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Relational Anxiety and Sexting
Robert S Weisskirch1, Michelle Drouin2, Rakel Delevi3
1a Liberal Studies Department , California State University, Monterey Bay.
Journal of Sex Research
|June 2, 2016
Summary
Understanding sexting behaviors in romantic relationships is key. Low attachment avoidance and high fear of negative evaluation predict engaging in sexting, influencing communication dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Communication Studies
Background:
- Romantic relationships increasingly involve digital communication, including sexting.
- Sexting, the exchange of sexually explicit content via technology, is prevalent among young adults.
- Factors influencing sexting behaviors remain underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the psychological characteristics associated with sexting behaviors in undergraduate students.
- To identify predictors of sending various types of sexually suggestive or explicit content.
Main Methods:
- Online questionnaire administered to 459 unmarried, heterosexual undergraduate students (aged 18-25).
- Data collected on technology use, romantic relationship behaviors, attachment avoidance, and fear of negative evaluation.
- Statistical analysis to determine relationships between psychological factors and sexting.
Main Results:
- Low attachment avoidance predicted sending sexually suggestive photos/videos and texts.
- High fear of negative evaluation predicted sending nude photos/videos and propositioning texts.
- Combined, low attachment avoidance, high fear of negative evaluation, and social distress were linked to sexting.
Conclusions:
- Attachment style and fear of negative evaluation are significant predictors of sexting.
- Understanding these factors can inform relationship counseling and digital safety education.
- Further research is needed to explore diverse populations and contexts of sexting.
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