Article
Personality factors as predictors of sexting
Computers in Human Behavior
(2013)
Abstract
“Sexting” refers to sending and receiving sexually suggestive images, videos, or texts on cell phones. Nowadays, technology is embedded in communication between current and prospective romantic partners and understanding what may fuel sexting behavior warrants attention. 304 undergraduate participants (males = 126 and females = 178) completed an online questionnaire about their personality traits, sensation seeking, and problematic cell phone use and their engagement in sexting behaviors. Results suggest that men and those in romantic relationships are more likely to sext, particularly through text messaging. Those in relationships and women indicate requiring greater commitment in a relationship in order to engage in sexting. Extraversion predicted sexting with text messaging, and neuroticism and low agreeableness predicted sexting—sending a sexually suggestive photo, a photo in underwear or lingerie, and a nude photo. Problematic cell phone use also predicted engagement in sexting with text messages. Certain aspects of sexting may appeal as a risky behavior for those individuals with personality traits towards high-risk activities.
Keywords
- Sexting,
- Personality traits,
- Sensation seeking,
- Problematic cell phone use
Disciplines
Publication Date
November, 2013
DOI
10.1016/j.chb.2013.06.003
Citation Information
Raquel Delevi and Robert S. Weisskirch. "Personality factors as predictors of sexting" Computers in Human Behavior Vol. 29 Iss. 6 (2013) p. 2589 - 2594 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/rob-weisskirch/7/