Callous-unemotional traits mediate the effect of childhood maltreatment in later non-consensual sexting practices

Abstract

Despite being a normative behavior, sexting often takes non-consensual forms when sexually explicit content is shared without permission. Studies have shown an association between non-consensual sexting behavior, callous-unemotional traits (CU), and experiences of childhood trauma at home. However, the complex relationships among these variables have not yet been examined. The present study aimed to test the mediating effect of CU traits on the relationship between childhood trauma and non-consensual sexting behavior. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 358 participants, aged 10–20 years (n = 114 girls, n = 244 boys), of whom 179 self-reported perpetrations of non-consensual sexting behaviors. Overall, findings support that adolescents who perpetrate non-consensual sexting are related to high levels of CU traits and childhood trauma, when compared to adolescents who do not. Results showed that callousness trait mediates the association between childhood trauma and non-consensual sexting perpetration. Uncaring trait also mediates the relationship between physical abuse and sexual abuse childhood trauma and non-consensual sexting behavior. These findings have practical implications for clinical purposes, identifying the mechanisms underlying the relationship between CU traits and non-consensual sexting.