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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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Chan LS, Wu-Ouyang B. Sexting Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Hong Kong and Taiwan: Roles of Sensation-Seeking, Gay Identity, and Muscularity Ideal. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:2373-2384. [PMID: 36849674 PMCID: PMC9970127 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02559-w] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Prior studies found that sexting was associated with risky sexual activities and that men who have sex with men (MSM) engaged in more frequent sexting than their heterosexual counterparts. Therefore, it is pertinent to understand what factors are associated with sexting among MSM. This study explored the relationships between sensation-seeking, gay identity confusion, and muscularity ideal with sexting behaviors. An online survey was administered to 355 and 448 18-34-year-old MSM in Hong Kong and Taiwan, respectively. While the number of sexting partners and the frequency of sexting were similar across the two regions, they had different associations with psychological factors. In Hong Kong, sensation-seeking was positively related to the number of sexting partners, while in Taiwan, it was positively related to the frequency of sending sexts. In Hong Kong, MSM who were more confused about their sexual orientation had fewer sexting partners. In both regions, MSM holding a stronger muscularity ideal also had more sexting partners. Gay identity confusion and muscularity ideal were associated with sexting under pressure in Taiwan; all three psychological factors concerned were associated with sexting under pressure in Hong Kong. Overall, these results showed that some MSM found sexting to be a sensation-fulfilling activity, but some were vulnerable to sexting under pressure. Counseling services to MSM about their sexual identity and concern for muscularity are needed to prevent them from becoming victims of forced sexting. Finally, the inconsistent results for the Hong Kong and Taiwanese samples indicated the importance of considering regional specificity in sexting research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lik Sam Chan
- School of Journalism and Communication, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
| | - Biying Wu-Ouyang
- School of Journalism and Communication, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
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3
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Macdowall WG, Reid DS, Lewis R, Bosó Pérez R, Mitchell KR, Maxwell KJ, Smith C, Attwood F, Gibbs J, Hogan B, Mercer CH, Sonnenberg P, Bonell C. Sexting among British adults: a qualitative analysis of sexting as emotion work governed by 'feeling rules'. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2023; 25:617-632. [PMID: 35674014 PMCID: PMC7614518 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2022.2080866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Sexting has generated considerable public and professional interest with concerns centring on young people, and potential harms to mental and sexual health. Little research thus far has explored the practice among adults and none has focused on the cultural norms relating to the emotional experience of sexting across different ages and genders. We conducted 40 semi-structured interviews with a diverse sample of adults aged 18-59 years in Britain on the role of digital technologies in participants' sexual lives. In this paper, we draw on the accounts of 34 people with experience of sexting. We identified three main themes in participants' accounts related to the emotional aspects of sexting: (1) trust, (2) desire/intimacy and (3) shame. Under each theme, we identified motivations, 'feeling rules', and examples of 'emotion work' relating to the self, the other and the dyad. We conclude that there are shared cultural norms that constitute what appropriate sexting should feel like. Interventions aiming to minimise harms arising from sexting need to build on commonly held cultural conventions regarding the 'rules of the game' concerning feelings as well as behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy G Macdowall
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - David S Reid
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ruth Lewis
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Raquel Bosó Pérez
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kirstin R Mitchell
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Karen J Maxwell
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Clarissa Smith
- Department of Arts, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Jo Gibbs
- Institute for Global Health, UCL London, UK
| | - Bernie Hogan
- Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Chris Bonell
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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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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Le L, Goegan LD, Daniels LM. The Impact of Autonomous and Controlled Sexting Motivations on Subjective Well-being and Relationship Quality. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:243-254. [PMID: 35881253 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02361-0] [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: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Although many studies have examined reasons for sexting among young people, few have taken into account the underlying motivations associated with different reasons and how that may be associated with divergent positive or negative outcomes. This study addressed this gap by employing Self-determination Theory to assess how autonomous and controlled motivations for sexting were related to subjective well-being and relationship quality among emerging adults. Online survey data from 267 emerging adults (72 men, 195 women) ages 18-25 who had sent sexually explicit images or videos of themselves through electronic means to a committed partner were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling. Autonomous and controlled motivations for sexting were significantly related to pleasant affect, with autonomous motivation predicting more pleasant affect and controlled motivation predicting less pleasant affect. Autonomous motivations for sexting were related to enhanced relationship quality, whereas controlled motivations for sexting were related to decreased relationship quality. Neither form of motivation had a statistically significant relationship with unpleasant affect or life satisfaction. These results demonstrate that the quality of motivations for sexting among emerging adults in committed relationships may contribute to different outcomes, particularly in terms of relationship quality. Implications for counselors, educators, and practitioners working with emerging adults who sext are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Le
- 6-123F Education North, Department of Educational Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G5, Canada.
| | - Lauren D Goegan
- 230L Education Building, Department of Educational Administration, Foundations and Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Lia M Daniels
- 6-123F Education North, Department of Educational Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G5, Canada
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Howard D, Klettke B, Clancy E, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M. Sexting with benefits? Exploration of sexting behaviours through the lens of protection motivation theory. Body Image 2022; 43:301-313. [PMID: 36240694 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Sexting is a common form of sexual communication that is often considered normative and beneficial despite some research highlighting its negative social, psychological, and legal repercussions. Using protection motivation theory (PMT), this study examines how young adults weigh the pros and cons of sending consensual sexts, sexting under pressure, and deciding against sending sexts, and whether body image dissatisfaction interacts with any of the decision-making processes. In total, 906 participants (554, 61.14% women), aged 18-25 years (M = 21.65, SD = 2.01), completed an online measure of sexting behaviours, body image, and protection motivation. Overall, 71.41% of respondents ever sent a sext. Of those, 45.07% and 36.32% felt pressure to sext or sent a sext because of pressure. Further, 63.90% participants ever considered and decided not to send a sext. All models predicting various sexting behaviours were significant and provided a partial support for the PMT. Body image was a unique predictor of 'pressured' sexting but its interactions with the PMT subscales for pressured sexting and decisions against sexting were non-significant. Our study illustrates the need for increasing young people's self-efficacy and body image to improve their sexting agency and experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Howard
- Deakin University, Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, 1 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; Centre for Social and Early Development, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia.
| | - Bianca Klettke
- Deakin University, Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, 1 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; Centre for Social and Early Development, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Clancy
- Deakin University, Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, 1 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; Centre for Social and Early Development, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz
- Deakin University, Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, 1 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; Centre for Social and Early Development, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
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Træen B, Kvalem IL. Gender Differences in Sending Nude Pictures and Videos Across Multiple Relationship Contexts in the Adult Norwegian Population. SEXUALITY & CULTURE 2022; 27:570-590. [PMID: 36211529 PMCID: PMC9526388 DOI: 10.1007/s12119-022-10028-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This article aims to determine the prevalence of sending nude pictures/videos in the Norwegian population and investigates gender differences regarding consensual, unsolicited, and coerced experiences. Data were obtained from a probability-based web survey of 2181 men and 1967 women between 18 and 89 years old. The majority of participants expressed relatively accepting attitudes toward sending nude pictures/videos, and men expressed more positive attitudes than women. Twenty-nine percent of participants reported having lifetime experience with sending nude pictures/videos, and sending nude pictures/videos was more common in younger individuals than older individuals. More women than men claimed that they sent their most recent nude picture to a committed partner, and twice as many men than women had sent a nude picture to a stranger or a person they only had contact with on the Internet. In addition, more than twice as many women than men reported consensual sending nude pictures/videos, and more men than women sent unsolicited pictures/videos. Consensual sending nude pictures/videos was characterized by the presence of men and women within committed relationships. In Norway, sending nude pictures/videos seems to be a way of being sexual in the context of committed relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bente Træen
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Box 1094 Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingela Lundin Kvalem
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Box 1094 Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway
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Califano G, Capasso M, Caso D. Exploring the roles of online moral disengagement, body esteem, and psychosexual variables in predicting sexting motivations and behaviours. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2021.107146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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9
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Falconer T, Quinn-Nilas C, Milhausen R. Body image self-consciousness, sexting, and sexual satisfaction among midlife Canadians. THE CANADIAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN SEXUALITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3138/cjhs.2021-0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Life circumstances at midlife are often different than those for younger adults (e.g., relationship type and duration, physical health, experience of sexual problems), and these circumstances impact experiences of sexuality and sexual behaviour. Past research on sexual behaviours like sexting, which has been primarily conducted on young people, may not generalize to middle-aged adults. Sexting may be a beneficial activity for midlife adults in long-term relationships who are seeking private and convenient ways to communicate sexual interest. Furthermore, as in younger samples, sexting may be associated with body image and sexual satisfaction. A cross-sectional study with a sample of 640 midlife (40–59 years old) married Canadians was conducted to address these suppositions. Structural equation modelling was used to test the factorial validity of a body image self-consciousness (BISC) scale and to investigate the connections between BISC, sexting frequency (to communicate sexual interest, to initiate sexual activity, and that include a picture), and sexual satisfaction. Almost one-half of participants (43%) reported sexting to communicate sexual interest, 37% sexted to initiate sexual activity, and 18% sexted sexy pictures of themselves. Women with lower levels of BISC were more likely to sext (communicate, initiate, and pictures), and men with lower levels of BISC were more likely to send sexts with pictures. Both men and women with lower levels of BISC and those who engaged in sexting to communicate sexual interest had higher levels of sexual satisfaction. Sexting may be an opportunity for busy marital partners to engage in technology-mediated sexual activity when apart. The current results indicate that technology-mediated sexual communication has similar psychological mechanisms to face-to-face interactions and that sexting may be a beneficial behaviour for sexual satisfaction within midlife marriages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasha Falconer
- Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher Quinn-Nilas
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada
| | - Robin Milhausen
- Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Linking Sexting Expectancies with Motivations to Sext. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2022; 12:209-217. [PMID: 35200238 PMCID: PMC8870843 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe12020016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
While many researchers have explored the impact sexting may have on relationships and mental health, few have explored the motivations and expectancies as to why individuals engage in sexting. By understanding why individuals sext their partners, we can learn more about what drives the behavior. Therefore, the current study sought to determine if sexting for sexual purposes (SP) or body image reinforcement (BIR) would predict positive sext expectancies. There was no prediction for instrumental/aggravated reasons (IAR). The online questionnaire had 348 participants, and based on regression analysis, positive sext expectancies while sending a sext message predicted sexting for sexual purposes. Somewhat surprisingly, sexting for instrumental/aggravated reasons was predicted by negative sext expectancies (both sending and receiving). These findings demonstrate individuals who sext for sexual purposes, and have positive sext expectancies, appear to enjoy the consequences of that behavior. Individuals who sext for instrumental/aggravated reasons may be uncomfortable with the outcome of their sexting behavior. This result highlights an area where clinicians could help clients explore the true reinforcements behind IAR.
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Montanaro EA, Bowling J, Gioia D, Guerrero-Ordonez S. Closeness and distance: Relationships and sexuality during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. PSYCHOLOGY & SEXUALITY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/19419899.2022.2039272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Erika A. Montanaro
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
| | - Jessamyn Bowling
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
| | - Diana Gioia
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
| | - Sarai Guerrero-Ordonez
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
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12
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The prevalence, context and perceptions of sexting among non-heterosexual men from various generations in Belgium. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2021.107031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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13
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Howard D, Klettke B, Clancy E, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M. What are you looking at? Body image esteem and sexting behaviors among emerging Australian adults. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2021.106915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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14
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Dream It, Do It? Associations between Pornography Use, Risky Sexual Behaviour, Sexual Preoccupation and Sexting Behaviours among Young Australian Adults. SEXES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/sexes2040034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Maes C, Vandenbosch L. Physically distant, virtually close: Adolescents' sexting behaviors during a strict lockdown period of the COVID-19 pandemic. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2021; 126:107033. [PMID: 34608353 PMCID: PMC8481129 DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2021.107033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This study contextualizes Belgian adolescents' (12-18 years old) sexting behaviors between romantic and non-romantic partners during a strict lockdown period of the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey among 543 Belgian respondents (M age = 15.29, 68% girls) showed that 40.9% of the adolescents engaged in at least one type of sexting (i.e., type one = textual, type two = visual content with underwear/swimwear, type three = visual depiction of private parts, type four = visual depiction of sexual acts). Arousal needs were the most common reasons to sext (M = 3.33, SD = 1.89). Generalized ordered logit analyses show that higher arousal needs were linked to higher frequencies of the first three sexting types. Relational affirmation needs were related to the engagement in sexting type two, whereas partner pressure was related to sexting type three and four. Regarding the latter, a significant link was also found with stress regulation. Conditional relations emerged according to adolescents' sex, developmental status, and relationship status. The current study's findings not only help to inform practitioners in terms of behavioral advice for future pandemics or periods after social isolation, but can also offer explanations for (changes in) adolescents' sexting behaviors after the pandemic and the possible dual nature of its effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelly Maes
- School for Mass Communication Research, Faculty of Social Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Vandenbosch
- School for Mass Communication Research, Faculty of Social Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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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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Morelli M, Chirumbolo A, 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, Demirtaş ET, 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, Nikolova SP, Drouin M. The role of HEXACO personality traits in different kinds of sexting:A cross-cultural study in 10 countries. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2020.106502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Currin JM, Ireland ME, Cox K, Golden BL. Sextually aroused: A mixed-methods analysis of how it feels for romantic and sexual partners to send and receive sext messages. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2020.106519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M. Currin
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
| | - Amelia E. Evans
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Sheila Garos
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
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Molla Esparza C, Nájera P, López-González E, Losilla JM. Development and Validation of the Adolescent Sexting Scale (A-SextS) with a Spanish Sample. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17218042. [PMID: 33142818 PMCID: PMC7663141 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
“Sexting” is generally defined as the exchange of sexual media content via the internet. However, research on this topic has underscored the need to seek greater consensus when considering different conceptual elements that make up this definition. The aim of this study was to develop and validate an instrument for measuring sexting among adolescents, in order to cover a gap identified in the previous literature. The Adolescent Sexting Scale (A-SextS for short) was developed for validation on a sample of 579 Spanish secondary school pupils between the ages of 11 and 18. Evidence for face, content, concurrent, and criterion validity were assessed. A comprehensive set of 64 items, covering six defining characteristics of sexting (e.g., actions, recipient, media format, degree of sexual explicitness), was constructed after conducting an extensive literature review, two discussion groups, and a pilot study. Sexting prevalence rates measured by A-SextS were mostly concurrent with those found in previous studies. A-SextS subscales produced statistically significant positive associations with pornography consumption and physical sexual intercourse. The study shows that A-SextS can be an integrating instrument that facilitates a rigorous and comprehensive assessment of adolescent sexting experiences, as well as the formulation of an operationalized definition of the practice of sexting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Molla Esparza
- Department of Research Methods and Educational Diagnosis, Faculty of Philosophy and Educational Sciences, University of Valencia, Avenida Blasco Ibáñez 30, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
- Correspondence:
| | - Pablo Nájera
- Department of Social Psychology and Methodology, Faculty of Psychology, Autonomous University of Madrid, Cantoblanco Campus, 28049 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Emelina López-González
- Department of Research Methods and Educational Diagnosis, Faculty of Philosophy and Educational Sciences, University of Valencia, Avenida Blasco Ibáñez 30, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Josep-Maria Losilla
- Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Health Sciences, Faculty of Psychology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Carrer Fortuna Edifici B, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain;
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Predicting type of sext message sent in adults 25 and older using motivations to sext and relational attachment. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-020-00680-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Currin JM, Pascarella LA, Hubach RD. “To feel close when miles apart”: qualitative analysis of motivations to sext in a relationship. SEXUAL AND RELATIONSHIP THERAPY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2020.1714024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M. Currin
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | | | - Randolph D. Hubach
- Department of Rural Health, Oklahoma State University Centre for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA
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Bianchi D, Morelli M, Baiocco R, Chirumbolo A. Individual differences and developmental trends in sexting motivations. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-019-00398-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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