, Sorokowski P, Misiak M, Dziekan M, Hudson H, Marshall A, Nguyen TTT, Mark L, Kopecky K, Szotkowski R, Toplu Demirtaş E, Van Ouytsel J, Ponnet K, Walrave M, Zhu T, Chen Y, Zhao N, Liu X, Voiskounsky A, Bogacheva N, Ioannou M, Synnott J, Tzani-Pepelasi K, Balakrishnan V, Okumu M, Small E, Pavlova Nikolova S, Drouin M, Chirumbolo A. The Relationship between Dark Triad Personality Traits and Sexting Behaviors among Adolescents and Young Adults across 11 Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18052526. [PMID: 33806314 PMCID: PMC7967332 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background: Sexting is an increasingly common phenomenon among adolescents and young adults. Some studies have investigated the role of personality traits in different sexting behaviors within mainstream personality taxonomies like Big Five and HEXACO. However, very few studies have investigated the role of maladaptive personality factors in sexting. Therefore, the present study investigated the relationship between Dark Triad Personality Traits and experimental (i.e., sharing own sexts), risky (i.e., sexting under substance use and with strangers), and aggravated sexting (i.e., non-consensual sexting and sexting under pressure) across 11 countries. Methods: An online survey was completed by 6093 participants (Mage = 20.35; SDage = 3.63) from 11 different countries which covered four continents (Europe, Asia, Africa, and America). Participants completed the Sexting Behaviors Questionnaire and the 12-item Dark Triad Dirty Dozen scale. Results: Hierarchical regression analyses showed that sharing own sexts was positively predicted by Machiavellianism and Narcissism. Both risky and aggravated sexting were positively predicted by Machiavellianism and Psychopathy. Conclusions: The present study provided empirical evidence that different sexting behaviors were predicted by Dark Triad Personality Traits, showing a relevant role of Machiavellianism in all kinds of investigated sexting behaviors. Research, clinical, and education implications for prevention programs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Morelli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.:+39-06-4991-7677
| | - Flavio Urbini
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.U.); (A.C.)
| | - Dora Bianchi
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (D.B.); (R.B.); (F.L.)
| | - Roberto Baiocco
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (D.B.); (R.B.); (F.L.)
| | - Elena Cattelino
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Valle D’Aosta, 11100 Aosta, Italy;
| | - Fiorenzo Laghi
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (D.B.); (R.B.); (F.L.)
| | - Piotr Sorokowski
- Institute of Psychology, University of Wroclaw, 50-527 Wrocław, Poland; (P.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Michal Misiak
- Institute of Psychology, University of Wroclaw, 50-527 Wrocław, Poland; (P.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Martyna Dziekan
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, Adam Mickiewicz University, 60-658 Poznań, Poland;
| | - Heather Hudson
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR 72035, USA;
| | - Alexandra Marshall
- College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA;
| | - Thanh Truc T. Nguyen
- College of Education, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (T.T.T.N.); (L.M.)
| | - Lauren Mark
- College of Education, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (T.T.T.N.); (L.M.)
| | - Kamil Kopecky
- Centre for Prevention of Risky Virtual Communication, Palacky University Olomouc, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (K.K.); (R.S.)
| | - René Szotkowski
- Centre for Prevention of Risky Virtual Communication, Palacky University Olomouc, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (K.K.); (R.S.)
| | - Ezgi Toplu Demirtaş
- Psychological Counseling and Guidance, MEF University, Istanbul 34396, Turkey;
| | - Joris Van Ouytsel
- Department of Communication Studies, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (J.V.O.); (M.W.)
- Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Koen Ponnet
- Department of Communication Sciences, imec-mict-Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Michel Walrave
- Department of Communication Studies, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (J.V.O.); (M.W.)
| | - Tingshao Zhu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100864, China; (T.Z.); (Y.C.); (N.Z.); (X.L.)
| | - Ya Chen
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100864, China; (T.Z.); (Y.C.); (N.Z.); (X.L.)
| | - Nan Zhao
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100864, China; (T.Z.); (Y.C.); (N.Z.); (X.L.)
| | - Xiaoqian Liu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100864, China; (T.Z.); (Y.C.); (N.Z.); (X.L.)
| | - Alexander Voiskounsky
- Department of General Psychology, Lomonosow Moscow State University, 101000 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Nataliya Bogacheva
- Department of Pedagogy and Medical Psychology, Sechenov University, 101000 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Maria Ioannou
- Department of Psychology, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK; (M.I.); (J.S.); (K.T.-P.)
| | - John Synnott
- Department of Psychology, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK; (M.I.); (J.S.); (K.T.-P.)
| | - Kalliopi Tzani-Pepelasi
- Department of Psychology, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK; (M.I.); (J.S.); (K.T.-P.)
| | - Vimala Balakrishnan
- Department of Information System, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Moses Okumu
- School of Social Work, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Eusebius Small
- School of Social Work, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA;
| | - Silviya Pavlova Nikolova
- Department of Social Medicine and Healthcare Organization, Medical University-Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria;
| | - Michelle Drouin
- Department of Psychology, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN 46805, USA;
| | - Antonio Chirumbolo
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.U.); (A.C.)
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Clancy EM, Klettke B, Crossman AM, Hallford DJ, Howard D, Toumbourou JW. Sext Dissemination: Differences across Nations in Motivations and Associations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:2429. [PMID: 33801431 PMCID: PMC7967565 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Sext dissemination presents policy and legislative challenges given its potential psychological, social, and legal harms. We report on a cross-national comparison of sext-image dissemination in a large sample of 1148 young adults aged 18-29 years (M = 22.54, SD = 2.50, 53.0% women, 47.0% men), either U.S. (53.8%) or Australian (46.2%) residents. The results indicate that 14% of young adults disseminated sexts, with no difference by gender or country. Over 50% of respondents indicated that the last time they received a disseminated sext, it was unexpected or unwelcome, with women twice as likely as men to receive unwelcome sexts. The most frequent motivations for sext dissemination were similar cross-nationally, relating to the attractiveness of the person depicted, as a joke, to gossip, because it was not a big deal, bragging, roasting or teasing, and to increase social status. Motivations of attractiveness, bragging, or social status were more commonly endorsed by men, while women endorsed reasons around gossip or roasting/teasing. Unique predictors of sext dissemination included U.S. residence, requesting sexts, receiving disseminated sexts, having one's own images disseminated, and more positive subjective norms to dissemination, and there was a country-gender interaction, where Australian women and U.S. men were more likely to disseminate sexts than then U.S. women or Australian men. The findings have implications for prevention programs seeking to address harmful online sexual interactions, including addressing respect, consent, and subjective norms supporting non-consensual dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M. Clancy
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood East 3125, Australia; (B.K.); (D.J.H.); (D.H.)
| | - Bianca Klettke
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood East 3125, Australia; (B.K.); (D.J.H.); (D.H.)
| | - Angela M. Crossman
- Department of Psychology, John Jay College, City University of New York, 524 West 59th Street, New York, NY 10019, USA;
| | - David J. Hallford
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood East 3125, Australia; (B.K.); (D.J.H.); (D.H.)
| | - Dominika Howard
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood East 3125, Australia; (B.K.); (D.J.H.); (D.H.)
| | - John W. Toumbourou
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong 3220, Australia;
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Barroso R, Ramião E, Figueiredo P, Araújo AM. Abusive Sexting in Adolescence: Prevalence and Characteristics of Abusers and Victims. Front Psychol 2021; 12:610474. [PMID: 33716872 PMCID: PMC7943630 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.610474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexting has been defined as sending, receiving, or forwarding sexually explicit messages, images, or photos to others through digital platforms, and can assume more consensual or more abusive and violent forms. This study aims to explore the prevalence of abusive sexting in Portuguese adolescents and the psychological characteristics of sexting abusers in terms of emotional and behavioral problems, potential markers of psychopathy, childhood trauma and maltreatment, and different forms of aggression. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 4,281 participants, aged 12-20 years (2,264 girls and 2,017 boys), of whom 204 (4.8%) engaged in abusive sexting behaviors and 182 (4.3%) self-identified as being a non-consensual sexting victim. Abusive sexting was more common among boys and middle adolescents, and abusive sexting victims were more likely to be children of single-parent families. Engaging in abusive sexting and being a victim of abusive sexting were also related to behavioral and emotional problems, callousness, experiences of neglect and abuse in childhood, and various forms of aggression. Implications for future research and intervention are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Barroso
- Department of Education and Psychology, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Ramião
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Figueiredo
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alexandra M. Araújo
- Department of Psychology and Education, Portucalense University, Porto, Portugal
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Gassó AM, Agustina JR, Goméz-Durán E. Cross-Cultural Differences in Sexting Practices between American and Spanish University Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18042058. [PMID: 33672448 PMCID: PMC7923277 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18042058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite the growing body of research regarding sexting and online sexual victimization, there is little evidence exploring cultural differences in association with those behaviors. The aim of this study was to examine cultural differences in sexting practices by comparing an American sample and a Spanish sample of university students. The original sample was composed of 1799 college students, including 1386 Spanish college students and 413 American Students, with 74% of female participants, and ages ranging from 18 to 64 years old (mean age = 21.26, SD= 4.61). Results indicate that American students sext more than Spanish students and have higher probabilities of being victims of nonconsensual dissemination of their sexual content. However, Spanish students receive more sexts than American students. Although our results show differences between the Spanish and the American samples that might be modulated by cultural factors, the vulnerability of females regarding sexting remains unchanged. Additionally, differences in specific characteristics of the behaviors (such as perceived risk, receiver of the sexual content, intensity of the sexual content, and motive for sexting) were also studied. Further results and implications are discussed in relation to cultural differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aina M. Gassó
- Faculty of Law, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - José R. Agustina
- Faculty of Law, Universitat Abat Oliba CEU, 08022 Barcelona, Spain;
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