Do adolescent and young adult sexters and non-sexters have distinct value orientations?

While there is much research on the individual correlates of sexting, the relationship with personal values is understudied. This study aimed to investigate whether adolescents and young adults (14–21 years old) involved in different sexting behaviors (i.e., experimental sexting, non-consensual sexting, sexting under pressure, risky sexting) have distinct value orientations according to Schwartz’s model. A self-report questionnaire was completed by 719 Italian participants (52.6% females; M age = 16.82; SD age = 1.59). A series of multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) analyses showed that all forms of sexting were related to higher openness to change values (hedonism and stimulation) and self-enhancement values (power and achievement) and to lower conservation values (conformity) and self-transcendence values (universalism). Sexting under pressure was also related to higher importance placed on tradition values. Significant moderation effects of age and sex also emerged. Prevention programs for sexting should promote values that counteract power dynamics in relationships and overcome gender stereotypes.