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Cited by 104Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive HealthImpact of Technology on AdolescentsSexuality, Behavior, and Technology

Sexting, Risk Behavior, and Mental Health in Adolescents: An Examination of 2015 Pennsylvania Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data

Frankel, Anne S., Bass, Sarah Bauerle, Patterson, Freda, Dai, Ting, Brown, Deanna·2018·Journal of School Health
DOI 10.1111/josh.12596
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sexting, the sharing of sexually suggestive photos, may be a gateway behavior to early sexual activity and increase the likelihood of social ostracism. METHODS: Youth Risk Behavior Survey (N = 6021) data from 2015 among Pennsylvania 9th‐12th grade students were used to examine associations between consensual and nonconsensual sexting and substance use, mental health, neighborhood safety, and demographic variables. RESULTS: Almost one‐third (29%) of students reported consensual sexting, while 3% reported nonconsensual sexting. Female students were 49% less likely to report consensual sexting (OR = .69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.54, 0.87]); consensual sexting was significantly more likely in students who reported depressive symptoms (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: [1.10, 1.75]), electronic bullying (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: [1.05, 2.04]), suicide attempts (OR = 1.96, 95% CI: [1.22, 3.17]), current tobacco use (OR = 1.99, 95% CI: [1.30, 3.03]), current alcohol use (OR = 4.23, 95% CI: [3.04, 5.89]), ever having sex (OR = 5.21, 95% CI: [3.87, 7.02]), and reported both ever having sex, and current alcohol use (OR = 7.74, 95% CI: [5.37, 11.14]). CONCLUSIONS: High school students, particularly men, that report sexting may be more likely to participate in other risk behaviors and experience negative mental health outcomes. Further research should clarify the temporality of links between sexting, cyberbullying, depression, and suicide to inform mental health screening and treatment availability in high schools.

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Authors
Frankel, A. S., Bass, S. B., Patterson, F., Dai, T., & Brown, D.
Affiliations
  • Temple University (US)
  • University of Delaware (US)
  • University of Illinois Chicago (US)
  • Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (US)
Corresponding author
Frankel, Anne S.
ORCID
Venue
Journal of School Health
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2018-02-04
Volume
88
Issue
3
Pages
190-199
ISSN
  • 0022-4391 (ISSN-L)
  • 1746-1561
DOI
10.1111/josh.12596
OpenAlex
W2786343260
Cited by
104
References
34
Citations by year
2026: 6 · 2025: 15 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 10 · 2022: 11 · 2021: 22 · 2020: 12 · 2019: 17 · 2018: 2
FWCI
20.24
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations
  • Journal of School Health (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC‐RFA‐PS13‐1308)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Impact of Technology on Adolescents
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology
Keywords
sexting, adolescent risk behavior, adolescent mental health, depressive symptoms, cyberbullying, suicide attempts, substance use, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, sexual activity, neighborhood safety, gender differences
MeSH terms
Academic Success, Adolescent, Adolescent Behavior, Alcohol Drinking, Female, Humans, Male, Mental Health, Pennsylvania, Surveys and Questionnaires, Risk-Taking, Schools, Sexual Behavior, Sex Offenses, Suicide, Attempted, Substance-Related Disorders, Bullying, Text Messaging

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