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Steele-Baser M, Allen CT, Mercado MC, Cooper AC, Wagner RL. Understanding U.S. Caregivers' Perceptions of Youth's Sexting Motivations and Concerns About Their Children's Sexting Involvement: Fall ConsumerStyles Survey, 2018 and 2019. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024:10.1007/s10508-024-02989-0. [PMID: 39214952 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-024-02989-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Sexting is associated with a range of negative outcomes among youth. While parents and caregivers can play a critical role in the prevention of youth risk behaviors, nationally representative research has yet to examine U.S. caregivers' perceptions of youth's sexting motivations to help inform sexting risk prevention efforts. Using 2018 and 2019 Fall ConsumerStyles online panel survey data (N = 1,034), this study estimated and examined U.S. caregivers' perceptions of youth's sexting motivations and the associations of such perceptions with concerns about their children (ages 10-17) getting and sharing sexts (sexual messages, photos, videos). Weighted percentages were calculated to describe caregivers' perceptions of youth's sexting motivations. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine associations between caregivers' perceptions and concerns about youth's sexting. Results suggest that many caregivers perceive youth sext because they think it is harmless (72.79%), they want to be popular or boast (70.51%), they have low self-esteem (52.00%), and/or it is part of their sexual exploration process (49.05%). Fewer caregivers perceived that youth sext because they want revenge (21.80%) or to harm others (16.06%). Caregivers' concerns about their children getting and sharing sexts were related to perceiving that youth sext because of low self-esteem, sexual exploration processes, or to harm others. The perception that youth sext because they want to be popular or boast was related to concern about youth getting but not sharing sexts. Odds of concern were significantly higher among caregivers from some racial/ethnic subgroups. Findings can inform sexting prevention efforts that include caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Steele-Baser
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, MS S106-10, Atlanta, GA, 30341-3717, USA.
| | - Christopher T Allen
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, MS S106-10, Atlanta, GA, 30341-3717, USA
| | - Melissa C Mercado
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, MS S106-10, Atlanta, GA, 30341-3717, USA
| | - Adina C Cooper
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, MS S106-10, Atlanta, GA, 30341-3717, USA
| | - Riley L Wagner
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, MS S106-10, Atlanta, GA, 30341-3717, USA
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Wright MF, Wachs S. 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. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:1115-1128. [PMID: 38216785 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02764-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle F Wright
- Department of Psychology, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN, 47809, USA.
| | - Sebastian Wachs
- Educational Sciences, University of Münster, Munster, Germany
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Weigle PE, Shafi RMA. Social Media and Youth Mental Health. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2024; 26:1-8. [PMID: 38103128 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-023-01478-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We review recent evidence regarding the relationship between the social media (SM) habits, experiences, and the mental health of youth. We examine effects of social media use (SMU) on specific diagnoses including depression and anxiety. The relationship between psychiatric illness, specific SM experiences, and the issue of SM mental health contagion is also explored. RECENT FINDINGS Youth engagement in SMU has increased dramatically in recent years, concurrent with increases in prevalence of depression and anxiety. The relationship between SMU and mental illness is complex and depends on characteristics of the user (e.g., social comparison and fear of missing out (FOMO) and their SM habits and experiences (e.g., cyberbullying, and sexting,). SM engagement has distinct impacts on anxiety, depression, and suicidality. Growing evidence documents how SM may be a medium for psychiatric contagion. Research findings are largely correlational and dependent on subjective report, limiting their interpretation. The mental health of youth is increasingly tied to their SMU, depending greatly on how youth engage with SM and resultant feedback. Future research must look to establish causality in relationships between SM and mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul E Weigle
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06032, USA.
- Quinnipiac University School of Medicine, North Haven, USA.
- Hartford Healthcare, 189 Storrs Road, Mansfield Center, CT, 06250, USA.
| | - Reem M A Shafi
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology and Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, Cairns, QLD, Australia
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Materu J, Konje ET, Urassa M, Marston M, Boerma T, Todd J. Comparison of survival analysis approaches to modelling age at first sex among youth in Kisesa Tanzania. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289942. [PMID: 37676876 PMCID: PMC10484422 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies analyze sexual and reproductive event data using descriptive life tables. Survival analysis has better power to estimate factors associated with age at first sex (AFS), but proportional hazards models may not be right model to use. This study used accelerated failure time (AFT) models, restricted Mean Survival time model (RMST) models, with semi and non-parametric methods to assess age at first sex (AFS), factors associated with AFS, and verify underlying assumptions for each analysis. METHODS Self-reported sexual debut data was used from respondents 15-24 years in eight cross-sectional surveys between 1994-2016, and from adolescents' survey in an observational community study (2019-2020) in northwest Tanzania. Median AFS was estimated in each survey using non-parametric and parametric models. Cox regression, AFT parametric models (exponential, gamma, generalized gamma, Gompertz, Weibull, log-normal and log-logistic), and RMST were used to estimate and identify factors associated with AFS. The models were compared using Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC), where lower values represent a better model fit. RESULTS The results showed that in every survey, the Cox regression model had higher AIC and BIC compared to the other models. Overall, AFT had the best fit in every survey round. The estimated median AFS using the parametric and non-parametric methods were close. In the adolescent survey, log-logistic AFT showed that females and those attending secondary and higher education level had a longer time to first sex (Time ratio (TR) = 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01-1.06, TR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02-1.08, respectively) compared to males and those who reported not being in school. Cell phone ownership (TR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.91-0.96), alcohol consumption (TR = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.84-0.93), and employed adolescents (TR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98) shortened time to first sex. CONCLUSION The AFT model is better than Cox PH model in estimating AFS among the young population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Materu
- Program of Sexual and Reproductive Health, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Catholic University of Health, and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Eveline T. Konje
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Catholic University of Health, and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Mark Urassa
- Program of Sexual and Reproductive Health, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Milly Marston
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ties Boerma
- Institute for Global Public Health, University of Manitoba, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jim Todd
- Program of Sexual and Reproductive Health, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Ruvalcaba Y, Mercer Kollar LM, Jones SE, Mercado MC, Leemis RW, MA ZQ. Adolescent Sexting, Violence, and Sexual Behaviors: An Analysis of 2014 and 2016 Pennsylvania Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2023; 93:690-697. [PMID: 36544265 PMCID: PMC10544782 DOI: 10.1111/josh.13290] [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: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanet Ruvalcaba
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN
| | - Laura M. Mercer Kollar
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Sherry Everett Jones
- Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Melissa C. Mercado
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Ruth W. Leemis
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Zhen-Qiang MA
- Division of Community Epidemiology, Bureau of Epidemiology, Pennsylvania Department of Health, Harrisburg, PA
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Howard D, Jarman HK, Clancy EM, Renner HM, Smith R, Rowland B, Toumbourou JW, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M, Klettke B. Sexting Among Australian Adolescents: Risk and Protective Factors. J Youth Adolesc 2023:10.1007/s10964-023-01827-1. [PMID: 37481506 PMCID: PMC10372109 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-023-01827-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Although consensual sending of sexts between adolescents is considered developmentally appropriate, it may also entail a range of negative consequences. Current sexting research lacks a comprehensive theoretical framework identifying a range of risk and protective factors underpinning adolescent consensual sending of sexts across individual, interpersonal, and distal levels. Further, there is a lack of systematic evaluation of how the importance of these factors may vary across adolescent age. This study investigated the utility of the Social Development Model to predict a range of risk and protective factors across individual, family, peer, school, and community-level factors. The sample included 1302 teenagers from Victoria, Australia (Mage = 14.54, SD = 1.14, 50.8% girls). Results indicated that 146 (11.7%) participants sent a sext (76 boys and 70 girls). Logistic regression analyses revealed that the Social Development Model accounted for 45.8% of variance in sexting, with greater likelihood of sending sexts being associated with older age, prior sexual activity, school sector, physical activity, lifetime substance use, greater depressive symptoms, sensation seeking, and perceived substance availability in the community. Multigroup analyses revealed that lifetime substance use was associated with a greater likelihood of sending sexts among younger teens. Among older adolescents, adaptive coping was associated with reduced engagement in sexting, while higher parental overcontrol and family conflict increased the odds of sending sexts. Overall, sexting is associated with a range of modifiable factors potentially amenable to intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Howard
- Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia.
- Center for Social and Early Emotional Development, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia.
| | - Hannah K Jarman
- Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
- Center for Social and Early Emotional Development, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Elizabeth M Clancy
- Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
- Center for Social and Early Emotional Development, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Heidi M Renner
- Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
- Center for Social and Early Emotional Development, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Rachel Smith
- Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Bosco Rowland
- Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
- Center for Social and Early Emotional Development, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
- Monash University, Eastern Health Clinical School & Monash Addiction Research Centre, Richmond, VIC, Australia
| | - John W Toumbourou
- Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
- Center for Social and Early Emotional Development, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz
- Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
- Center for Social and Early Emotional Development, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Bianca Klettke
- Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
- Center for Social and Early Emotional Development, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
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Rousseau M, Asselin I, Morello R, Lecoutour X, Brouard J, Fauvet R, Pizzoferrato AC. Prevalence and factors associated with active cybersexuality among teenagers between 15 and 17 years old: a cross sectional study in Normandy, France. Arch Pediatr 2023:S0929-693X(23)00030-1. [PMID: 37147154 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcped.2023.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rousseau
- Department of Gynaecology, Obstetrics, and Reproductive Medicine, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| | - I Asselin
- Department of Gynaecology, Obstetrics, and Reproductive Medicine, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| | - R Morello
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Research, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France; Caen Normandie University, Caen, France
| | - X Lecoutour
- Caen Normandie University, Caen, France; Unit of Epidemiology, Health Economics and Prevention, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| | - J Brouard
- Caen Normandie University, Caen, France; Department of Paediatrics, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| | - R Fauvet
- Department of Gynaecology, Obstetrics, and Reproductive Medicine, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France; Caen Normandie University, Caen, France; Inserm U1086 ANTICIPE, Unité de Recherche Interdisciplinaire pour la Prévention et le Traitement des Cancers, Axe 2: Biologie et Thérapies Innovantes des Cancers Localement Agressifs (BioTICLA), France
| | - A-C Pizzoferrato
- Department of Gynaecology, Obstetrics, and Reproductive Medicine, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France.
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Seto MC, Roche K, Stroebel M, Gonzalez-Pons K, Goharian A. Sending, receiving, and nonconsensually sharing nude or near-nude images by youth. J Adolesc 2023. [PMID: 36938856 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is growing evidence about the prevalence of sending, receiving, or resharing nude images by youth (sexting). Less is known about the demographic, technology use, and social context correlates of sexting. Using logistic regression, we looked at predictors of sexting behaviors in minors. METHODS Participants were a market panel sample of 394 youths aged 9-12 and 602 youths aged 13-17 (Mage = 13.5, SD = 2.50, 60.3% females) recruited for an anonymous online survey in the United States. The survey comprised questions about demographic characteristics, sexting behaviors, technology use, attitudes, and perceived norms. The four outcomes were sending nude or near-nude images or videos (images), receiving images sent without the depicted person's knowledge, nonconsensually resharing images, or having one's own images nonconsensually reshared. RESULTS Regression analyses showed gender, gender/sexual minority status, use of dating apps and particular online platforms, self-sharing and resharing attitudes, and friend norms predicted sending images. Age, resharing attitudes, and friend norms all predicted receiving nude images of other youths. Household income, geographic location, some online platforms, resharing attitudes, and friend norms all predicted nonconsensual resharing of nudes. Age, use of encrypted apps, and friend norms predicted having one's own image nonconsensually reshared. CONCLUSIONS We partially replicated prior research by finding associations between age and gender. Further, we identified technology use factors including the use of dating apps and particular platforms. Attitudes about sexting and perceived friend norms were robust across sexting behaviors, suggesting these factors are potentially important for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Seto
- Forensic Research Unit, Royal Ottawa Health Care Group, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kailey Roche
- Forensic Research Unit, Royal Ottawa Health Care Group, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Falconer TA, Kauer S, Fisher CM. Sexting and sexual behaviour in Australian adolescents. Sex Health 2023; 20:57-63. [PMID: 36450300 DOI: 10.1071/sh22129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasha A Falconer
- Family Relations and Human Development, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Sylvia Kauer
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Christopher M Fisher
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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Cyber Sexual Harassment among Adolescent Girls: A Qualitative Analysis. ADOLESCENTS 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/adolescents3010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Background: Research efforts are increasingly recognizing young girls’ experiences of technology facilitated sexual harassment, which includes sexual harassment via electronic technology and social networking sites. The current study aimed to qualitatively describe experiences of cyber sexual harassment (CSH), as well as its effects, among a sample of sexually active adolescent girls. Methods: Qualitative interviews (n = 25) were conducted among a sub-group of adolescent girls at risk for CSH (those who reported experiencing sexual or dating violence) who participated in a larger cross-sectional clinic-based study on sexual health. Participants were asked to describe their experiences or peers’ experiences of CSH. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and a thematic analysis approach was used to analyze qualitative findings. Results: Participants reported experiencing several different types of CSH, including (a) being forced or pressured to send sexual photos, (b) receiving unwanted sexual messages/photos, and (c) having sexual photos posted or shared without the sender’s permission. Findings also highlighted the consequences of experiencing CSH, including social isolation and negative effects on girls’ education. Conclusions: These scenarios of CSH described by participants highlight the multiple ways in which girls experience CSH. Our findings begin to inform the development of quantitative survey measures that reflect these specific types of CSH experiences reported by adolescents. The consistent use of such measures will be critical to establish the prevalence and consequences of CSH in future studies on this topic.
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Parti K, Sanders CE, Englander EK. Sexting at an Early Age: Patterns and Poor Health-Related Consequences of Pressured Sexting in Middle and High School. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2023; 93:73-81. [PMID: 36251455 PMCID: PMC10092123 DOI: 10.1111/josh.13258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexting is sending, receiving, or forwarding sexually explicit messages, images, or videos through electronic means. Research has examined sexting in high school and college students. This study seeks to add to the existing literature by exploring the nature of pressured or problematic sexting in middle school-aged subjects. METHODS We asked participants in public colleges in Massachusetts, Colorado, and Virginia, to recall their sexting-related experiences in middle and high school. We utilized an online survey tool for data collection. We performed bivariate quantitative statistical analyses to examine attitudinal and behavioral differences, as well as motivations and consequences of adolescent sexting. RESULTS The study revealed unique patterns of early-onset sexting compared to sexting in later adolescence. Early-onset adolescents typically start sexting before they become sexually active and are at a higher risk for poor outcomes associated with sexting, they are more likely to seek therapy. Early sexting is significantly more pressured than sexting in later adolescence. CONCLUSIONS The study is an important contribution to the existing research on pressured sexting. Exploring pressured sexting at very early ages finds that early sexting activity is more likely pressured, creates more stress than later in life, and hence, it needs attention from school mental health professionals and education programs. The authors suggest that comprehensive sex education, including sexting should begin earlier than middle school to prevent risky online sexual behavior and provide for learning coping mechanisms for adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katalin Parti
- Department of SociologyVirginia Tech225 Stanger St (0137)BlacksburgVA24061
| | - Cheryl E. Sanders
- Department of Psychological SciencesMetropolitan State University of DenverP.O. Box 173362, Campus Box 54DenverCO80217‐3362
| | - Elizabeth K. Englander
- Massachusetts Aggression Reduction CenterBridgewater State UniversityBurrill Office Complex (95 Burrill Avenue)BridgewaterMA02324
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Kobulsky JM, Cederbaum JA, Wildfeuer R, Grest CV, Clarke L, Kordic T. Comparing the prevalence of sexual behaviors and victimization among adolescents based on child welfare system involvement. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 134:105883. [PMID: 36115325 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sexual behavior presents risks, particularly among vulnerable groups such as adolescents with child welfare system involvement. This study compares the prevalence of sexual behaviors and victimization among adolescents in Los Angeles County with and without child welfare system involvement. It examines associations between online and offline sexual behaviors and victimization. METHODS The sample included middle and high school students (N = 2365) and high school students only (N = 1068) participating in the 2015 Los Angeles Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). Measures included child welfare system involvement with or without foster care placement, demographics (race, ethnicity, gender, age), in-person sexual behaviors (e.g., unsafe sex), online sexual behaviors (e.g., sent/received sext), and sexual victimization (forced sex, dating physical violence, dating sexual assault). Logistic regressions examined variability in sexual behaviors and victimization based on child welfare involvement, net of demographics. Path analyses associated online sexual behaviors with victimization and offline risk. RESULTS Greater reported sexual behavior and victimization among foster care youths was found, relative to youths without child welfare system involvement (maximum OR = 9.8). Youth with child welfare system involvement but not placed in foster care reported more unsafe sex, sexting because of pressure, finding a sex partner online, having sex with a partner met online, and forced sex (maximum OR = 10.4). Sexting was associated with forced sex and dating sexual assault, finding a sexual partner online, and physical violence. CONCLUSIONS Targeted prevention is needed for online and offline sexual risks and victimization among youth with child welfare system involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Kobulsky
- School of Social Work, College of Public Health, Temple University, 1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave. #551, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States of America.
| | - Julie A Cederbaum
- Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 669 West 34th Street Montgomery Ross Fisher, 222, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0411, United States of America.
| | - Rachel Wildfeuer
- Department of Sociology, Temple University, 115 Polett Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States of America.
| | - Carolina Villamil Grest
- School of Social Work, College of Public Health, Temple University, 1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave. #551, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States of America.
| | - Lauren Clarke
- Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 669 West 34th Street Montgomery Ross Fisher, 222, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0411, United States of America.
| | - Timothy Kordic
- Los Angeles Unified School District, United States of America
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13
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Ojeda M, Dodaj A, Sesar K, Del Rey R. “Some voluntarily and some under pressure”: Conceptualization, reasons, attitudes, and consequences of sexting among adolescents. TELEMATICS AND INFORMATICS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tele.2022.101891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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14
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Van Ouytsel J, Lu Y, Temple JR. An Exploratory Study of Online Early Sexual Initiation through Pressured and Unwanted Sexting. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2022; 59:742-748. [PMID: 34410166 PMCID: PMC8857311 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2021.1963650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Sexting in young adolescents may be an online form of early sexual debut. We assess the link between potentially problematic sexting (i.e., pressured and receiving unwanted sexts) with known risky behaviors (i.e., substance use and early sexual behavior) among middle school students aged 12 and under. The ethnically diverse sample consisted of 1131 youth (53% female) enrolled in the 7th grade in one of 24 schools in southeast Texas. Participants self-identified as 31% Hispanic, 9% White, 24% Black, 19% Asian, 11% other, and 6% unknown. Participants self-reported pressured sexting, receiving unwanted sexts, history of sexual activity, and substance use. Two-point-one percent of adolescents reported sending a sext under pressure and 13.7% reported having received an unwanted sexting image. Participants with a history of sexual intercourse, relative to their non-sexually experienced counterparts, reported higher rates of being pressured into sexting and receiving unwanted sexts. Further, a portion of youth who experienced pressured or unwanted sexting also reported the use of various substances, relative to their non-sexting counterparts. Our study underscores the need for comprehensive sex education to begin at an early age and include age-appropriate information on sexting, digital citizenship, relationships, and substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yu Lu
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma
| | - Jeff R Temple
- Center for Violence Prevention, University of Texas Medical Branch
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15
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Habito CM, Morgan A, Vaughan C. 'Direct' and 'instant': the role of digital technology and social media in young Filipinos' intimate relationships. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2022; 24:657-672. [PMID: 33600276 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2021.1877825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Marie Habito
- Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alison Morgan
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Cathy Vaughan
- Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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16
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Barrense-Dias Y, Chok L, Stadelmann S, Berchtold A, Suris JC. Sending One's Own Intimate Image: Sexting Among Middle-School Teens. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2022; 92:353-360. [PMID: 35174499 PMCID: PMC9306908 DOI: 10.1111/josh.13137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a gap in the literature regarding data on sexting among youth under the age of 16 whereas the problems related to this practice could affect them more because of their ongoing development. This study aims to determine the prevalence rate and characteristics of sending one's own sexually related image among middle-school teens. METHODS Data were obtained from a web-based in-school survey conducted between October 2019 and February 2020. The sample comprised 3006 (mean age 13.7; 50.2% males) 10th-grade pupils in the canton of Vaud (Switzerland). Participants were asked "Have you ever sent a sexually related/sexy image of yourself?". Analysis of variance/chi-square tests and multinomial regression analyses were used to compare the groups. RESULTS Overall, 93.0% reported never, 3.7% once and 3.3% several times. No gender differences were found. Sending was associated with older age, low academic performance, cyberbullying victimization and reception of unsolicited sexually related images. CONCLUSIONS Education and health professionals should be aware that it is necessary to discuss the theme, perhaps with a more global approach including pressure, consent, exchange of nonsexual images, and so on from an early age. The context and reasons for sending remain to be explored, particularly to determine if the pressure is greater at this age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara Barrense-Dias
- Research Manager, , Department of Epidemiology and Health Systems, Research Group on Adolescent Health, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lorraine Chok
- Research Assistant, , Department of Epidemiology and Health Systems, Research Group on Adolescent Health, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Stadelmann
- Research Collaborator, , Department of Epidemiology and Health Systems, Research Group on Adolescent Health, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - André Berchtold
- Associate Professor, , Swiss Center of Competence in Research LIVES, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Joan-Carles Suris
- Associate Professor, , Department of Epidemiology and Health Systems, Research Group on Adolescent Health, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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17
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Corcoran E, Doty J, Wisniewski P, Gabrielli J. Youth sexting and associations with parental media mediation. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2022.107263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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18
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Ng MY, Harrison A, Bath E, Kemp K, Galbraith K, Brown LK, Tolou-Shams M. Sexting and Behavioral Health in First-time Justice-Involved Adolescents. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2022; 132:106298. [PMID: 37745773 PMCID: PMC10516529 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2021.106298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Yi Ng
- Department of Psychiatry and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, and Department of Psychology and Center for Children and Families, Florida International University
- Florida International University, Anna Harrison is now at the San Francisco VA Healthcare System, and Katharine Galbraith is now at the University of Southern California
| | - Anna Harrison
- Department of Psychiatry and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, and Suicide Prevention Program, San Francisco VA Healthcare System
| | - Eraka Bath
- Department of Psychiatry and Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Kathleen Kemp
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital
| | - Katharine Galbraith
- Department of Psychiatry and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital
| | - Larry K Brown
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital
| | - Marina Tolou-Shams
- Department of Psychiatry and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital
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19
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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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20
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Courtice EL, Czechowski K, Noorishad PG, Shaughnessy K. Unsolicited Pics and Sexual Scripts: Gender and Relationship Context of Compliant and Non-consensual Technology-Mediated Sexual Interactions. Front Psychol 2021; 12:673202. [PMID: 34349699 PMCID: PMC8326365 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.673202] [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: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Technology-mediated sexual interaction (TMSI) refers to any partnered interaction that involves sending or receiving self-created, sexually explicit content using communication technology (e. g., sexting, cybersex). Most research on TMSI assumes that experiences are desired and consensual. However, it is likely that some people do not desire all their TMSI experiences but consent to them anyways (compliance), or experience non-consensual TMSIs. People also engage in TMSIs with different types of partners. According to the traditional sexual script (TSS), other-gender attracted women and men's non-consensual TMSI experiences should differ overall and depending on the relationship context of the experience. The goal of this study was to examine the role of sexual scripts in other-gender attracted women and men's non-consensual and compliant TMSI experiences with committed romantic partners (CRPs), known non-partners (KNPs), and strangers (Ss). Women (n = 331) and men (n = 120) completed an online survey with questions about lifetime prevalence of experiencing seven types of compliant and non-consensual TMSIs in each relationship context. Results of mixed ANOVAs revealed significant interactions: overall, more participants reported compliant TMSI with CRPs. More women than men had received a non-consensual TMSI from someone they were not in a committed relationship with, and more men than women reported sending non-consensual TMSIs to a stranger. Tests of unpaired proportions suggested that the prevalence of sending and receiving non-consensual TMSIs was discordant in the KNP and S contexts: both women and men received more non-consensual TMSIs from KNPs and Ss than the other-gender reported sending. Our findings suggest that gendered sexual scripts are evident in some, but not all, aspect of other-gender attracted women and men's compliant and non-consensual TMSI experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Leigh Courtice
- Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Konrad Czechowski
- Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Pari-Gole Noorishad
- Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Krystelle Shaughnessy
- Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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21
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Bianchi D, Morelli M, Baiocco R, Cattelino E, Chirumbolo A. Patterns of love and sexting in teen dating relationships: The moderating role of conflicts. New Dir Child Adolesc Dev 2021; 2021:133-155. [PMID: 34109733 PMCID: PMC9292559 DOI: 10.1002/cad.20427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
According to the triangular love theory, this study investigated the roles of three components of love (i.e., passion, intimacy, commitment) and the moderating role of conflicts in predicting different forms of sexting (i.e., experimental, nonconsensual, under pressure) in teen dating relationships. Participants were 409 adolescents (Mage = 17.20, SDage = 1.61; 62.6% girls) who completed an online questionnaire. Three moderated regressions were performed. Conflicts positively predicted all forms of sexting. Passion positively predicted experimental sexting. Intimacy negatively predicted experimental and nonconsensual sexting, and positively predicted sexting under pressure. Three interaction effects emerged, pointing out the moderating role of conflicts. Passion positively predicted nonconsensual sexting in the presence of high conflicts, while this relationship became negative when conflicts were low. Commitment negatively predicted nonconsensual sexting and sexting under pressure in the presence of high conflicts, but these relationships were not significant when conflicts were low. Research and applicative implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Bianchi
- Department of Social & Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mara Morelli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Baiocco
- Department of Social & Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Cattelino
- Department of Human and Social Science, University of Valle d'Aosta, Aosta, Italy
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22
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Burén J, Holmqvist Gattario K, Lunde C. What Do Peers Think About Sexting? Adolescents’ Views of the Norms Guiding Sexting Behavior. JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/07435584211014837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the content of injunctive peer norms (i.e., perceived peer approval) of sexting among Swedish adolescents. Written answers from 808 adolescents ( Mage = 14.22) to an open-ended question about peers’ views of sexting were analyzed qualitatively using content analysis. Eight categories were distinguished for when and why sexting is acceptable or not in the peer group. A substantial share of adolescents believed their peers approve of sexting, especially if sexting occurs within trusted relationships and when all parties have consented. A large share of adolescents described that peers were non-accepting of sexting, emphasizing that it can be spread to others. The participants also suggested that sexting is seen as a gendered phenomenon surrounded by sexual double standards, with girls at more risk of negative consequences. Some participants emphasized the peer view that adolescents sext to seek attention, and some emphasized that sexting is viewed as an enjoyable activity. Several of these categories’ likelihood to be mentioned was related to the adolescents’ age, gender, and prior experience of sexting. We concluded that adolescents might have a hard time navigating the social context of sexting, given the conflicting and gendered messages from peers.
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Boer S, Erdem Ö, de Graaf H, Götz H. Prevalence and Correlates of Sext-Sharing Among a Representative Sample of Youth in the Netherlands. Front Psychol 2021; 12:655796. [PMID: 34040564 PMCID: PMC8143518 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.655796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many adolescents use their electronic devices to send each other sexually explicit texts, photos, and videos of themselves-commonly known as sexting. This can be fun and is not usually problematic. However, if the intended recipient decides to share these sexts with a broader audience, the consequences for the depicted can be detrimental. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of (non-consensual) sext-sharing among Dutch adolescents and explore the characteristics of those who do, to gain a better understanding of factors involved in dissemination. We used data from "Sex under the age of 25," a representative national survey on sexual health among a sample of 20,834 Dutch 12-24-year-olds. The prevalence of sext-sharing was estimated using Complex Samples. Logistic regressions were used to assess associations between demographics, school-based sexting education, sexual- and online behavior, and mental health and sext-sharing. About 4% of the adolescents reported having shared someone else's sext in the last six months. Being male, aged 12-14 years, frequent social media usage, watching online porn, sexual experience, and being subjected to sext-sharing themselves associated most strongly with sext-sharing. Our findings show that the likelihood of sext-sharing is lower in older adolescents and that it associates with the extent of adolescents' sexual curiosity and online activity. The overlap between sharing sexts of others and having one's own sext shared suggests that dissemination of personal sexual content might be normalized or used as an act of retribution. Further research could be helpful to explain the mechanisms underlying this overlap. The results of this study illustrate the importance of exposing adolescents to evidence based preventive educational interventions on sexting from 12 years onwards and not just within the context of traditional school-based sex education, but also as a part of the (online) media-literacy curriculum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Boer
- Public Health Service Rotterdam-Rijnmond, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Özcan Erdem
- Public Health Service Rotterdam-Rijnmond, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Hannelore Götz
- Public Health Service Rotterdam-Rijnmond, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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24
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Lu Y, Baumler E, Temple JR. Multiple Forms of Sexting and Associations with Psychosocial Health in Early Adolescents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18052760. [PMID: 33803243 PMCID: PMC7967483 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Lu
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Elizabeth Baumler
- Center for Violence Prevention, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (E.B.); (J.R.T.)
| | - Jeff R. Temple
- Center for Violence Prevention, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (E.B.); (J.R.T.)
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Wachs S, Wright MF, Gámez-Guadix M, Döring N. How Are Consensual, Non-Consensual, and Pressured Sexting Linked to Depression and Self-Harm? The Moderating Effects of Demographic Variables. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18052597. [PMID: 33807667 PMCID: PMC7967514 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
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; Mage = 15.17; SDage = 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Wachs
- Department of Educational Studies, University of Potsdam, 14476 Potsdam, Germany;
- National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre, Dublin City University, C109 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michelle F. Wright
- Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Psychology, DePaul University, 1 E. Jackson, Chicago, IL 60604, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-814-865-9514
| | - Manuel Gámez-Guadix
- Department of Biological and Health Psychology, Autonomous University of Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Nicola Döring
- Department of Media and Communication Science, Ilmenau University of Technology, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany;
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Morelli M, Urbini F, Bianchi D, Baiocco R, Cattelino E, Laghi F, Sorokowski P, Misiak M, Dziekan M, Hudson H, Marshall A, Nguyen TTT, Mark L, Kopecky K, Szotkowski R, Toplu Demirtaş E, Van Ouytsel J, Ponnet K, Walrave M, Zhu T, Chen Y, Zhao N, Liu X, Voiskounsky A, Bogacheva N, Ioannou M, Synnott J, Tzani-Pepelasi K, Balakrishnan V, Okumu M, Small E, Pavlova Nikolova S, Drouin M, Chirumbolo A. The Relationship between Dark Triad Personality Traits and Sexting Behaviors among Adolescents and Young Adults across 11 Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18052526. [PMID: 33806314 PMCID: PMC7967332 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background: Sexting is an increasingly common phenomenon among adolescents and young adults. Some studies have investigated the role of personality traits in different sexting behaviors within mainstream personality taxonomies like Big Five and HEXACO. However, very few studies have investigated the role of maladaptive personality factors in sexting. Therefore, the present study investigated the relationship between Dark Triad Personality Traits and experimental (i.e., sharing own sexts), risky (i.e., sexting under substance use and with strangers), and aggravated sexting (i.e., non-consensual sexting and sexting under pressure) across 11 countries. Methods: An online survey was completed by 6093 participants (Mage = 20.35; SDage = 3.63) from 11 different countries which covered four continents (Europe, Asia, Africa, and America). Participants completed the Sexting Behaviors Questionnaire and the 12-item Dark Triad Dirty Dozen scale. Results: Hierarchical regression analyses showed that sharing own sexts was positively predicted by Machiavellianism and Narcissism. Both risky and aggravated sexting were positively predicted by Machiavellianism and Psychopathy. Conclusions: The present study provided empirical evidence that different sexting behaviors were predicted by Dark Triad Personality Traits, showing a relevant role of Machiavellianism in all kinds of investigated sexting behaviors. Research, clinical, and education implications for prevention programs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Morelli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.:+39-06-4991-7677
| | - Flavio Urbini
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.U.); (A.C.)
| | - Dora Bianchi
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (D.B.); (R.B.); (F.L.)
| | - Roberto Baiocco
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (D.B.); (R.B.); (F.L.)
| | - Elena Cattelino
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Valle D’Aosta, 11100 Aosta, Italy;
| | - Fiorenzo Laghi
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (D.B.); (R.B.); (F.L.)
| | - Piotr Sorokowski
- Institute of Psychology, University of Wroclaw, 50-527 Wrocław, Poland; (P.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Michal Misiak
- Institute of Psychology, University of Wroclaw, 50-527 Wrocław, Poland; (P.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Martyna Dziekan
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, Adam Mickiewicz University, 60-658 Poznań, Poland;
| | - Heather Hudson
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR 72035, USA;
| | - Alexandra Marshall
- College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA;
| | - Thanh Truc T. Nguyen
- College of Education, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (T.T.T.N.); (L.M.)
| | - Lauren Mark
- College of Education, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (T.T.T.N.); (L.M.)
| | - Kamil Kopecky
- Centre for Prevention of Risky Virtual Communication, Palacky University Olomouc, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (K.K.); (R.S.)
| | - René Szotkowski
- Centre for Prevention of Risky Virtual Communication, Palacky University Olomouc, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (K.K.); (R.S.)
| | - Ezgi Toplu Demirtaş
- Psychological Counseling and Guidance, MEF University, Istanbul 34396, Turkey;
| | - Joris Van Ouytsel
- Department of Communication Studies, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (J.V.O.); (M.W.)
- Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Koen Ponnet
- Department of Communication Sciences, imec-mict-Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Michel Walrave
- Department of Communication Studies, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (J.V.O.); (M.W.)
| | - Tingshao Zhu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100864, China; (T.Z.); (Y.C.); (N.Z.); (X.L.)
| | - Ya Chen
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100864, China; (T.Z.); (Y.C.); (N.Z.); (X.L.)
| | - Nan Zhao
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100864, China; (T.Z.); (Y.C.); (N.Z.); (X.L.)
| | - Xiaoqian Liu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100864, China; (T.Z.); (Y.C.); (N.Z.); (X.L.)
| | - Alexander Voiskounsky
- Department of General Psychology, Lomonosow Moscow State University, 101000 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Nataliya Bogacheva
- Department of Pedagogy and Medical Psychology, Sechenov University, 101000 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Maria Ioannou
- Department of Psychology, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK; (M.I.); (J.S.); (K.T.-P.)
| | - John Synnott
- Department of Psychology, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK; (M.I.); (J.S.); (K.T.-P.)
| | - Kalliopi Tzani-Pepelasi
- Department of Psychology, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK; (M.I.); (J.S.); (K.T.-P.)
| | - Vimala Balakrishnan
- Department of Information System, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Moses Okumu
- School of Social Work, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Eusebius Small
- School of Social Work, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA;
| | - Silviya Pavlova Nikolova
- Department of Social Medicine and Healthcare Organization, Medical University-Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria;
| | - Michelle Drouin
- Department of Psychology, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN 46805, USA;
| | - Antonio Chirumbolo
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.U.); (A.C.)
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Barroso R, Ramião E, Figueiredo P, Araújo AM. Abusive Sexting in Adolescence: Prevalence and Characteristics of Abusers and Victims. Front Psychol 2021; 12:610474. [PMID: 33716872 PMCID: PMC7943630 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.610474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexting has been defined as sending, receiving, or forwarding sexually explicit messages, images, or photos to others through digital platforms, and can assume more consensual or more abusive and violent forms. This study aims to explore the prevalence of abusive sexting in Portuguese adolescents and the psychological characteristics of sexting abusers in terms of emotional and behavioral problems, potential markers of psychopathy, childhood trauma and maltreatment, and different forms of aggression. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 4,281 participants, aged 12-20 years (2,264 girls and 2,017 boys), of whom 204 (4.8%) engaged in abusive sexting behaviors and 182 (4.3%) self-identified as being a non-consensual sexting victim. Abusive sexting was more common among boys and middle adolescents, and abusive sexting victims were more likely to be children of single-parent families. Engaging in abusive sexting and being a victim of abusive sexting were also related to behavioral and emotional problems, callousness, experiences of neglect and abuse in childhood, and various forms of aggression. Implications for future research and intervention are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Barroso
- Department of Education and Psychology, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Ramião
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Figueiredo
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alexandra M. Araújo
- Department of Psychology and Education, Portucalense University, Porto, Portugal
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Fix RL, Assini-Meytin LC, Harris AJ, Letourneau EJ. Caregivers' Perceptions and Responses to a New Norm: The Missing Link in Addressing Adolescent Sexting Behaviors in the U.S. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:575-588. [PMID: 32337659 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01704-z] [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: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Fix
- Department of Mental Health, School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 415 N. Washington Street, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA.
| | - Luciana C Assini-Meytin
- Department of Mental Health, School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 415 N. Washington Street, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Andrew J Harris
- School of Criminology and Justice Studies, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Letourneau
- Department of Mental Health, School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 415 N. Washington Street, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
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29
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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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Kim S, Martin-Storey A, Drossos A, Barbosa S, Georgiades K. Prevalence and Correlates of Sexting Behaviors in a Provincially Representative Sample of Adolescents. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2020; 65:401-408. [PMID: 31835912 PMCID: PMC7265605 DOI: 10.1177/0706743719895205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soyeon Kim
- Offord Centre for Child Studies and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Alexander Drossos
- Child and Youth Mental Health Program and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samantha Barbosa
- Offord Centre for Child Studies and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katholiki Georgiades
- Offord Centre for Child Studies and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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31
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Grubb LK, Powers M. Emerging Issues in Male Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Care. Pediatrics 2020; 145:peds.2020-0627. [PMID: 32341182 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-0627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatricians are encouraged to address male adolescent sexual and reproductive health on a regular basis, including taking a sexual history, discussing healthy sexuality, performing an appropriate physical examination, providing patient-centered and age-appropriate anticipatory guidance, and administering appropriate vaccinations. These services can be provided to male adolescent patients in a confidential and culturally appropriate manner, can promote healthy sexual relationships and responsibility, can and involve parents in age-appropriate discussions about sexual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura K Grubb
- Departments of Adolescent Medicine, Pediatrics, and Public Health and Community Medicine, Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Makia Powers
- Departments of Pediatrics and Public Health and Community Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
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32
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Ayinmoro AD, Uzobo E, Teibowei BJ, Fred JB. Sexting and other risky sexual behaviour among female students in a Nigerian academic institution. J Taibah Univ Med Sci 2020; 15:116-121. [PMID: 32368207 PMCID: PMC7184208 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2020.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Endurance Uzobo
- Department of Sociology, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
| | - Bodisere J Teibowei
- Department of Arts Education, Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
| | - Joyce B Fred
- Department of Sociology, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
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Choi HJ, Mori C, Van Ouytsel J, Madigan S, Temple JR. Adolescent Sexting Involvement Over 4 Years and Associations With Sexual Activity. J Adolesc Health 2019; 65:738-744. [PMID: 31277988 PMCID: PMC6874725 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2019.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Jeong Choi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.
| | - Camille Mori
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Sheri Madigan
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jeff R. Temple
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, UTMB Health, Galveston, Texas, USA
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Steinberg DB, Simon VA, Victor BG, Kernsmith PD, Smith-Darden JP. Onset Trajectories of Sexting and Other Sexual Behaviors Across High School: A Longitudinal Growth Mixture Modeling Approach. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2019; 48:2321-2331. [PMID: 31214907 PMCID: PMC6759369 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-1414-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Sexting is receiving substantial scholarly attention and is now considered commonplace in adolescence. Little is known, however, about the normative contexts and the development of adolescent sexting behavior, including the initiation of sexting in relation to other sexual behaviors. In this study, we used growth mixture modeling to identify classes of onset trajectories for sexual behaviors across high school. Participants included 429 high school students (54% female) who completed annual assessments of sexual behavior over a three-year period. We identified four distinct classes: postponement (9%) with no behaviors other than hand-holding and kissing initiated by Grade 11, gradual onset (44%) with sexting and other sexual behaviors emerging incrementally across high school, continuous onset (32%) with sexting and other sexual behaviors within the first three years of high school, early onset (15%) with initiation of sexting and all other sexual behaviors prior to or by the end of Grade 9. Boys were more likely than girls to be members of the postponement versus gradual onset class, while Black students were more likely than White students to be members of the early versus gradual onset class. Sexting behavior appears to be common in adolescence and co-emerges with genital contact behavior across varying trajectories of sexual development. These findings provide the foundation for contextualizing sexting within normative sexual development. Further, this information can inform efforts to promote sexual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davia B Steinberg
- Department of Psychology and Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute, Wayne State University, 71 E Ferry St., Detroit, MI, 48202, USA.
| | - Valerie A Simon
- Department of Psychology and Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute, Wayne State University, 71 E Ferry St., Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Bryan G Victor
- School of Social Work, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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35
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Patchin JW, Hinduja S. The Nature and Extent of Sexting Among a National Sample of Middle and High School Students in the U.S. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2019; 48:2333-2343. [PMID: 31309428 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-1449-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Sexting is the sending or receiving of sexually explicit or sexually suggestive images or video, usually via mobile devices. Despite widespread public concern about these behaviors as they occur among adolescents, including potentially serious legal consequences, relatively little research has been done to estimate the frequency of sexting among middle and high school students. The current study contributes to this scant body of knowledge by reporting prevalence rates for sending and receiving sexually explicit images or video among a nationally representative sample of 5593 American middle and high school students. Overall, approximately 13% of students reported that they had sent a sext, while 18.5% had received a sext. About one-third of those who sext had done it just one time. Rates of asking for, being asked for, and sharing of sexts are also presented, and are broken down further by gender, sexual orientation, race, and age. Implications for preventing sexting behaviors with these results in mind are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin W Patchin
- Department of Political Science, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI, 54701, USA.
| | - Sameer Hinduja
- School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, USA
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36
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Englander E. What Do We Know About Sexting, and When Did We Know It? J Adolesc Health 2019; 65:577-578. [PMID: 31648755 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2019.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Englander
- Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center, Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, Massachusetts
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37
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Van Ouytsel J, Walrave M, Ponnet K. An Exploratory Study of Sexting Behaviors Among Heterosexual and Sexual Minority Early Adolescents. J Adolesc Health 2019; 65:621-626. [PMID: 31473082 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although research on adolescent sexting-the sending of self-made sexually explicit pictures through digital media-has increased in recent years, prior studies have primarily focused on older youth and the act of sending of such images. Little is known about the experiences of early adolescent sexual minority youth, who might be particularly vulnerable to abusive forms of sexting. To address this gap in the literature, we aim to investigate differences in the prevalence of a wide range of sexting behaviors among a convenience sample of heterosexual and sexual minority early adolescents. METHODS A survey was conducted among 3,109 adolescents (53.5% girls; n = 1,647) aged between 12 and 15 years (mean = 13.01 years; standard deviation = .83). We examined differences in sexting behavior by sexual orientation, controlling for gender, age, and amount of Internet use. RESULTS The results show that sexual minority youth were more likely to have sent, received, and asked for sexting images. They were also more likely to have experienced pressure to send sexually explicit pictures. There were no associations between sexual minority status and the perpetration of nonconsensual forms of sexting. CONCLUSIONS Several types of sexting were not uncommon among heterosexual and sexual minority youth. Clinicians and counselors should be aware that sexual minority youth are more likely to experience, but not to perpetrate, abusive sexting behaviors. The results underscore the need for educational efforts to focus on resilience training for sexual minority adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joris Van Ouytsel
- Department of Communication Studies, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Michel Walrave
- Department of Communication Studies, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Koen Ponnet
- Department of Communication Studies, IMEC-MICT-Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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38
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Titchen KE, Maslyanskaya S, Silver EJ, Coupey SM. Sexting and Young Adolescents: Associations with Sexual Abuse and Intimate Partner Violence. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2019; 32:481-486. [PMID: 31330248 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2019.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To explore whether sexting by young adolescent girls and boys is associated with adverse life experiences including exploitative or violent sexual relationships. DESIGN AND SETTING Cross-sectional, anonymous survey of a convenience sample of minor adolescents younger than age 18 years recruited while waiting for care in clinics affiliated with a children's hospital in a low-resource, high-poverty, urban community. PARTICIPANTS Five hundred fifty-five adolescents aged 14-17 years, 63% girls and 37% boys. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We measured sexting by asking, "Have you ever sent a sexually suggestive or naked picture of yourself to another person through text or e-mail?" The survey also measured risk behaviors, sexual abuse, intimate partner violence (IPV), and arrest and included a validated depression scale. RESULTS Mean age was 15.6 ± 1.1 years; 59% were Hispanic, 28% were black; 44% of girls and 46% of boys ever had sex; 24% of girls and 20% of boys ever sent a sext. More girls than boys reported sexual abuse (16% vs 3%; P < .01), IPV victimization (15% vs 7%; P < .01), and depression (33% vs 17%; P < .01). More boys than girls reported arrest (15% vs 7%; P < .01). Independent associations with sexting for girls were: ever had sex (odds ratio [OR], 4.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.29-9.19; P < .001); sexual abuse (OR, 3.81; 95% CI, 1.80-8.05; P < .001); IPV victim (OR, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.11-6.62; P < .05), and for boys: ever had sex (OR, 4.26; 95% CI, 1.47-12.32; P < .01); sexual abuse (OR, 38.48; 95% CI, 1.48-999.46; P < .05); IPV perpetration (OR, 16.73; 95% CI, 1.64-170.75; 95% CI, P < .05), as well as cannabis use, older age, other race, and arrest. CONCLUSION For young adolescents, sexting is independently associated with exploitative and abusive sexual relationships including sexual abuse and IPV with similarities and differences in predictors of sexting for girls and boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanani E Titchen
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Sofya Maslyanskaya
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Ellen J Silver
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Susan M Coupey
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY.
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Dodaj A, Sesar K, Jerinić S. A Prospective Study of High-School Adolescent Sexting Behavior and Psychological Distress. THE JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2019; 154:111-128. [PMID: 31566509 DOI: 10.1080/00223980.2019.1666788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Relying on conceptualization of sexting as a deviant behavior, which appear to be related with mental health problems, we examined the relationship between sexting and psychological distress. A one-year longitudinal study was performed among 216 girls and 143 boys, aged from 15 to 17 years (M = 16.32, SD = .64). Participants completed the Sexting Behavior Questionnaire and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale at both time points of the study. The results showed that the prevalence for receiving sexts between the two time points was around 30%, and for sending sexts around 60%. The prevalence rates of receiving and sending sexually explicit context were quite stable over time, though they varied significantly across gender. Participants usually had sexted with a current or (ex)partner or friends. The number of person with whom participants exchange sexts did not exceed five. Anxiety and stress symptoms were more prevalent among sexters who receive sexts at the baseline than follow-up study (p < .05). Stress has been found to be significant predictors of sending sext at the baseline study (p < .05), while depression of receiving and sending at the follow-up study (p < .001). This study confirms that sexting is common among youth, and appears to be associated with negative consequences.
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Mori C, Temple JR, Browne D, Madigan S. Association of Sexting With Sexual Behaviors and Mental Health Among Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Pediatr 2019; 173:770-779. [PMID: 31206151 PMCID: PMC6580450 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.1658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Sexting is the exchange of sexual messages, photographs, or videos via technological devices and is common and increasing among youth. Although various studies have examined the association between sexting, sexual behaviors, and mental health, results are mixed. OBJECTIVE To provide a meta-analytic synthesis of studies examining the associations between sexting, sexual behavior, and mental health using sex, age, publication date, and study methodological quality as moderators. DATA SOURCES Electronic searches were conducted in April 2018 in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, and Web of Science, yielding 1672 nonduplicate records. STUDY SELECTION Studies were included if participants were younger than 18 years and an association between sexting and sexual behaviors or mental health risk factors was examined. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS All relevant data were extracted by 2 independent reviewers. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to derive odds ratios (ORs). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Sexual behavior (sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, lack of contraception use) and mental health risk factors (anxiety/depression, delinquent behavior, and alcohol, drug use, and smoking). RESULTS Participants totaled 41 723 from 23 included studies. The mean (range) age was 14.9 (11.9-16.8) years, and 21 717 (52.1%) were female. Significant associations were observed between sexting and sexual activity (16 studies; OR, 3.66; 95% CI, 2.71-4.92), multiple sexual partners (5 studies; OR, 5.37; 95% CI, 2.72-12.67), lack of contraception use (6 studies; OR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.08-4.32), delinquent behavior (3 studies; OR, 2.50; 95% CI, 1.29-4.86), anxiety/depression (7 studies; OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.41-2.28), alcohol use (8 studies; OR, 3.78; 95% CI, 3.11-4.59), drug use (5 studies; OR, 3.48; 95% CI, 2.24-5.40), and smoking behavior (4 studies; OR, 2.66; 95% CI, 1.88-3.76). Moderator analyses revealed that associations between sexting, sexual behavior, and mental health factors were stronger in younger compared to older adolescents. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Results of this meta-analysis suggest that sexting is associated with sexual behavior and mental health difficulties, especially in younger adolescents. Longitudinal research is needed to assess directionality of effects and to analyze the mechanisms by which sexting and its correlates are related. Educational campaigns to raise awareness of digital health, safety, and security are needed to help youth navigate their personal, social, and sexual development in a technological world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Mori
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada,Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jeff R. Temple
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
| | - Dillon Browne
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sheri Madigan
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada,Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Lee SY, Kim MS, Lee HK. Prevention Strategies and Interventions for Internet Use Disorders Due to Addictive Behaviors Based on an Integrative Conceptual Model. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40429-019-00265-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Sexting, Mental Health, and Victimization Among Adolescents: A Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16132364. [PMID: 31277335 PMCID: PMC6650829 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16132364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The practice of creating and sharing sexual images via technological devices, known as sexting, has received crescent attention in the past years, especially due to the increase of adolescent engagement in this behavior. Although consensual sexting is not prima facie a crime, as some research has shown, it has the potential to be a risky behavior, and a threshold to get exposure to dangerous kinds of victimization as sextortion, online grooming or cyberbullying. In this context, teenagers represent a vulnerable group due to their limited ability of self-regulation, their high susceptibility to peer pressure, their technophilia, and their growing sexual curiosity. The present paper aims to review the scientific literature to analyze the relationship between mental health and sexting as a potentially risky behavior and its association with online victimization. The results and implications will be discussed.
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Sharma MK, Marimuthu P, Anand N, N S, P T, Thakur PC, Singh P, Gupta H. Sexting and Self-Esteem Among Youth: Preliminary Trend for Building Cyberliteracy. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOSEXUAL HEALTH 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/2631831819890768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Online activities have influenced the expression and indulgence in sexual behavior. Sexting has become one of the modality to express sexual behavior. The present study explored sexting in the Indian context as well as its relationship with self-esteem. Methods: 300 young adults in the age group of 17 to 20 years were assessed for sexting behaviors. Results: Studies showed that males engaged more in sexting and that there was absence of a significant difference in self-esteem and sexting. Conclusions: It has implications for screening sexting behavior among youth as well as for enhancing cyberliteracy among youth for sexting behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Kumar Sharma
- 1SHUT Clinic, Department of Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - P Marimuthu
- Department of Biostatistics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Nitin Anand
- Department of Biostatistics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Suma N
- Department of Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Thamilselvan P
- Department of Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Pranjali Chakraborty Thakur
- 1SHUT Clinic, Department of Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Priya Singh
- 1SHUT Clinic, Department of Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Hemant Gupta
- Advanced Centre for Ayurveda, CCRAS, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Ross JM, Drouin M, Coupe A. Sexting Coercion as a Component of Intimate Partner Polyvictimization. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2019; 34:2269-2291. [PMID: 27443412 DOI: 10.1177/0886260516660300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We examined the role of sexting coercion as a component of the intimate partner abuse (IPA) construct among young adults to determine whether sexting coercion would emerge alongside other forms of partner aggression as a cumulative risk factor for psychological, sexual, and attachment problems. In a sample of 885 undergraduates (301 men and 584 women), 40% had experienced some type of coercion. Although there was some overlap between sexual coercion and sexting coercion (21% of participants had experienced both), some individuals had experienced only sexting coercion (8%) and some only sexual coercion (11%). Women were more likely than men to be coerced into sexting. Both sexting coercion and sexual coercion were significantly and independently related to negative mental health symptoms, sexual problems, and attachment dysfunction, and, notably, sexting coercion was found to be a cumulative risk factor for nearly all of these negative effects. These data support the idea that digital sexual victimization is a new component of IPA polyvictimization, potentially increasing the negative effects experienced by victims of multiple forms of partner aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jody M Ross
- 1 Indiana University-Purdue University, Fort Wayne, IN, USA
| | | | - Amanda Coupe
- 1 Indiana University-Purdue University, Fort Wayne, IN, USA
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45
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Strasburger VC, Zimmerman H, Temple JR, Madigan S. Teenagers, Sexting, and the Law. Pediatrics 2019; 143:peds.2018-3183. [PMID: 30988023 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2018-3183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The phenomenon of teen sexting emerged as a result of the proliferation of digital technology. More than 40 studies have established that teen sexting occurs relatively frequently and is a rising trend, commensurate with the ubiquity of smartphone ownership in teens. Studies have shown that sexting is associated with incidences of increased sexual behavior. US state laws on sexting vary widely, from decriminalization to misdemeanor charges or prosecution for child pornography with harsh sentences. Teen behavior and digital invention have outpaced the development of new laws, and this has the potential to have dire legal ramifications for teens. Separating consensual sexting from nonconsensual sexting and actual child pornography is a critical next step for law enforcement agencies and policy makers to catch up to technology. In this article, we argue that consensual teen-to-teen sexting does not warrant law enforcement involvement but rather is a health and education issue that is better addressed at home, in schools, and in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor C Strasburger
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico;
| | | | - Jeff R Temple
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Sheri Madigan
- University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada; and.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Canada
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Abrha K, Worku A, Lerebo W, Berhane Y. Sexting and high sexual risk-taking behaviours among school youth in northern Ethiopia: estimating using prevalence ratio. BMJ SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2019; 45:bmjsrh-2018-200085. [PMID: 31030185 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsrh-2018-200085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing access to digital technology to young people in low-income settings has greatly influenced their porngraphy viewing and sexting, receiving and/or sending of sexual explicit materials via electronic devices. These change the sexual communication and behaviour of the young population. However, evidence to attest this change is not available in our setting. Thus, this study examined the relationship of high sexual risk-taking behaviour with sexting and pornography viewing among school youth in Ethiopia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2015 by selecting school youth using a multistage sampling procedure. Data were collected using a pre-validated anonymous facilitator-guided self-administered questionnaire. Poisson regression was run to calculate adjusted prevalence ratio with its 95% confidence intervals. All differences were considered as significant for p values ≤0.05. RESULTS In total, 5924 questionnaires were distributed, and 5306 (89.57%) school youth responded in full to questions related to outcome variables. Of these respondents, 1220 (22.99%; 95% CI 19.45 to 26.96) were involved in high sexual risk-taking behaviour; 1769 (33.37%; 95% CI 30.52 to 36.35) had experienced sexting and 2679 (50.26%; 95% CI 46.92 to 53.61) were viewing pornography. The proportion of high sexual risk-taking behaviour was three-fold among pornography viewers (adjusted prevalence ratio (APR) 95% CI 3.02 (2.52 to 3.62)) and two-fold among sexters (APR 95% CI 2.48 (1.88 to 3.27)) as compared with their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to sexually explicit materials via communication technology is associated with increased high sexual risk-taking behaviour among school youth in northern Ethiopia. Considering these emerged predictors of sexual behaviours in our sexual education programmes, further research in this area is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kidan Abrha
- Department of Reproductive Health, Mekelle University, College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Tigray, Ethiopia
| | - Alemayehu Worku
- Addis Ababa University School of Public Healtha, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Wondwossen Lerebo
- Department of Public Health, Mekelle University College of Health Sciences, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia
| | - Yemane Berhane
- Department of Epidemiology, Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Addis Ababa University College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Handschuh C, La Cross A, Smaldone A. Is Sexting Associated with Sexual Behaviors During Adolescence? A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis. J Midwifery Womens Health 2018; 64:88-97. [PMID: 30521135 DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.12923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A growing body of research has addressed adolescent use of mobile devices to exchange sexually explicit images and messages (sexting). Although there are legal consequences in some states for sexting among adolescents, research findings have also demonstrated associations between sexting and sexual activity. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize research examining the association between adolescent sexting and sexual activity. METHODS Five databases (CINAHL, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Scopus) were searched for studies measuring adolescent sexting and sexual behaviors. Studies were appraised for quality using a modified Downs and Black scale. Studies reporting frequencies or odds ratios were eligible for inclusion in random effects meta-analytic models. RESULTS Of 669 articles retrieved, 9 studies met inclusion criteria for systematic review; of these, 6 were included in meta-analysis. After pooling data from 9676 adolescents, the odds of reporting sexual activity were found to be 6.3 times higher (95% CI, 4.9-8.1; Q = 14.3; I2 = 65.1) for adolescents who sent sexts compared with those who did not. DISCUSSION These data suggest that adolescents who send sexually explicit text messages are more likely to report sexual activity than adolescents who do not. Midwives are well poised to integrate a discussion of sexting into sexual and reproductive health counseling with adolescent and young adult patients.
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Abstract
Social media and new media are becoming increasingly important in the lives of preteens and teens. This article reviews what is currently known about positive and negative effects of social media, social networking, and internet use and what safety measures should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjorie Hogan
- 1 University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Van Ouytsel J, Walrave M, Lu Y, Temple JR, Ponnet K. The Associations between Substance Use, Sexual Behavior, Deviant Behaviors and Adolescents' Engagement in Sexting: Does Relationship Context Matter? J Youth Adolesc 2018; 47:2353-2370. [PMID: 30073509 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-018-0903-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
While prior research has identified multiple associations between engagement in sexting and risky behaviors, most existing studies do not take into account the contexts in which sexting occurs. The present study extends prior research by examining whether the associations between adolescents' sexting behavior and engagement in substance use, sexual behaviors, and deviant behaviors differ depending on the relational context (within or outside of a romantic relationship) in which young people engage in sexting. Results from a survey of 1187 secondary school students (61.3% girls, n = 728) between 16 and 22 years old (M = 17.82 years; SD = 0.88) revealed that sexting with a romantic partner is not a significant marker of engagement in risk behaviors. However, single youth who engage in sexting outside of a romantic relationship are more likely to report substance use, relative to their non-sexting counterparts. These findings underscore the need to use more nuanced measures to investigate sexting and for sexual education initiatives to integrate messages about substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joris Van Ouytsel
- Department of Communication Studies, University of Antwerp, Sint-Jacobsstraat 2, Antwerp, 2000, Belgium.
| | - Michel Walrave
- Department of Communication Studies, University of Antwerp, Sint-Jacobsstraat 2, Antwerp, 2000, Belgium
| | - Yu Lu
- Department of Ob/Gyn, UTMB Health, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555-0587, USA
| | - Jeff R Temple
- Department of Ob/Gyn, UTMB Health, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555-0587, USA
| | - Koen Ponnet
- Department of Communication Studies, IMEC-MICT-Ghent University, Korte Meer 11, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
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Burén J, Lunde C. Sexting among adolescents: A nuanced and gendered online challenge for young people. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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