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Motives for Technology-Mediated Sexual Interactions in Committed Romantic Relationships: Using the Approach-Avoidance
Erin Leigh Courtice1, Krystelle Shaughnessy2
1Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, 380 Victoria Street, Jorgenson Hall, Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada. erin.courtice@torontomu.ca.
Archives of Sexual Behavior
|February 25, 2025
Summary
This study explored motives for technology-mediated sexual interaction (TMSI) among romantic partners. Findings reveal self, partner, relationship, and technology factors drive TMSI engagement, influencing user experiences.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Human Sexuality
- Sociology
Background:
- Technology-mediated sexual interaction (TMSI) encompasses digital exchanges of sexual material, commonly occurring within romantic relationships.
- Limited research has applied motivational theory to understand the drivers of TMSI in partnered contexts.
- Understanding these motivations is crucial for comprehending modern sexual behaviors and relationship dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the underlying motivations for engaging in TMSI with a romantic partner.
- To explore both approach (desire-based) and avoidance (fear-based) motives related to TMSI.
- To apply motivational theory, specifically the approach-avoidance framework, to qualitative data on TMSI.
Main Methods:
- Conducted semi-structured, in-person interviews with 25 Canadian adults (18-40 years old).
- Employed multi-grounded theory, combining inductive analysis with the approach-avoidance theoretical framework.
- Analyzed interview transcripts to identify and categorize TMSI motivations.
Main Results:
- Identified four primary themes of TMSI motives: self-focused, partner-focused, relationship-focused, and technology-focused.
- Observed that participants reported both approach motives (linked to positive experiences) and avoidance motives (linked to negative experiences).
- Some participants expressed motives for *not* engaging in TMSI.
Conclusions:
- Motivational factors significantly influence engagement in TMSI within romantic relationships.
- The approach-avoidance framework effectively categorizes TMSI motives and their connection to user experiences.
- Theory-driven qualitative methods offer valuable insights for advancing TMSI research and theory.
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