Review of Existing Research

Abstract

In line with the critical approach of this book, it is useful to precede our own contribution to the field of research with a discussion and evaluation of the methods and approaches to researching sexting that have been used in research to date. This chapter starts with a critical analysis of the existing surveys into sexting practices by young people and then looks more closely at current qualitative research. A review at the time of writing identified ten such quantitative surveys.¹ Most of these are aimed at identifying the prevalence of sexting among young people and only a small proportion drill further into the practices of, and the motives or reasons for, sexting (National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy 2008; Mitchell et al. 2012; Dake et al. 2013), or the emotional or practical consequences of sexting (Dake et al. 2013; Phippen 2009; National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy 2008; Strassberg et al. 2013; Mitchell et al. 2012; Talion et al. 2012).