Adolescent experiences of sexting: A systematic review of the qualitative literature, and recommendations for practice

Abstract

Introduction Sexting among adolescents continues to garner interest across disciplines due to its prevalence in the lives of young people and the potential for extremely negative outcomes associated with the behavior. The present review aimed to integrate the existing qualitative research on adolescent sexting experiences, to provide empirically‐supported recommendations for professionals working with adolescents. Methods A search of four databases relating to adolescent experiences of sexting was conducted, resulting in the inclusion of 28 studies in the review. Quality appraisal of these studies was completed in line with the Critical Appraisal Skills Profile qualitative checklist. Results Major themes in the qualitative studies were synthesized to generate recommendations for professionals. These recommendations are categorized as (a) “proactive” (enhancing positive and contextualized education and attempting to mitigate the likelihood of young people having negative experiences with sexting), (b) “responsive” (management of disclosures of distressing experiences with sexting, including image‐based sexual abuse [IBSA]), and (iii) “clinical” (increasing awareness among clinicians of pertinent issues concerning intervention with young people who are engaging in sexting, or who have been victimized by IBSA). Conclusions The qualitative literature was found to provide rich insight into adolescent experiences of sexting, thus allowing for the generation of evidence‐based recommendations which are consistent with young peoples' own interests and preferences. Limitations in the existing literature base were discussed (e.g., lack of specificity in methodological reporting), and suggestions were given for future research (including the need to explore sexting experiences of LGBTQ + adolescents in more depth).

Sexting, Self-esteem, and Social Media: A Comparison among Frequent, Occasional, and Non-sexting Italian Adolescent Girls

“…One possible explanation is related to the lower need for approval and the di erent impact of social media among adults, who have already developed their sense of identity, and o en use sexting within their intimate relationship, and are more aware of the consequences (Jeanfreau et al, 2019). us, self-esteem plays a protective role in sexting, and in lessening the in uence of social media, especially among adolescents with lower self-esteem, who are more sensitive to the aesthetical ideal and the information provided by media (Dully et al, 2023). Indeed, sexting is associated with the desire to be perceived as beautiful and popular (Eleuteri et al, 2017).…”

“…Sexting girls might aspire to achieve the perfect appearance proposed by social media, and search for grati cation about their body image, due to their internalization of proposed models. is idealization produces a con ict, leading to lower body satisfaction (Dully et al, 2023). Mostly, girls tend to manipulate their pictures by presenting themselves as perfect and beautiful, and the more they modify the images o ered on the web, the more they lose the ability to interpret reality about their aesthetic identity and that of others, basing themselves only on social comparisons.…”

Young Love “Locked Down”: Adolescent and Young Adult Perspectives on Sexting During the Covid-19 Pandemic in England

“…Typically, studies of adolescent sexting, for ethical reasons, examine participants’ perceptions of sexting and so pertain more to social beliefs rather than personal motivations or practices (Crofts et al, 2015 ). Furthermore, experiences of sexting likely differ between younger adolescents, older adolescents, and young adults (Dully et al, 2023 ). Hence, we include both adolescents’ and young adults’ perspectives and consider the conditions in which sexting is given meaning and experienced, including in adolescent sexting culture and the intra- and interpersonal contexts of intimacy, expectation, and obligation in youth adult relationships.…”