Who's Sexting for Sexual Purposes

The purpose of the present study was to examine the influence of sexual orientation and relationship status on sexting motivations in college students. The researchers surveyed 376 students (24.5% male & 55.9% female) attending either the College of Western Idaho or Boise State University. These students ranged in age from 18 years old to 54 years old. We found that individuals in a committed, but unmarried, relationship were more likely to send sexts for sexual purposes than were single or married individuals. In addition, non-heterosexual individuals were more likely to sext for sexual purposes than were heterosexual individuals. Our results suggest that those who are in a committed relationship, but unmarried, are more likely to send sexts for sexual purposes than single or married individuals. In addition, non-heterosexual individuals were more likely to sext for sexual purposes than heterosexual individuals. Because of the current prevalence of sexting, it is important to understand the reasons that individuals sext. Identifying the motivations behind sexting may aid in predicting the outcomes associated with this popular practice and direct development of interventions to help minimize the risks associated with it.