Estudos e Pesquisas em Psicologia
ISSN 1808-4281
CARDOSO, André Tavares; FALCKE, Denise MOSMANN, Clarisse Pereira. Sexting: adolescents' perceptions on the phenomenon and about the role of family relationships. Estud. pesqui. psicol. []. 2019, 19, 3, pp.665-685. ISSN 1808-4281.
Sexting research has quantitatively addressed aspects of adolescent individuality, disregarding their perceptions. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative and descriptive research was to know the adolescents' perception about sexting and the role of family relationships in the phenomenon. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six adolescents between 14 and 17 years of age from a school in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre city, with or without involvement in sexting. From the content analysis, the results showed that the phenomenon was described as common and non-negative. However, participants described it as problematic if unauthorized sharing occurs. Parents' example and the dialogue in the family were perceived as influencers of active sexting. It is suggested that educators, parents and therapists do not qualify the phenomenon pejoratively. Also, they should extend communication about sexuality beyond the informational aspect, as well as the discussion of the exposure risks that the unauthorized sharing of sexting entails.
: sexting; adolescence; family.