Nudes, just cuddles, and weird questions: Sexual self-image in couples’ text messages

Emerging adulthood is a key developmental period of identity (including sexual and romantic identity). Sexual self-image, or the intersection between body image and sexual behaviors/sexuality, has implications for mental health and sexual health at this critical developmental stage. Text messages are a ubiquitous method of communication for emerging adults, and sexting (i.e., text messages with sexualized content) has both positive and negative health and relationship effects. We examine how emerging adult couples use text messages to communicate about their sexual self-image. We analyzed 20 emerging adult couples’ text messages in the first six months of their relationship for themes related to how bodies were discussed in the context of sexual activity. We used both content and tonal qualitative analyses. We found six themes: (1) complimenting, (2) affirming, (3) sharing information, (4) expressing boundaries, (5) asserting agency, and (6) expressing desires. Although the majority of research focused on sexting focuses on risk or negative outcomes, we find that sexting as it relates to bodies can be a source of comfort, affirmation, expression of desires, and boundary setting. Our findings point to opportunities for increasing communication skills to improve sexual health and body empowerment among emerging adults. • Sexting (i.e., text messages with sexualized content) has both positive and negative health and relationship effects. • Emerging adults used sexts to compliment, affirm, share information, and express boundaries, agency, and desire. • Increasing communication skills may be needed to improve sexual health and body empowerment among emerging adults.