RT Article
T1 Nonconsensual Dissemination of Sexual Images Among Adolescents: Associations With Depression and Self-Esteem
JF Journal of interpersonal violence
VO 38
IS 15/16
SP 9438
OP 9464
A1 Sciacca, Beatrice
A2 Mazzone, Angela
A2 Loftsson, Magnus
A2 O'Higgins Norman, James 1968-
A2 Foody, Mairéad
LA English
YR 2023
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1852424745
AB The nonconsensual dissemination of sexual images is a form of image-based sexual abuse that is relatively common among adolescents. However, literature on this issue with adolescent samples is relatively scarce. Therefore, this study is aimed at investigating how this phenomenon varies based on gender and sexual orientation, along with its association with depression and self-esteem. Participants were 728 secondary school students in Sweden (50.4% girls and 46.4% boys; 14.4% lesbian, gay, bisexual [LGB+]) aged from 12 to 19 years (M = 14.35, SD = 1.29). A survey was administered during school hours, including a measure assessing the nonconsensual dissemination of sexual images, the short version of the Moods and Feelings Questionnaire, and the Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale. Results showed that LGB+ participants were more likely to indicate that they were victimized compared to their heterosexual peers, while no differences were observed for gender. Being the target of nonconsensual dissemination of sexual images was positively associated with depression, whereas no significant associations were yielded for self-esteem. Based on the findings from this study, we suggest raising adolescent awareness in relation to the nonconsensual dissemination of sexual images as a form of sexual abuse that can have detrimental effects on those who are targeted. Such educational programs should be inclusive of sexual minority adolescents, as they are at a particular risk of being the target of nonconsensual dissemination of sexual images. Psychological support should be provided to the targets of this form of abuse, through both school and online counseling. Future research should adopt longitudinal designs while recruiting diverse samples.
K1 Self-esteem
K1 Depression
K1 technology-facilitated sexual violence
K1 nonconsensual dissemination
K1 Sexting
K1 Adolescents
DO 10.1177/08862605231165777