Abstract

Sexting, that is the sharing of sexually suggestive or provocative images or videos via the Internet and the social networks, is an increasingly common behavior among young people. Many studies have investigated the relationship between personality traits and sexting behaviors using the Big Five model or the HEXACO six-factor model of personality. However, no studies to date have investigated the relationship between trait emotional intelligence and sexting. Therefore, this study wanted to investigate the trait emotional intelligence profiles (i.e., well-being, emotionality, sociability, self-control) of sexters and non sexters, considering the different dimensions of sexting (experimental, at risk, aggravated). A series of questionnaires were completed by 377 adolescents aged between 15 and 17 years (Mage = 15.96; SDage = 0.79; 47.2% girls). A series of Multivariate Analysis of Variance were run. Results showed that sexters involved in experimental sexting had more emotionality, while sexters involved in aggravated sexting had less emotionality than non sexters. Higher sociability was more present in sexters engaged in all types of sexting (versus non sexters), excepting for sexting under pressure of partners or friends. Finally, sexters engaged in risky sexting had lower levels of wellbeing than non sexters. This study highlights how sexting is a relational phenomenon and how intervention programs should increase emotional and empathetic awareness in young people to prevent involvement in aggravated sexting.