1. A Social-Ecological Approach to Understanding Adolescent Sexting Behavior.
- Author
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Hunter, Simon C., Russell, Kirsten, Pagani, Stefania, Munro, Lindsey, Pimenta, Sofia M., Marín-López, Inmaculada, Hong, Jun Sung, and Knifton, Lee
- Subjects
SEXTING ,PARENTING ,PEER pressure ,FAMILIES - Abstract
This study examined the extent to which active and passive sexting behaviors are associated with family-, school-, peer-, and romantic-level variables. Young people (N = 3,322; 49.1% female, 48.3% male, 2.6% other) aged 11 to 15 years old (M = 12.84, SD = 0.89) took part, and all attended mainstream secondary schools in Scotland. Participants completed self-report measures of school connectedness, parental love and support, perceived susceptibility to peer- and romantic-pressure (e.g., to display behaviors just to impress others), and their involvement in active and passive sexting. The importance of both school- and family-level factors was evident, though perceived romantic-pressure had the largest effect. However, neither school- nor family-level variables were moderated by either perceived romantic-pressure or perceived peer-pressure. Efforts to reduce sexting or increase its safety should primarily seek to tackle young people's ability to respond effectively to romantic-pressure. It may also be helpful to develop school connectedness and to help families provide support that is constructive and not intrusive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
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