"Sex Pics?": Longitudinal Predictors of Sexting Among Adolescents

The Journal of Adolescent Health : Official Publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine
Manuel Gámez-Guadix, Patricia de Santisteban

Abstract

To analyze the longitudinal relationships of demographic characteristics (i.e., sex, age, and sexual orientation), personality traits according to the Big Five model, and several indicators of psychological adjustment (i.e., depression symptoms, self-esteem, and problematic Internet use) with sexting behavior among adolescents over 1 year. A total of 1,208 adolescents (638 girls; mean age = 13.57, SD = 1.09) completed measures at baseline and after 1 year of follow-up. The relationships among variables were examined using structural equation modeling. Out of the sample, 10.7% and 19.2% of adolescents reported producing and sending sexual content at time 1 (T1) and time 2 (T2), respectively. Higher ages at T1 predicted more engagement in sexting at T2. Less conscientiousness and more extraversion at T1 increased T2 sexting. Finally, more depressive symptoms at T1 predicted more sexting at T2. Sexting increases significantly over the course of adolescence. Educational efforts should pay attention to demographic and psychological characteristics of adolescents to tailor preventive programs and prevent possible negative outcomes of engaging in sexting.

Citations

Feb 12, 2020·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Aina M GassóIrene Montiel
Mar 7, 2021·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Aina M GassóEsperanza Goméz-Durán
Mar 16, 2021·Frontiers in Psychology·Ricardo BarrosoAlexandra M Araújo
Apr 4, 2021·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Mara MorelliAntonio Chirumbolo
Apr 4, 2021·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Yu LuJeff R Temple
Apr 4, 2021·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Melina A ThrouvalaDaria J Kuss
Apr 14, 2021·Journal of Pediatric Health Care : Official Publication of National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates & Practitioners·Dawn Marie Murphy, Becky Spencer
May 1, 2021·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Alicia TamaritInmaculada Montoya-Castilla
Jul 3, 2021·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Aina M GassóEsperanza L Gómez-Durán
Jul 3, 2021·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Aina M GassóEsperanza L Gómez-Durán
Apr 17, 2019·Pediatrics·Victor C StrasburgerSheri Madigan

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