Exploring protective and risk factors for a positive sexting experience among young adults – insights from the SEX-THINK! Project

Nowadays sexuality is increasingly expressed through digital channels, with sexting being a widespread practice carrying complex relational and psychological implications. This work presents the SEX-THINK! project that, employing a mixed-method approach, explored this phenomenon among young Italians adults (18-30), examining its meanings, risks, and potentialities. In Study 1 (qualitative, N = 81), we conducted focus groups and applied grounded theory to inductively explore participants’ narratives and identify factors that can shape the quality of the sexting experiences. Results revealed ambivalent representations of sexting, which is not a negative experience per se, but rather can be shaped by a series of potentially protective and risk factors. Building on the insights from Study 1, Study 2 (quantitative, N = 584) tested a model that systematically considers both protective and risk factors associated with a positive sexting experience. Results suggest greater importance of protective factors, particularly related to relationship quality and online trust. Moreover, we found that female sexual objectification was significantly and positively associated with greater perceived quality of the sexting experience among men, but not women. This project offers both theoretical and practical contributions to digital sexuality education, emphasizing the importance of trust and mutual respect in online interactions. • Mixed-method study explores sexting among Italian young adults • Study 1 identifies ambivalent meanings and key risk/protective factors • Study 2 tests a model linking sexting quality to relational variables • Protective factors, especially trust and relationship quality, prevail • Gender differences emerge in the role of sexual objectification