New research published in the Journal of Adolescent Health challenges previous assumptions about the link between sexting and mental health issues among adolescents. Contrary to concerns raised by earlier cross-sectional studies, which suggested a potential negative association, this longitudinal study indicates that sexting behavior does not contribute to increased depression symptoms or conduct problems over time.
Led by Lars Roar Frøyland, a senior researcher at Norwegian Social Research (NOVA), the study utilized data from the MyLife study, focusing on 3,000 Norwegian adolescents aged 15 to 19 over three assessment periods from 2019 to 2021. Participants reported on their engagement in sexting, depression symptoms, and conduct problems using standardized questionnaires.
Key findings from the study revealed fluctuations in sexting behavior among adolescents over time, with no significant within-person effects linking sexting to increased depression symptoms in either girls or boys. The study’s statistical approach, known as the random intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM), helped distinguish individual differences from causal effects, revealing that changes in sexting behavior did not predict changes in mental health indicators within the same individual.
Frøyland emphasized the study’s methodological strength in providing clearer insights into the long-term relationship between sexting and mental health outcomes. He suggested that efforts to reduce sexting among youth may not effectively mitigate mental health issues, advocating instead for educational efforts to promote safe and responsible digital behavior.
Despite its contributions, the study acknowledged limitations, such as its inability to differentiate between consensual and non-consensual sexting. Frøyland highlighted the importance of future research in understanding how different contexts of sexting, particularly non-consensual forms, may impact mental health differently.
Moving forward, Frøyland expressed a commitment to further research addressing both the safe use of digital media in adolescent sexual expression and the prevention of digital sexual violations. He stressed the necessity of equipping adolescents with knowledge and resources to navigate digital interactions responsibly.
