Sexting Behavior Among College Students: Implications for College Clinicians

ABSTRACT

The practice of sexting is becoming increasingly common among college students but has the potential to both initiate productive interactions with others and interfere with relationship development. The purpose of this paper is to report on the findings of a study on sexting among college students and to provide a framework through which practitioners working with this population would be able to effectively intervene. Implications for clinical practice include more specific assessment questions for practitioners, focus on better managing riskier behavior, and guidance toward using technology in relationally responsible and supportive ways.

KEYWORDS:

• College students
• Internet
• psychotherapy
• sexting

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful for the work of Katrina Ancheta, Mackenzie Clark, Jennalyn Eigner, Christine Morehead, Sarah Steelman, Sam Tielemans, and Michael Thomas, who assisted in this research as part of their culminating experience for their master’s degree in the Marriage and Family Therapy Program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. We also thank Akeylah Drake for her volunteerism on this project.