Author ORCID Identifier:
Date of Graduation
5-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Health, Sport and Exercise Science (PhD)
Degree Level
Graduate
Department
Health, Human Performance and Recreation
Advisor/Mentor
Davis, Robert
Committee Member
Hammig, Bart
Second Committee Member
Dobbs, Page
Third Committee Member
Liang, Xinya
Keywords
Sexting; Sexting autonomy; Sexting autonomy scale; Sexting behavior; Sexting stigma
Abstract
Background: Sexting involves the electronic sharing of sexually explicit texts, images, and videos and has been linked to stigma, mental health issues, and legal concerns. Although autonomy is crucial in influencing health outcomes, little is known about how autonomy relates to sexting. This multiphase study first aimed to develop a valid and reliable measure of sexting autonomy and then to apply it to examine how sexting autonomy affects psychological health and stigma related to sexting among young people in the U.S., using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional, non-probability, survey-based design involving a sample of college students and an online Prolific-recruited sample, all aged 18-24 years. The development of a psychometrically valid and reliable instrument to assess autonomy in sexting (study 1) included item development such as domain identification, item generation, and content validity and scale development, which involved survey administration, factor extraction, and item reduction via exploratory factor analysis. This process was conducted with a sample of college students (N=232). Scale evaluation, including dimensionality testing via confirmatory factor analysis and reliability assessments using Cronbach’s alpha and omega, was conducted with an online, Prolific-recruited sample (N=340). The assessment of sexting behaviors, sexting autonomy, and related psychological health and stigma among young people in the U.S. (study 2) utilized an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design and was carried out with the online Prolific-recruited sample. Quantitative data were analyzed with SPSS version 28 (IBM, 2017) at an alpha level of 0.05, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis using NVivo 15.0.0 (12). Integration tables were used to integrate interview responses with quantitative findings. Results: In study 1, three factors (freedom from external pressure and coercion, positive emotion in sexting, and consent in sexting) were identified through scale development. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) showed model fit indices within acceptable ranges. All standardized factor loadings were statistically significant, and the factor correlation matrix indicated moderate to strong correlations among factors. Study 2 revealed significant relationships between sexting autonomy, sexting behaviors, and related psychological health outcomes. About 51% of participants scored high on sexting autonomy, with significant differences across sexting behavior types. Although sexting autonomy significantly moderates the relationship between sexting behavior and adverse psychological health, it was also negatively associated with anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. Participants also reported various types of stigmas related to sexting. While perceived stigma levels moderated the relationship between nonconsensual, pressured sexting and negative psychological outcomes, internalized stigma in sexting moderated the link between consensual sexting and poor mental health. Conclusion: The Sexting Autonomy Scale is a reliable tool that enhances our understanding of autonomy in the context of sexting behaviors. This study offers evidence of the links between autonomy and various sexting behaviors, showing that autonomy can influence how sexting impacts psychological well-being. It also emphasizes the stigma surrounding sexting and suggests possible mechanisms connecting sexting behaviors to negative mental health outcomes. These findings have important implications for both sexting research and digital sexual health education.
Citation
Olatunde, O. E. (2026). Sexting, Sexting Autonomy, Psychological Correlates and Associated Stigma among Young People in the U.S.: A Mixed Methods Approach. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/6111
