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Abstract
We conducted three online focus groups [n=25] with teen girls in Canada in May and
June 2020 to explore their dating and relationship experiences during the early stages
of the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the strict public health measures limiting physical
contact, participants reported connecting primarily online with possible dating partners
and others. While facilitating platforms, like Snapchat, were already part of these
teen girls’ dating and relationships repertoire, many participants reflected on the
limitations and drawbacks of being able to connect only virtually. Results suggest
the need to better attend to the impacts that COVID-19 restrictions are having on
teen girls’ dating relationships, as well as to the larger impacts that the deterioration
of these relationships might be having on their mental and emotional health.
Despite considerable controversy and speculation regarding sexting behaviour and its associated risks, to date there has been no integration and analysis of empirical literature on this topic. To collect and synthesise findings of the prevalence of sexting, its correlates, and the context in which it occurs, a systematic search of databases was conducted. Thirty-one studies, reporting on sexting prevalence and a diverse range of related variables, met inclusion criteria. The estimated mean prevalence weighted by sample size was calculated, with trends indicating sexting is more prevalent amongst adults than adolescents, older age is predictive of sexting for adolescents but not adults, and more individuals report receiving sexts than sending them. The correlates of sexting behaviour were grouped in terms of demographic variables, sexual and sexual risk behaviours, attitudes towards sexting, perceived outcomes of sexting, motivations for sexting, mental health and well-being variables, and attachment dimensions. Findings are discussed in terms of the trends indicated by the data, which provided substantiation that sexting behaviour is associated with numerous behavioural, psychological, and social factors. Limitations of the current research literature and future directions are also presented.
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