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Hooking-Up, Religiosity, and Sexting Among College Students
Michael Hall1, Ronald D Williams2, M Allison Ford3
1Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd, FH-11, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA. Mhall61@fau.edu.
Journal of Religion and Health
|July 30, 2016
Summary
Religiosity influences sexual outcomes through sexting and suggestive photo-taking among female students. These behaviors mediate the relationship between faith and sexual activity, potentially leading to physical encounters.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Human Sexuality
Background:
- Religiosity often influences sexual attitudes and behaviors.
- The role of digital sexual behaviors, such as sexting, in this relationship is under-explored.
- Understanding these dynamics is crucial for sexual health education and interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mediating roles of sexting and taking sexually suggestive photos.
- To examine the relationship between religiosity and three distinct hooking-up outcomes.
- To analyze these effects specifically among young adults.
Main Methods:
- A web-based survey was administered to 231 students.
- Participants reported on their engagement in sexting or taking sexually suggestive photos within the past 30 days.
- Statistical analyses were used to evaluate mediation effects.
Main Results:
- Sexting and taking sexually suggestive photos significantly mediated the relationship between religiosity and hooking-up outcomes.
- These mediating effects were particularly evident among female participants.
- Findings suggest a complex interplay between religious beliefs and digital sexual behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Digital sexual behaviors like sexting can mediate the link between religiosity and sexual outcomes in young adults.
- Females may use sexting as a pathway to nonphysical intimacy, potentially leading to physical sexual engagement.
- Further research is needed to understand the nuances of these relationships across diverse populations.