Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors Associated With Sexting Behavior Among Young People: a Systematic Review

Abstract

Sexting refers to the sharing of sexually explicit digital messages via online platform. This behavior is becoming more prevalent among young people and has been linked to a number of detrimental effects. The current systematic review has aimed to examine the significant intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with sexting behavior among youths. The relevant studies were found via six electronic databases and the eligible studies include studies that measured intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with sexting behavior as dependent variables among the mean age group 10 to 24 years old, and cross-sectional, cohort, or case-control studies that reported the odds ratio (OR) or relative risk (RR) value and significant p-value or 95% CI. A total of 14 articles that were produced between years 2014 to 2020 were included in the qualitative synthesis. From these 14 studies, the reported significant factors associated with sexting were age, puberty, sex, sexual orientation, personal characteristics, psychosocial factors, peers, family, relationship status, sexual activity, internet use, and online-related activities. Perception of popular peer’s sexting behavior and female sex were the reported intrinsic factors with the highest odds ratio (OR) value. Participation in risky online activities and a history of sexual activity were reported to have the highest OR value among other extrinsic factors. In contrast to prior reviews on sexting that have mostly focused on the association of sexting with sexual risk behavior and mental health, this review has closely examined both individual and extrinsic factors related with sexting behavior, particularly among youths. The findings from this review can assist in the development of more comprehensive health education and behavioral intervention on sexting behavior among youths, such as using peer-based intervention and limiting the duration of internet use.