Sexting to sex: Testing an attachment based model of connections between texting behavior and sex among heterosexually active women

Abstract A lack of clarity exists regarding associations between sexting – an increasingly common form of sexual communication – and sexual risk taking. This is particularly relevant for younger, heterosexually-active women who are at elevated risk for sexually transmitted infections and may be likely to consent to sexting that is unwanted in response to partner pressure. Separately, attachment insecurity has been associated with overall sexting and unwanted (but consensual) sexting specifically. This study tested a model comprised of two paths linking attachment insecurity, sexting and sexual risk through 1) sexual communication skills and 2) smartphone-related expectancies. Participants included 2559 women (Mage = 23.07; SD = 3.04) who reported US residence and recent (past 60 day) sex with a male partner. Attachment anxiety and avoidance were negatively associated with the odds of sex with casual partners (both with and without condoms) through sexual communication and overall sexting. Attachment anxiety was positively associated with the odds of sex with casual partners (with and without condoms) through escape motivations and overall sexting. Simultaneously, attachment anxiety was associated with increased odds of condomless sex through escape motivations and unwanted sexting. Implications are discussed for smartphone-based, sexual risk reduction interventions targeting relationship expectancies, sexual communication, and emotional regulation.