Work

A healthy dose of skepticism: The relationship between young adolescents’ sexual media exposure and sexual intentions, and the moderating role of media skepticism.

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: =14; 55% female), this study examined the relationship between young adolescents' sexual media exposure and intentions to engage in sexual activity in the next year, and the potential moderating role of media skepticism. As hypothesized, greater sexual media exposure was positively related to intentions to engage in sexual activity in the next year. This relationship was moderated by media skepticism such that the relationship between sexual media exposure and sexual intentions was significantly weaker for adolescents' who were more skeptical of media messages. Implications for future research and interventions aimed at bolstering adolescents' critical media attitudes, including media skepticism, are discussed.

Source: Psychology of Popular Media

DOI: 10.1037/ppm0000667

Authors: Christina V. Dodson, Reina Evans-Paulson, Tracy M. Scull

Institution: Innovation Research and Training

Language: English

Topic: Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development