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Sexting prevalence and correlates: a systematic literature review

journal contribution
posted on 2014-02-01, 00:00 authored by Bianca KlettkeBianca Klettke, David HallfordDavid Hallford, David MellorDavid Mellor
Despite considerable controversy and speculation regarding sexting behaviour and its associated risks, to date there has been no integration and analysis of empirical literature on this topic. To collect and synthesise findings of the prevalence of sexting, its correlates, and the context in which it occurs, a systematic search of databases was conducted. Thirty-one studies, reporting on sexting prevalence and a diverse range of related variables, met inclusion criteria. The estimated mean prevalence weighted by sample size was calculated, with trends indicating sexting is more prevalent amongst adults than adolescents, older age is predictive of sexting for adolescents but not adults, and more individuals report receiving sexts than sending them. The correlates of sexting behaviour were grouped in terms of demographic variables, sexual and sexual risk behaviours, attitudes towards sexting, perceived outcomes of sexting, motivations for sexting, mental health and well-being variables, and attachment dimensions. Findings are discussed in terms of the trends indicated by the data, which provided substantiation that sexting behaviour is associated with numerous behavioural, psychological, and social factors. Limitations of the current research literature and future directions are also presented.

History

Journal

Clinical psychology review

Volume

34

Issue

1

Pagination

44 - 53

Publisher

Pergamon

Location

Oxford, England

ISSN

0272-7358

Language

eng

Publication classification

C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Copyright notice

2014, Elsevier

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