26. Emerging Adult Sexting Behavior and Safe Sex Self-Efficacy

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine if there are differences in condom use self-efficacy and risky sexual behavior for emerging adults that are sexting. A sample of 289 emerging adults (Mage=19.04, SD=1.48), with 64% identifying as female, completed a survey assessing sexting behaviors, sexual behavior including condom use, and mental health. Gordon-Messer et al (2012) coding scheme was used to categorize sexting behaviors - 1= nonsexters, 2= receivers, 3= two-way sexters. Outcome variables of the study included both the Condom Use Self Efficacy and Condom Negotiation Efficacy scales (DiClemente et al., 1995), and a list of risky sexual behaviors that were summed (1 = Yes, 0 = No) to create a total score for the number of risky sexual behaviors participants have engaged in. Approximately 44.3% of the participants reported being two-way sexters, 27% were receivers, and 28.7% were nonsexters. A one-way ANOVA was conducted to examine the differences between sexting behavior and condom use self-efficacy, condom use negotiation efficacy, and engaging in risky sexual behavior. Significant differences were found between sexing behavior and risky sexual behavior, F(2, 283) = 51.21, p

Keywords: sexting, condom use, young adults