“Sexting” and adult romantic attachment

“Sexting” refers to sending and receiving sexually suggestive images, videos, or texts on cell phones. As a means for maintaining or initiating a relationship, sexting behavior and attitudes may be understood through adult attachment theory. One hundred and twenty-eight participants (M = 22 and F = 106), aged 18–30 years, completed an online questionnaire about their adult attachment styles and sexting behavior and attitudes. Attachment anxiety predicted sending texts that solicit sexual activity for those individuals in relationships. Attachment anxiety also predicted positive attitudes towards sexting such as accepting it as normal, that it will enhance the relationship, and that partners will expect sexting. Sexting may be a novel form for expressing attachment anxiety.

► Created sexting attitudes and behaviors measures; factor analyzed. ► Three attitudes subscales: Fun and Carefree, Perceived Risk, and Relational Expectations. ► Fun and Carefree and Relational Expectations correlated to sexting behaviors. ► Attachment anxiety predicted texts propositioning sex for those in couples. ► Attachment anxiety predicted Relational Expectations sexting attitudes.