"Sexting" and its relation to sexual activity and sexual risk behavior in a national survey of adolescents

Sin in the Digital Flesh? Religiosity and the Sexting Behavior of Women and Men in the United States

Scholars have noted a rise in sexting behavior in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the association between religion and sexual behavior has been widely studied, researchers have yet to consider whether sexting behavior might vary according to levels of religiosity. Building on prior research, this study uses national survey data to formally test whether several dimensions of religiosity (religious attendance, divine control, and religious/spiritual struggles) are associated with the sexting behavior of women (n = 619, Mage = 40.28, SD = 11.50) and men (n = 548, Mage = 40.04, SD = 11.51). Results suggest that the odds of sexting are lower among women who report higher levels of in-person religious attendance (not virtual attendance) and greater perceptions of divine control. Among women and men, the odds of sexting are higher among those who report more religious/spiritual struggles. This study is among the first to show how various dimensions of religiosity might influence sexting behavior in different ways for women and men during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important for future research to replicate our findings and to consider whether other dimensions of religiosity might also contribute to the likelihood of sexting in an increasingly digital world.

Patterns of Sexting by Youths: A Latent Class Analysis

Sexting (exchanging sexual correspondence in the online space) is considered a practice that expresses sexuality in the online space. Between adolescents, sexting can be part of a couple relationship or outside of it, and can be voluntary or coercive. Regardless of motives, sexting has been linked to various negative outcomes. Understanding the factors that influence sexting behavior is essential for developing effective prevention and intervention programs. The present study aimed to identify and compare different profiles of sexting behavior in adolescents using latent class analysis. Participants were 487 Israeli adolescents aged 14-19 (male N = 215, 44%, female N = 272, 56%) years who completed an online survey of demographic factors, online parental mediation, family and friend cohesion, and perception of sexting norms. Two distinct classes of individuals were identified: those who engage in sexting ("sexters") and those who do not ("non-sexters"). Sexters were more likely to be secular, and without a romantic partner. These findings may inform interventions aimed at preventing negative outcomes associated with adolescent sexting.

[Factors Influencing Sexual Experiences in Adolescents Using a Random Forest Model: Secondary Data Analysis of the 2019~2021 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey Data]

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to develop a predictive model for the sexual experiences of adolescents using the random forest method and to identify the "variable importance."

METHODS

The study utilized data from the 2019 to 2021 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, which included 86,595 man and 80,504 woman participants. The number of independent variables stood at 44. SPSS was used to conduct Rao-Scott χ² tests and complex sample t-tests. Modeling was performed using the random forest algorithm in Python. Performance evaluation of each model included assessments of precision, recall, F1-score, receiver operating characteristics curve, and area under the curve calculations derived from the confusion matrix.

RESULTS

The prevalence of sexual experiences initially decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, but later increased. "Variable importance" for predicting sexual experiences, ranked in the top six, included week and weekday sedentary time and internet usage time, followed by ease of cigarette purchase, age at first alcohol consumption, smoking initiation, breakfast consumption, and difficulty purchasing alcohol.

CONCLUSION

Education and support programs for promoting adolescent sexual health, based on the top-ranking important variables, should be integrated with health behavior intervention programs addressing internet usage, smoking, and alcohol consumption. We recommend active utilization of the random forest analysis method to develop high-performance predictive models for effective disease prevention, treatment, and nursing care.

Longitudinal Associations between Different Types of Sexting, Adolescent Mental Health, and Sexual Risk Behaviors: Moderating Effects of Gender, Ethnicity, Disability Status, and Sexual Minority Status

The present study investigated the moderating effect of adolescent demographic variables in the longitudinal associations among different types of sexting, mental health (i.e., depression, self-harm, subjective health complaints), and sexual risk behaviors. There were 1113 adolescents (ages 14-17 years; Mage = 16.36; SDage = .81; 50% female) from six high schools located in the United States included in this study. Adolescents completed questionnaires on their sexting behaviors, mental health, and sexual risk behaviors during the ninth grade; in tenth grade, they completed questionnaires on mental health and sexual risk behaviors. Non-consensual sexting and pressured sexting were both related positively to each of the mental health variables and sexual risk behaviors. The relationship between non-consensual sexting and depressive symptoms was stronger for girls, ethnic minorities, those adolescents with disabilities, and sexual minorities. Similar patterns were found for pressured sexting, non-suicidal self-harm, and subjective health complaints. The relationships between pressured sexting and sexual risk behaviors were stronger for girls, ethnic minorities, those adolescents with disabilities, and those who identified as sexual minorities. Research focused on the relationships among different types of sexting, mental health, and sexual risk behaviors is important as such research facilitates the development of evidence-based recommendations for sexting harm prevention and sexual education programs.

Estimating the Prevalence and Identifying the Correlates of Sexting Behaviors Among Cambodian Male Adolescents

Male youths are more likely to experience peer pressure that encourages them to engage in risky behaviors than female youths, and this pressure can lead to an increased risk of sexting among male youths. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of and factors associated with sexting among Cambodian male youths. The correlational cross-sectional study design was utilized. This study surveyed 647 Cambodian male youths aged 15 to 24 years. The measurement included sending or receiving messages (sexts) that contain sexually explicit messages, images, or videos, and affecting factors to sexting. Around 32.5% of participants sent sexts, and 38.9% received them. Open relationships, pornographic website use, perception of friends' sexual activity, frequent thoughts about sex, higher sexual sensation-seeking tendencies, positive attitudes toward sex, and sexual experience were associated with increased likelihood of sending and receiving sexts. Based on the findings of this study, by offering suitable education, guidance, and intervention programs, we can effectively mitigate the adverse repercussions of sexting while fostering healthy sexual behaviors among youths.

Adolescent Sexting, Violence, and Sexual Behaviors: An Analysis of 2014 and 2016 Pennsylvania Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data

BACKGROUND

Sexting is common among adolescents and is associated with numerous health risk behaviors and negative psychosocial constructs. This study examined the relationships between high school students' experiences with sexual violence victimization, dating violence victimization, and engagement in risky sexual behaviors with experiences of receiving sexts.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data from the 2014 to 2016 data from Pennsylvania Youth Risk Behavior. Participants were selected using an independent 2-stage cluster sample design to produce a statewide population-based sample. The pencil and paper surveys were conducted in school. Participants included 6734 Pennsylvania high school students in grades 9-12.

RESULTS

Overall, 29.0% of Pennsylvania high school students had received a sext, which varied by sex, race/ethnicity, school grade, and sexual identity. Students who engaged in sexual risk behaviors, experienced dating violence, or experienced lifetime sexual violence outside of the dating context had a significantly higher prevalence of receiving a sext than students who did not engage in those behaviors or have those experiences.

CONCLUSIONS

Early screening and prevention efforts that include discussions about sexting behaviors may help prevent other negative outcomes, such as risky sexual behaviors and interpersonal violence. Addressing sexting in the education and health sectors may help to prevent other related harmful health and violence experiences during adolescence.

Nonconsensual Dissemination of Sexual Images Among Adolescents: Associations With Depression and Self-Esteem

The nonconsensual dissemination of sexual images is a form of image-based sexual abuse that is relatively common among adolescents. However, literature on this issue with adolescent samples is relatively scarce. Therefore, this study is aimed at investigating how this phenomenon varies based on gender and sexual orientation, along with its association with depression and self-esteem. Participants were 728 secondary school students in Sweden (50.4% girls and 46.4% boys; 14.4% lesbian, gay, bisexual [LGB+]) aged from 12 to 19 years (M = 14.35, SD = 1.29). A survey was administered during school hours, including a measure assessing the nonconsensual dissemination of sexual images, the short version of the Moods and Feelings Questionnaire, and the Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale. Results showed that LGB+ participants were more likely to indicate that they were victimized compared to their heterosexual peers, while no differences were observed for gender. Being the target of nonconsensual dissemination of sexual images was positively associated with depression, whereas no significant associations were yielded for self-esteem. Based on the findings from this study, we suggest raising adolescent awareness in relation to the nonconsensual dissemination of sexual images as a form of sexual abuse that can have detrimental effects on those who are targeted. Such educational programs should be inclusive of sexual minority adolescents, as they are at a particular risk of being the target of nonconsensual dissemination of sexual images. Psychological support should be provided to the targets of this form of abuse, through both school and online counseling. Future research should adopt longitudinal designs while recruiting diverse samples.

Finding Intimacy Online: A Machine Learning Analysis of Predictors of Success

While an extensive scientific literature now exists on the use of online dating services, there are very few studies on user satisfaction with dating apps and with the resulting offline dates. This study aimed to assess the level of satisfaction with Tinder use (STU) and the level of satisfaction with Tinder offline dates (STOD) in a sample of adult users of the app. The study also aimed to examine, among 28 variables, those that are the most important in predicting STU and STOD. Overall, 1,387 Tinder users completed an online questionnaire. A machine learning model was used to rank order predictors from most to least important. On a 4-point scale, participants' mean STU score was 2.39, and, on a 5-point scale, mean STOD score was 3.05. The results indicate that satisfaction with dating apps and with resulting offline dates is strongly predicted by participants' age and by their motives for using Tinder (enhancement, emotional coping, socialization, finding "true love," or casual sexual partners), whereas the variables negatively associated with satisfaction were those related to psychopathology. Interestingly, 65.3 percent of app users were married or "in a relationship," and only 50.3 percent of app users were using it to meet someone offline. Generally, participants who engage with the app to cope with personal difficulties seem more likely to report higher levels of dissatisfaction, suggesting that dating apps are a poor coping mechanism and highlighting the need to address underlying problems or pathologies that may be driving their use.

Prevalence and factors associated with active cybersexuality among teenagers between 15 and 17 years old: a cross sectional study in Normandy, France

OBJECTIVE

Teenagers use the Internet to obtain and exchange information in multiple fields, including about taboo subjects such as sexuality. Our objectives were to determine the prevalence and vulnerability factors related to active cybersexuality among teenagers aged between 15 and 17 years in western Normandy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was an observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study integrated into sexual education classes for teenagers between 15 and 17 years old. An anonymous questionnaire, designed for the study, was given at the beginning of each session.

RESULTS

The study had a 4-month duration and involved 1,208 teenagers. The results revealed that 66% of them engaged in cybersex, with sexting being the most widespread practice: 21% sent such sexts, 60% received such sexts, and 12% of boys shared such texts with others. Other practices, such as dedipix, dating websites, and skin parties, were more marginal, but 12% of teenagers had met someone in real life after meeting them first online. A history of experiencing violence, a lack of parental control, female gender, poor self-esteem, and consuming toxic drugs were associated with a higher risk of cybersexuality with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.63, 1.95, 2.07, 2.27, and 2.66, respectively. Number of friends on social networks >300 and daily viewing of pornography were also strongly associated with cybersexuality with an OR of 2.83 and 6.18, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that cybersex is practiced by two thirds of teens. Vulnerability factors most strongly associated with cybersexuality were female gender, poor self-esteem, consuming toxic drugs, number of friends on social networks >300, and daily viewing of pornography. Cybersexuality involves risks (social exclusion, bullying, dropout, poor self-esteem, breakdown) that are possible to prevent by highlighting this theme during sexual education classes.

Sexual Behavior Patterns of Black Young Adults in Georgia: Results from a Latent Class Analysis

The state of Georgia ranks first in the rate of new diagnosis of HIV/AIDS, yet studies focused on understanding the drivers of this epidemic in the most at-risk groups outside the Atlanta Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) remain sparse. Among the many consequences of this is the inability to effectively design tailored intervention programs that appropriately address the reduction of HIV/AIDS and other STDS in the state. Reducing disparities in HIV/AIDS remains an important goal in the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. Given the disproportionate burden of the HIV/AIDS epidemic among Blacks in the state of Georgia, there is a significant need to focus research attention on the sexual behavior of young people that predisposes them to increased risk of HIV/AIDS infection. The current study used latent class analysis (LCA) to examine the sexual behavior patterns of Black young adults living in Georgia. LCA results revealed a two-class fit with distinct sexual behavior patterns. Gender and educational attainment emerged as significant predictors of class membership. Our findings contribute to the vast literature showing that sexual behavior patterns of Black young adults are not homogenous, and underscore the significance of socio-demographic and contextual factors in shaping sexual risk behavior.

Sexting and sexual behaviour in Australian adolescents

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have tried to determine the relationship between sexting and risky behaviour to discover whether sexting fits into a deviance or normalcy discourse. This study investigated the relationship between sexting and sexual risk behaviours, contraception use and gender.

METHODS

The design was a cross-sectional analysis of data from the sixth National Survey of Secondary Student and Adolescent Sexual Health, collected in 2018. There were 8263 Australian adolescents (aged 14-18years). Participants were fairly evenly split by gender, and 73% identified as heterosexual. Participants were asked a series of questions about their engagement in sexting, sexual behaviour and sexual health behaviours.

RESULTS

A total of 52% of participants had sent a sext in the previous 2months, with most being text-based sexts. Sexters were 3.29times more likely to have engaged in anal or vaginal intercourse, and 2.88times more likely to have gotten pregnant than non-sexters. Sexters (M =2.76) had significantly more partners than non-sexters (M =2.35), t (3763)=-10.99, P X 2 (1)=0.38, P =0.535, or contraceptive use based on sexting status.

CONCLUSIONS

Sexters are more likely to have engaged in sexual intercourse and have more partners than non-sexters. Sexting is not strongly associated with other risky behaviours. Evidence for differences between sexters and non-sexters in protecting against STIs and pregnancy was not found, as there were no significant differences in contraceptive use.

What are the predictors of sexting behavior among adolescents? The positive youth development approach

INTRODUCTION

Research supporting adolescent sexual health and empowerment is needed. The study investigates sexting among adolescents using the resources that characterized the Positive Youth Development Approach (PYD) and considering the impact of parental monitoring. The study aims to describe sexting among three different groups of adolescents (i.e., Non Sexters [NS], Passive Sexters [PS], and Active Sexters [AS]) considering age and sex (first aim). It also seeks to identify predictors among the PYD's resources and parental monitoring that explain the probability of falling into the sexter or the non sexter groups (second aim) as well as the probability of falling into the active or the passive sexter groups (third aim).

METHOD

The national representative sample was composed of 1866 Italian adolescents: 980 girls and 886 boys aged between 13 and 19 years old (M = 16.26; SD = 1.49). Participants completed a questionnaire that measured sexting behavior, PYD resources, and parental monitoring scales. Chi-squared and multivariate logistic regressions were performed.

RESULTS

Almost half of the participants (46.0%) were NS, 36.2% were PS, and 17.8% were AS. Results show that sex, age, Connection, and Child Disclosure are significant predictors of sexting behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

Results highlighted that sexting can be seen as a relational activity that adolescents use to establish connections as part as their sexual exploration. A parenting approach that promotes disclosure may help adolescents explore safely their sexuality and be accountable. Results also indicate that parents need to build educational alliances with schools to promote sexual health and empowerment among teenagers while preventing risk of harm.

'Direct' and 'instant': the role of digital technology and social media in young Filipinos' intimate relationships

Young people today grow up in a social landscape in which digital technology and social media are ubiquitous in daily life and interpersonal relations, including intimate (romantic and sexual) relationships. This study sought to study Filipino young people's relationship motivations and contexts in the digital age. We found that digital technology and social media are transforming the way Filipino young people approach and behave in intimate relationships. Digital technology and social media are making it easier for young people to engage in social comparison with their peers and role models, expanding possibilities for social interaction, facilitating rapid relationship progression, and enabling digital togetherness and self-expression in a context where conservative religious and sociocultural norms and sexual double standards remain dominant. This social environment brings opportunities to engage in relationships in new ways but also exposure to risks that may lead to poor sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Our findings underscore the importance of comprehensive sexuality education in schools and at home, and highlight the need for critical dialogue about the social norms and stereotypes that perpetuate gender-based violence and inequality in online and offline spaces.

Lines of Action for Sexting Prevention and Intervention: A Systematic Review

Sexting has become a new form of intimate interaction in line with contemporary communication methods. This phenomenon often leads to positive outcomes, but it can also have negative repercussions depending on the situation, such as the context of the relationship, and whether it is consensual or coercive. Despite this, the main types of sexting behaviors (sending, receiving, and third-party forwarding) must be addressed in order to promote safe and healthy practices. However, the approach to tackling this phenomenon remains unclear. This systematic review sought to summarize the lines of action proposed or conducted in the scientific literature to address sexting, to help researchers and educators create and evaluate effective programs. A systematic search of 21 databases was conducted; only articles relating to sexting education, prevention, and intervention among child and adolescent populations were considered. In total, 456 articles were identified, 91 of which were included for the purposes of this research. The results highlighted a need to respond to the aforementioned sexting behaviors and to tackle the resulting conflict situations. Although interventions across different areas are recommended (e.g., health, family, policies, legal advice, law enforcement, technology experts, and even society as a whole), most studies agree that school is the most practical setting for intervention. Thus, the 15 lines of action identified in this systematic review must all be considered to effectively address sexting in childhood and adolescence.

Sexting and Behavioral Health in First-time Justice-Involved Adolescents

Objectives

We examined the prevalence of sexting, related motivations, demographics, and association with behavioral health problems among justice-involved adolescents.

Hypotheses

We hypothesized positive associations between sexting and sexual risk, substance use, delinquency, and mental health problems.

Methods

Participants were 307 community-supervised justice-involved adolescents with a first-time offense (Mage =14.50 years, 44.6% female) and their caregivers. Adolescents answered questions on technology use and sexting by sending, receiving, or forwarding sexually suggestive text messages and images (pictures or videos). They also completed measures of recent (past 4-month) sexual activity, unprotected sex, cigarette, alcohol, marijuana, and other drug use, and delinquency; current trauma symptoms, internalizing problems, and adaptive functioning.

Results

Prevalence of sexting were 37.7% (lifetime overall; 17.0% sent texts; 17.4% sent images) and 29.5% (past-year overall; 12.8% sent texts; 13.6% sent images). Sexts were commonly sent as presents to partners, in response to sexts received, or to have fun. "Sexters" were older than "non-sexters" and more likely to identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or questioning. Past-year sexting was significantly associated with recent sexual activity; unprotected sex; alcohol use and days of use; marijuana and other drug use; delinquency and variety of delinquent acts; and elevated trauma symptoms and internalizing problems.

Conclusions

Sexting is prevalent among adolescents with a first-time offense and co-occurs with multiple behavioral health needs. Intervention for this population may be informed by routinely assessing sexting in community settings. Familiarity with local reporting laws could help clinicians navigate the legal implications of sexting among adolescents with existing justice-system involvement.

Associations between sexting motivations and consequences among adolescent girls

INTRODUCTION

Approximately 15% of adolescent girls in the United States have engaged in sexting. Although sexting frequency is similar across genders, adolescent girls report more negative consequences. To date, the majority of sexting research focuses on demographic and behavioral predictors of sexting frequency or onset and there is limited research on the associations between different sexting motivations and consequences. This cross-sectional study draws upon approach-avoidance motivation theory to examine how different sexting motivations serve as risk and protective factors related to negative sexting consequences and which motivations promote more positive experiences.

METHOD

A sample of 200 cisgender girls, 14-18 years, diverse with respect to race/ethnicity and geographical region, who had sexted a male recipient in the past year completed an online survey.

RESULTS

Regression analyses indicated that avoidance motivations sexting in response to peer pressure and popularity and sexting in response to male coercion were risk factors for negative sexting consequences. Sexual subjectivity (sexual body-esteem, entitlement to sexual pleasure, and sexual self-reflection) was a protective factor against negative sexting consequences and, along with sexting for sexual or romantic reasons, an approach motivation, was associated with experiencing more positive sexting consequences.

CONCLUSION

These findings support previous recommendations that schools incorporate ways to counter pressured sexting into existing cyberbullying or dating violence curricula and also align with a positive sexual development framework that acknowledges the importance of consensual and healthy sexual experiences during adolescence that minimize risks and vulnerabilities.

A Longitudinal Study on Online Sexual Engagement, Victimization, and Psychosocial Well-Being

Several cross-sectional studies have shown that online sexual engagement (OSE) in the form of sexting or sexy self-presentation on social media is associated with an increased risk of experiencing negative consequences, such as online sexual victimization (OSV) or lower levels of psychosocial well-being. However, representative and longitudinal studies are scarce. The current study follows three research goals: (1) examining the prevalence of OSE and OSV among a random-quota sample of 1,019 German Internet users aged 14-64 years, (2) examining gender and age-related differences in OSE and OSV, and (3) examining the longitudinal relationships between OSE, OSV, and psychosocial well-being over a period of 1 year. Our results indicate that OSE and OSV are relatively widespread: 17.7% of the participants had already experienced OSV, 25.3% indicated that they had presented themselves online in a sexualized manner at least once in the past 2 months, and 22.7% showed a certain willingness to engage in sexting. We found higher rates among the younger participants. However, to a certain degree, older individuals were also affected. Male participants showed higher sexting willingness and more often presented themselves in a sexualized manner than females, whereas only small differences related to OSV were found. Concerning relationships with psychosocial well-being, our cross-sectional results showed that OSE, OSV, and mental problems are intercorrelated. Furthermore, we detected a significant long-term relationship between higher sexting willingness at time 1 and more victimization experienced 1 year later, whereas no significant longitudinal associations with lower levels of psychosocial well-being were identified.

Digital Dating Abuse Among a National Sample of U.S. Youth

Digital dating abuse is a term used to describe physical, sexual, or psychological/emotional violence that occurs between romantic partners through the use of texting, social media, and related online mediums. Survey data were obtained from a nationally representative sample of 2,218 American middle and high school students (12-17 years old) who have been in a romantic relationship. About 28% of students in a relationship in the previous year had been the victim of digital dating abuse. Males were more likely to report having experienced it (32% compared to 24%), though no other demographic differences emerged. Several covariates did emerge as significantly related to experience with digital dating abuse, including depressive symptoms, sexual intercourse, sexting, and being the victim of cyberbullying. Experiencing offline dating abuse was by far the strongest correlate. Implications for prevention and policy within schools and the community are discussed, along with considerations for future research in this important area.

Does sexting predict sexual behaviors among adolescents? Gender and race effects

INTRODUCTION

Sexting has emerged as a significant public health issue. Sexting is associated with substance use and other sexual behaviors, such as oral and vaginal sex (Houck et al., 2014; Temple & Choi, 2014). Current studies on sexting are often cross-sectional, limiting the ability to determine the temporal order of sexting and sexual behaviors. Additionally, studies focus on samples of young adults (Benotsch et al., 2013). The current study extends the literature by examining sexting and sexual behaviors longitudinally among adolescents and examines race and gender differences that play a role in sexting.

METHODS

The current study utilizes a prospective, 4-year longitudinal study of 1240 adolescents (aged 11-17) living in the Midwestern United States. Overall, the sample was 10% Black males, 11% Black females, 34% White Males, 31% White females, and 15% identified as Other. Analysis includes an autoregressive model with cross-lagged effects in MPlus.

RESULTS

Sexting (T1) predicted oral and sexual encounters (T4) for Black males, White males, and White females but not for Black females. Oral sex and sexual encounters (T4) did not predict any sexting (T1) for all groups. Therefore, analysis establishes sexting as an antecedent to sexual behaviors for Black males, White males, and White females. Sexting and sexual behaviors did not have a significant association for Black females.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identifies sexting as a precursor to sexual behaviors among adolescents. Therefore, when tailoring programs for safe sex among these populations, focusing on sexting may reduce other sexual risky behaviors.

Dream It, Do It? Associations between Pornography Use, Risky Sexual Behaviour, Sexual Preoccupation and Sexting Behaviours among Young Australian Adults

While sexting behaviours have attracted increasing research focus over the last decade as both normative and deviant forms of sexual activity, little attention has been paid to their potential associations with sexual preoccupation and heightened interest in sex. The current study sought to identify whether sexual preoccupation significantly predicts sending, receiving, and disseminating sexts, after controlling for pornography use and risky sexual behaviours. Young Australian adult participants (N = 654, 78.8% women) aged 18 to 34 (M = 19.78, SD = 1.66) completed an anonymous online self-report questionnaire regarding their engagement in sexting behaviours (sending, receiving, and dissemination), pornography use, risky sexual behaviours, and sexual preoccupation. Results showed that individuals with higher sexual preoccupation were more likely to engage in pornography use and risky sexual behaviours. Binary hierarchical logistic regressions revealed that sexual preoccupation predicted higher rates of sending and receiving sexts. However, sexual preoccupation did not significantly contribute to increased rates of sext dissemination. Our study illustrates the need to incorporate pornography viewing and sexting into the promotion of safe sexual behaviours in online and offline contexts, and the potential to utilise modern technology to negotiate safer sex practices.

Teens' Experiences with Sexting: A Grounded Theory Study

INTRODUCTION

To explore and understand the relationship between sexting behavior and adolescent mental health and well-being.

METHOD

A constructivist grounded theory study was conducted. Seventeen 18-22-year-old participants provided recollective and reflective accounts of sexting experiences throughout their adolescence.

RESULTS

Engaging in the Culture of Teen Sexting materialized as the central process and title for the grounded theory that emerged. Six primary processes included Engaging in the Culture of Teen Sexting, Identifying Motivating Factors, Forming Perceptions and Feelings, Acknowledging and Managing Risks, Connecting Mental Health and Sexting, and Finding a Sexual Self.

DISCUSSION

The findings suggested sexting is part of teen culture and normal adolescent sexual growth and development. Acknowledging sexting as a culture and normal part of sexual growth and development will assist pediatric nurse practitioners in engaging teens in conversations about sexting, helping them to navigate the risks of sexting and find healthy ways to manage sexting behavior.

A debate about risk, violence, and gender: a review of health production on sexting among young people

This is a systematic review of the health production on sexting between 2009 and 2019. The scientific production was analyzed regarding its context (gender of the first author, publication year, and country of realization), publication type, knowledge field, themes, subjects addressed, and their conception about sexting. The 147 works on sexting as a central theme retrieved from PubMed were analyzed during the second semester of 2019. The search was done on the term of sexting. A descriptive statistical, interpretive analysis was carried out to assess the approach to risk, violence, and gender in these publications. Most first authors of these publications were female, and most manuscripts were published in the U.S. between 2017 and 2019 and adopted a quantitative approach (approximately 65%). Almost half of the productions' central theme was the prevalence of sexting or risky behavior among adolescents. The vast majority also attributed risky behavior to sexting somehow, from which violence can be inferred (70%). A negligible part of publications employed a gender approach (less than 15%). The health productions have insufficiently analyzed sexting by not distinguishing healthy from violent practices.

Multiple Forms of Sexting and Associations with Psychosocial Health in Early Adolescents

Despite the recent surge of sexting research, the link between sexting and psychosocial health remains inconclusive. To address this gap in the literature, we examined the link between multiple forms of sexting and a range of psychosocial health problems. Data were from a randomized controlled trial of a school-based dating violence prevention program. Participants were 2199 early adolescents (49.8% female) aged 14 years and under (mean age = 13.53, SD = 0.50) enrolled in middle-schools in southeast Texas. Participants self-reported to be 35.4% Hispanic, 7.9% Non-Hispanic White, 26.2% Non-Hispanic Black, 18.6% Asian, and 11.9% other. Multilevel multivariate regressions found that pressured sexting was associated with hostility and aggressive temperament. Receiving unsolicited sexts was associated with depression, impulsivity, hostility, emotion dysregulation, and aggressive temperament. Forwarding sexts without permission was linked to hostility. Asking someone for sexts was linked to impulsivity and aggressive temperament, while being asked to send a sext was associated with depression, anxiety, impulsivity, hostility, emotion dysregulation, and aggressive temperament. Finally, consensual sexting was not significantly associated with poor psychosocial health of any type. Interventions should focus on preventing pressured sexting and teaching early adolescents on how to respond to being pressured to sext.

How Are Consensual, Non-Consensual, and Pressured Sexting Linked to Depression and Self-Harm? The Moderating Effects of Demographic Variables

Sexting among adolescents has triggered controversial debates among scholars and the general public. However, questions regarding the associations between different types of sexting, namely consensual, non-consensual, and pressured sexting, depressive symptoms, and non-suicidal self-harm remain. In addition, little attention has been given to whether demographic variables (i.e., gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual minority) might influence these associations. To fill these gaps in the literature, the present study was conducted. Participants were 2506 adolescents (ages 13-16 years old; M_age = 15.17; SD_age = 0.89) from eight high schools located in the suburbs of a large Midwestern city in the United States. Adolescents self-identified as female (50%), Caucasian (57%), approximately 15% reported that they had a disability they received school accommodation for, and 18% self-identified as a sexual minority. They completed self-report questionnaires on their sexting behaviors, depressive symptoms, and non-suicidal self-harm. Findings revealed that non-consensual and pressured sexting were positively related to depressive symptoms and non-suicidal self-harm, whereas consensual sexting was unrelated to these outcomes. Boys engaged in more non-consensual sexting compared with girls, girls were more pressured to send sexts compared with boys, and sexual minority adolescents reported greater consensual sexting compared with non-sexual minority adolescents. Moderating effects revealed that girls, non-minority adolescents, and non-sexual minority adolescents experienced greater depressive symptoms and non-suicidal self-harm when they experienced pressured sexting. These findings underscore the importance of considering various types of sexting and adolescents' demographic variables when examining the negative outcomes of sexting. Disentangling the relationships among different types of sexting, depressive symptoms, and self-harm aids in the development of evidence-based recommendations for sexting harm prevention and sexual education programs.

Patterns of sexting and sexual behaviors in youth: A Latent Class Analysis

INTRODUCTION

A sizable minority of youth are sexting; however there are likely large individual differences in sexting and sexual behaviors, yet to be captured. A Latent Class Analysis was used to identify subgroups of youth characterized by differential engagement in sexting and sexual behaviors.

METHODS

Participants were an ethnically diverse sample of 894 youth (55.8% female; Mage = 17.04, SD = 0.77) from a longitudinal survey study in southeast Texas. Latent classes were identified through participants' responses to the following indicator variables: sending, receiving, and requesting sexts, sexual activity, contraception use, ≥ three partners, and substance use prior to sexual activity. Gender, ethnicity, impulsivity, and living situation were analyzed as predictors, and depressive symptoms as an outcome, of class membership.

RESULTS

The analysis revealed four distinct classes: No sexting-Low sex (42.2%), Sexting-Low sex (4.5%), No sexting-Moderately risky sex (28.3%), and Sexting-Moderately risky sex (24.9%). Gender and ethnicity predicted class membership wherein females and ethnic minority youth were less likely to be in groups displaying higher rates of sexting. Impulsivity and living situation predicted class membership, such that youth reporting higher impulsivity and living in a situation other than with two biological parents were less likely to be in classes displaying low sexting and sexual behaviors. Group membership predicted depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that not all youth who are sexting are having sex, and not all youth who are having sex are sexting. Evidence of individual differences in youth sexual behaviors should inform educational initiatives aimed at teaching youth about sexual and online health.

Caregivers' Perceptions and Responses to a New Norm: The Missing Link in Addressing Adolescent Sexting Behaviors in the U.S

Youth sharing of self- or peer-produced sexual content via electronic communications, dubbed by the media as "sexting" (i.e., sexting behaviors), has generated concern among a wide variety of adult stakeholders in the U.S. Experts recognize the need to integrate perspectives and knowledge about adolescents' sexting behaviors from individuals who interact with adolescents (e.g., their caregivers) to inform the development of prevention policy and practice. The present study fills this gap by interviewing 10 separate groups of caregivers in three different states, with the sole focus on adolescent sexting behaviors. Results indicated seven themes: (1) characteristics of adolescent sexting behaviors, (2) influences on sexting behaviors, (3) communication about sexting behaviors, (4) gender and sexting behaviors, (5) sociohistorical conditions and sexting behaviors, (6) consequences of sexting behaviors, and (7) ways to address sexting behaviors; multiple themes emerged within each of the seven parent codes. Findings inform the need to integrate adolescent sexting behaviors into comprehensive sexual education curricula and to develop educational content on adolescent sexting behaviors for adolescents and caregivers in online and printable handout formats. Clearly defining sexting and norms around sexting are of particular importance in such educational materials.

Social-Ecological Examination of Non-Consensual Sexting Perpetration among U.S. Adolescents

Adolescent sexting is a serious public health concern and is associated with adverse psychosocial outcomes, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, declining academic performance, and health problems. Effective prevention of sexting requires a comprehensive and deep understanding of the multiple contexts whereby sexting is likely to occur. The present study explores individual and contextual risk and protective factors that are associated with sexting behavior among a large sample of adolescents. Participants were high school students in midwestern U.S. (N = 2501; LGB n = 309, 76.4% female; non-LGB n = 2192, 47.4% female) who completed self-report measures of sexting and risk (e.g., pornography exposure, impulsivity) and protective (e.g., social support) factors. Path analysis models were conducted with the sexting outcome for groups of LGB and non-LGB students. Among LGB students, results indicated a significant association between sexting and parental monitoring (b = −0.08, p < 0.01); pornography exposure (b = 0.13, p < 0.05); dating partners (b = 0.01, p < 0.01); bullying perpetration (b = 0.17, p < 0.001); and delinquency (b = 0.13; p < 0.001). Among non-LGB students, significant associations were found between sexting and alcohol/substance use (b = 0.05, p < 0.001); bullying (b = 0.08, p < 0.001); and delinquency (b = 0.06, p < 0.001). Moderation analyses suggest that parental monitoring may have a buffering effect between sexting and several risk factors. Recommendations for practitioners include considering the protective factors of sexting perpetration and encouraging appropriate levels of parental monitoring and the continued importance of bullying and alcohol and drug prevention programming to decrease risk factors of sexting perpetration.

Bullying and Delinquency: The Impact of Anger and Frustration

Few studies have explored whether individuals who are bullied at school or online are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior. Even less is known about whether negative emotions (i.e., anger or frustration)-as a result of being victimized-mediate the relationships between being bullied or cyberbullied and delinquency (as predicted by Agnew's general strain theory). The current study uses data from a national sample of 2,670 middle and high school students in the United States. Results indicate that youth who were bullied or cyberbullied, and who experience negative emotions as a result, are more likely to engage in delinquency. Negative emotions did not mediate the relationship between bullying and delinquency; however, they did partly mediate the relationship between cyberbullying and delinquency. The findings indicate that being bullied matters more in explaining delinquent behavior than the negative emotions that may result. Implications for research and policy are discussed in light of these findings.

Sexting à l’adolescence : des frontières de l’intimité du couple à l’extimité à risque

Cadre de la recherche : À l’adolescence, les relations amoureuses jouent un rôle significatif et offrent un espace où les adolescents approfondissent le développement de leurs compétences émotionnelles, sociales et cognitives, qu’ils avaient déjà élaborées dans la sphère familiale et avec leurs amis. À l’ère du numérique, l’intimité dans les relations amoureuses des adolescents se teste et se construit dans un espace social s’inscrivant à la fois dans le monde réel et dans l’espace virtuel. Le sexting, nouvelle modalité de régulation de l’intimité envisagée sous le prisme de l’extimité dans un environnement dominé par les technologies numériques, soulève des questions quant aux risques réels et perçus par les jeunes et aux frontières de l’intime.

Objectifs : Nos études visent à mieux définir les contextes et motivations aux pratiques de sexting, les usages abusifs et les liens avec les cyberviolences, les représentations et risques perçus par les adolescents, ainsi que les perspectives et les besoins de prévention tels que les jeunes les envisagent.

Méthodologie : Deux études ont été menées en Belgique auprès d’adolescents (étude 1 : N= 1321 - 45 % garçons - âge moyen : 15,1 ans [ÉT =2,1] et étude 2 : N= 340 - 65 % garçons - âge moyen : 15,6 ans [ÉT =1,7]). Un questionnaire a été proposé aux participants rencontrés au sein des établissements scolaires dans le cadre de passations collectives.

Résultats : Au sein de l’étude 1, 18,7 % des participants et 26 % dans l’étude 2 déclarent avoir déjà envoyé ou posté des messages, photos ou vidéos sexy d’eux-mêmes. Les garçons sont plus susceptibles que les filles d’avoir pratiqué le sexting au moins une fois et plus spécifiquement d’avoir posté ce type de contenus en ligne. Plus de 60 % des adolescents garçons et filles destinaient ces contenus à un partenaire amoureux. Quant aux prévalences de victimisation, 17,1 % des participants rapportent avoir déjà été victimes d’au moins une forme de cyberviolences sexuelles et/ou sexistes, soit la diffusion non consentie de messages ou images à caractère sexuel, ou menaces d’agir de la sorte, et la réception de messages insultants ou rumeurs à caractère sexuel.

Conclusions : Inscrite dans une exploration de la sexualité adolescente, la pratique du sexting est mise au service de l’extimité dans une poursuite des tâches développementales. Pourtant elle est susceptible de donner lieu à d’importantes dérives et de permettre la reproduction virtuelle de violences et d’attitudes sexistes et déshumanisantes. Les besoins de prévention suggérés tant par les filles que par les garçons traduisent entre autres le besoin d’un cadre contenant pour réguler ces pratiques.

Contribution : La prévention dans le domaine de la vie sexuelle et affective, incluant le sexting, reste la voie pour éduquer et sécuriser les adolescents aux saines pratiques en la matière, et ce, dès l’enfance dans le cadre scolaire.

What are you sexting? Parental practices, sexting attitudes and behaviors among Italian adolescents

BACKGROUND

Sexting has recently emerged as a public health and social issue. The present study had two aims: a) to preliminarily test adolescent gender differences on parental practices regarding adolescent online life, parental monitoring, adolescent attitude towards sexting and sexting behaviors; b) to separately test for male and female adolescents a conceptual model in which sexting behaviors are explained by the parental practices and monitoring, with the mediation of adolescent negative attitude towards sexting.

METHODS

Direct and indirect links between the variables in the model were investigated. The study was carried out with 541 participants. Participants were Italian adolescents (60% males; 40% females) aged 14 to 19 years (M_age = 16,19 years, SD_age = 1,31).

RESULTS

Results suggested that females sent more multimedia sexts, had a higher perception of risk associated with sexting and reported higher scores for both parental practices regarding adolescent online life and parental monitoring. Rules on Contents, Parental Knowledge, Adolescent Disclosure, and Parental Control resulted to be linked to both sexting attitudes and behaviors for male and female adolescents.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings emphasize the important role that parents play in shaping attitudes and behaviors of both daughters and sons during adolescence.

Prevalence and Correlates of Sexting Behaviors in a Provincially Representative Sample of Adolescents

OBJECTIVES

To examine the prevalence and correlates of sending and receiving sexts (i.e., sexually explicit images) in a provincially representative sample of adolescents in Canada.

METHODS

Data from the 2014 Ontario Child Health Study, a provincial survey of households with children in Ontario, which includes a sample of 2,537 adolescents aged 14 to 17 years (mean age = 15.42, male = 51.6%) were used to address the research objectives.

RESULTS

The past 12 months prevalence of sending and receiving sexts was 14.4% and 27.0%, respectively. In unadjusted logistic regression analyses, non-White adolescents and those living in low-income households were less likely to send or receive sexts compared to White and non-low-income adolescents. Adolescents who disclosed their sexual and/or gender minority identities were 3 to 4 times more likely to send and receive sexts than youth who had not disclosed these identities. Higher levels of mental health problems generally observed among adolescents who sent or received sexts. In fully adjusted models, low income and ethnic minority status were associated with reduced odds of sending and receiving sexts, while sexual and/or gender minority disclosure status was associated with increased odds. Social anxiety was associated with reduced odds of sending and receiving sexts, while conduct disorder was associated with elevated odds.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of sexting behavior was higher among adolescents who disclosed their sexual or gender minority identities. Sexting behaviors were associated with higher levels of mental health problems. Identifying vulnerable populations and the potential mental health ramifications associated with sexting behavior is vital to mitigating negative sequelae.

Exposure to sexually explicit media in early adolescence is related to risky sexual behavior in emerging adulthood

Background

Sexually explicit media exposure during early adolescence has been found to be associated with risky sexual behavior. However, previous study suffered from methodological issue, such as selection bias. Furthermore, little is known about the effect of multi-modality sexually explicit media exposure on risky sexual behavior, and how this relationship can be applied to non-western societies.

Objectives

This study aimed to improve upon previous studies by using instrumental variable estimation. In addition, this study also included multi-modality of sexually explicit media and three risky sexual behavior measure from a sample of Taiwanese adolescents.

Methods

Participants were recruited from a prospective longitudinal study (Taiwan Youth Project). All were in 7^th grade (mean age = 13.3) when the study was initiated in 2000. Sexually explicit media exposure, including ever-exposure and number of modalities exposed to, was measured in wave 2 (8^th grade). Risky sexual behavior was measured in waves 8 (mean age = 20.3) and 10 (mean age = 24.3). A two-stage least squares regression was employed, with pubertal timing as the instrumental variable.

Results

About 50% of participants had been exposed to sexual media content by 8^th grade, from an average of one modality. Sexually explicit media exposure predicted early sexual debut, unsafe sex, and multiple sexual partners (all: p < .05). Furthermore, exposure to more media modalities increased the likelihood of risky sexual behaviors. However, only the effect on early sexual debut was gender invariant.

Conclusions

Exposure to sexually explicit media in early adolescence had a substantive relationship with risky sexual behavior in the emerging adulthood. Knowledge of this causal like effect provides a basis for building better preventive programs in early adolescence. One prominent way is early education on media literacy, and physicians themselves may need to be familiar with such content to initiate it.

Sextortion Among Adolescents: Results From a National Survey of U.S. Youth

Sextortion is the threatened dissemination of explicit, intimate, or embarrassing images of a sexual nature without consent, usually for the purpose of procuring additional images, sexual acts, money, or something else. Despite increased public interest in this behavior, it has yet to be empirically examined among adolescents. The current study fills this gap by exploring the prevalence of sextortion behaviors among a nationally representative sample of 5,568 U.S. middle and high school students. Approximately 5% of students reported that they had been the victim of sextortion, while about 3% admitted to threatening others who had shared an image with them in confidence. Males and nonheterosexual youth were more likely to be targeted, and males were more likely to target others. Moreover, youth who threatened others with sextortion were more likely to have been victims themselves. Implications for future research, as well as the preventive role that youth-serving professionals can play, are discussed.

Sexting and Gender Violence Among Young People: An Integrative Literature Review

Abstract This review aimed to systematize the studies on sexting and gender violence published between 2000 and 2016 in national and international journals. The search was performed in the databases - BVS-Psi, Psychlit, Medline, LILACS, and Oasis. We found 383 articles. After applying the exclusion criteria, 21 articles were analyzed. The results showed that sexting is not an a priori risk factor. The risk is related to variables such as the content of the messages, when it expresses violence, and age of the practitioners, indicating that the younger the age the greater the risk. It has been found that there are modalities related to gender violence, such as revenge pornography and slut-shaming, but these contents are not inherent to sexting.

The psychology of "swiping": A cluster analysis of the mobile dating app Tinder

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The use of the smartphone dating application Tinder is increasingly popular and has received much media attention. However, no empirical study to date has investigated the psychological characteristics driving its adaptive or problematic use. The aim of this study is to determine whether reliable subtypes of users can be identified via a cluster analysis approach.

METHODS

A total of 1,159 Tinder users were recruited. Survey questions investigated user characteristics, including: motives for app use, sexual desire, attachment styles, impulsivity traits, self-esteem, problematic use, depressive mood, and patterns of use.

RESULTS

Four reliable clusters were identified: two with low levels of problematic use ("regulated" and "regulated with low sexual desire"), one with an intermediate level of problematic use ("unregulated-avoidants"), and one with a high level of problematic use ("unregulated-highly motivated"). The clusters differed on gender, marital status, depressive mood, and use patterns.

CONCLUSION

The findings provide insight into the dynamic relationships among key use-related factors and shed light on the mechanisms underlying the self-regulation difficulties that appear to characterize problematic Tinder use.

Adolescent Sexting Involvement Over 4 Years and Associations With Sexual Activity

PURPOSE

To investigate how demographic factors, dating, and sexual behaviors are related to both initial and changing rates of sexting over time, we examined sexting involvement among ethnically diverse adolescents over a 4-year period.

METHODS

A total of 1,042 participants from seven public high schools throughout southeast Texas (Dating it Safe study) were asked yearly about sexting involvement, as well as sexual and dating behaviors.

RESULTS

Using latent growth curve modeling, results revealed that males and white participants had greater initial involvement in sexting compared with females and Hispanic and other ethnicities, respectively. In addition, we found that sexting significantly increased over the 4-year period. Finally, participants who had sex and who had more dating partners at each wave were significantly more likely to be involved in sexting than their counterparts, even after controlling for their initial sexting involvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Involvement in sexting increases steadily from adolescence into emerging adulthood. The present study extends prior research by identifying a longitudinal association between sexting and sexual activity.