Year: 2015
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: An increasingly popular form of social media is sexting, the sending/receiving of sexually explicit texts and photos. Whereas this practice has led to many negative outcomes for public figures and young people, few studies have considered the role that sexting may play in the context of adult romantic relationships. Specifically, there is little research that addresses how sexting might serve a positive function in adult relationships, and whether gender differences in sexting behavior exists. The current study examined the role that these two factors may play in overall prevalence and acceptance of sexting between partners. The study also examined possible positive and negative psychosocial outcomes associated with sexting behaviors. It was predicted that sexting would be positively associated with liberal sexual attitudes, that those in the maintenance stage of their relationship would be more accepting of sexting and more likely to sext to preserve a relationship, and that sexting would increase overall relationship satisfaction. \nData was collected from a diverse college sample comprised of 285 multiethnic students, utilizing a computer-based survey that assessed current relationship status, sexting behaviors, self-esteem, and feelings of sexual objectification. Results indicated that those who sexted indicated more liberal attitudes on sexuality. Also, those classified as being in the maintenance stage of their relationships were more likely to have ever sexted, were most likely to sext in order to be flirtatious, and experienced greater relationship satisfaction when sexting than their peers. Results of 2x2 (sexting yes/ or no; gender) revealed that those individuals who sexted experienced lower levels of sexual objectification. Further, a 2x2 (sexting yes/no; gender) indicated that those who sexted also experienced lower self-esteem. Although gender differences failed to emerge in most analyses, men were found to possess more liberal sexual attitudes than women, and were more likely to experience increased sexual objectification when sending, but not receiving sexts, compared to women. Overall the findings suggest that sexting, in certain relationship stages, may be beneficial. However, one???s relationship stage may not negate potential harmful effects of sexting.
Author: Shirlee Moore
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2190088278