Abstract
Introduction: Sexting behaviors among medical students have scarcely been researched. Although there are diverse types of sexting involving the exchange of different sexual content, two scenarios will be examined here: (a) the exchange of intimate images solely between two partners; and (b) sharing intimate images exchanged between partners with others outside the relationship. Objective: To verify empathy-related differences between sexting within consensual relationships and non-consensual distribution of intimate images. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which participants provided information through a self-reported questionnaire. Inventories for empathy and sexual impulsiveness and measures of sociodemographic features and sexting behaviors were applied. Results: This study included 202 medical students. The groups of students engaged in sexting (with or without sharing partners’ intimate images) demonstrated higher sexual impulsiveness and lower personal distress than the reference group. Only the students who admitted to sharing partners’ intimate images showed lower empathic concern and perspective taking than the reference group (affective and cognitive empathy, respectively). Overall, the results of this study support previous findings that individuals engaged in sexting demonstrate lower personal discomfort with their actions than people not engaged in sexting. Conclusion: Despite knowing the legal consequences of the exposure of intimate images from partners or colleagues, some students seem to prefer taking this risk.
Highlights
Sexting behaviors among medical students have scarcely been researched
Why was this study done? We aimed at improving insights into psychosocial aspects of medical students who are engaged in sexting, those students who share partners’ intimate images
Questions were included to investigate socio-demographic features and factors possibly associated with sexting behaviors, such as use of alcohol and other drugs, sexual impulsiveness, and empathy-related aspects
Summary
Sexting behaviors among medical students have scarcely been researched. there are diverse types of sexting involving the exchange of different sexual content, two scenarios will be examined here: (a) the exchange of intimate images solely between two partners; and (b) sharing intimate images exchanged between partners with others outside the relationship. The groups of students engaged in sexting (with or without sharing partners’ intimate images) demonstrated higher sexual impulsiveness and lower personal distress than the reference group. The students who admitted to sharing partners’ intimate images showed lower empathic concern and perspective taking than the reference group (affective and cognitive empathy, respectively). The widespread availability of digital photographic devices and the use of images as a form of communication rather than a repository of memories have increased the dissemination of sexualized images. Often this conduct assumes the form of sexting images, that is, the sending of sexualized images from one person to another, commonly in a context of mutual sexual interest. Young people may send nude or intimate images of themselves to friends or partners, trusting promises of confidentiality and respect
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