Abusive Sexting in Adolescence: Prevalence and Characteristics of Abusers and Victims

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.

Relationships between Coerced Sexting and Differentiation of Self: An Exploration of Protective Factors

“…In order for prevention programs to stop violence before it begins, a clear understanding of the complex interplay between individual, relationship, and societal factors is critical. The current-evidence base presents broad and ambiguous definitions of sexting coercion [1,2]. Use of a more narrow and comprehensive understanding of sexting coercion may allow for improved measurement of specific sexting coercion behaviors, and maximize how findings can pinpoint the scope and direction of prevention and intervention efforts.…”

“…Separation between the digital and the physical world is rapidly diminishing; the digital world is no longer passive or distant from the everyday life of young people, and is becoming increasingly prominent [27]. Evidence linking sexting coercion to adverse physical, social, and psychological outcomes, and exploring constructs which empower young people to safely navigate the digital world and sexual safety, is more important than current trends which focus on criminalizing or victim-blaming [2,66]. This study contributes to early insights into processes associated with sexting coercion within the Australian context, and informs future exploration of protective factors.…”

“…The digital age has drastically altered the expression of human relationships, with sexting behaviors described as an extension of normative social interactions, including sexual exploration and behavior [1,2], and similarly converging across technology-facilitated forms, including sexting coercion. While there is no universally agreed upon definition for 'sexting' or 'sexting coercion', most research defines 'sexting' as the electronic exchange of sexually explicit text messages, images, photos, or video content via any digital platform [1][2][3]; whereas 'sexting coercion', constitutes an aggressive and violent form of sexting behavior, occurring amid threat, pressure, persistent requests, and/or coercion [2,4]. Research frequently uses the umbrella term 'sexting coercion' to comprise both consensual and coercive aspects of the behavior [4][5][6]; however, broad and ambiguous definitions may contribute to inconsistent and mixed findings [7].…”

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

“…The sharing and publication of personal sexual content and information have recently garnered wide scientific and public attention (e.g., Del Rey et al, 2019 ; Burić et al, 2020 ; Cornelius et al, 2020 ; Gassó et al, 2020 , 2021a , b ; van Ouytsel et al, 2020 ; Barroso et al, 2021 ; Wachs et al, 2021 ). Practices, such as sexting (e.g., Wolak and Finkelhor, 2011 ; Döring, 2014 ) or sexualized forms of self-presentation on social media platforms ( sexy self-presentation ; e.g., van Oosten and Vandenbosch, 2017 ; van Ouytsel et al, 2020 ), are increasingly popular, especially among adolescents and young adults.…”

“…Both sexting and sexy self-presentation have been considered sexual risk behaviors that may result in severe negative consequences, such as cyberbullying, sexual victimization, or different forms of psychological distress (e.g., Klettke et al, 2014 ; Gámez-Guadix et al, 2015 ; Festl et al, 2019 ; Gassó et al, 2019 , 2020 , 2021b ; Mori et al, 2019 ; Burić et al, 2020 ; Barroso et al, 2021 ; García-González et al, 2021 ; Lu et al, 2021 ; Tamarit et al, 2021 ; Wachs et al, 2021 ). Indeed, several empirical studies have identified direct relationships between engagement in sexting and decreased mental health ( Klettke et al, 2014 ; Gassó et al, 2019 ; Mori et al, 2019 ).…”