Go Back Research Article May, 2019

Characteristics of Adolescent Sexting: Results from the 2015 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior

Author Brian Dodge Author James Dennis Fortenberry Author Michael Reece Author Debby Herbenick Author Tsung‑chieh Fu Author Jonathon J Beckmeyer

Abstract

Using data from 78 sexting-experienced adolescents from the 2015 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, we describe sexting frequency, sexting partners, sexual relationships with such partners, and characteristics associated with sexting. Most (59.2%) respondents sexted at most monthly, usually with romantic partners (62.0%). About 41% of sexting-experienced adolescents did not usually have sexual relationships with sexting partners, 36.6% usually sexted after starting a sexual relationship, and 16.8% reported that their sexting typically preceded sexual relationships. Younger adolescents sexted more frequently. Those without vaginal sex/anal sex experience, or prior romantic experience, were more likely to have sexted a non-romantic/sexual partner.

Keywords

Adolescent Sexting Sexting Behavior Digital Communication Sexting Frequency Romantic Partners Sexual Relationships Sexting Trends Youth Sexual Behavior Online Risk Digital Intimacy Sexting and Relationships Sexting and Sexual Activity Adolescent Digital Behavior Social Media Sexting Sexting Motivations Risky Online Behavior Sexting and Age Sexting Patterns Sexting and Non-Romantic Partners Teen Sexting Habits Sexting Consequences Sexting and Relationship Development Adolescent Online Safety Sexting and Sexual Experience Youth Digital Practices
Details
Volume 45
Issue 8
Pages 767-780
DOI 10.1080/0092623X.2019.1613463
ISSN 1521-0715
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