Het Verband tussen Depressieve Symptomen en het Plegen van Ongewenste Sexting bij Jeugdigen: Een Meta-Analyse (The Relationship between Depressive Symptoms and Non-Consensual Sexting Perpetration in Youth: A Meta-Analysis)

Abstract

Background: Different forms of cyber youth crime have specific explanatory factors, but not all forms of cybercrime have received the same level of attention in the literature, such as non-consensual sexting. In addition, interventions for sexting are primarily focused on victims and there are limited interventions that target perpetrators. Understanding risk factors involved in the perpetration of non-consensual sexting among youth is important for the (continued) development of interventions and to prevent the negative consequences for victims and perpetrators. Previous research has associated depressive symptoms with risky sexual behavior, including sexting. Method: A meta-analysis was conducted to examine the association between depressive symptoms and the perpetration of non-consensual sexting among youth ages 12 to 23. The study used electronic databases and searched literature lists, Google Scholar and Connected Papers for related articles. Results: The search yielded seven articles that examined the relationship between depressive symptoms and non-consensual sexting. The results showed a significant association, with more depressive symptoms being associated with a higher risk of committing non-consensual sexting. Moreover, this association was found to be stronger in studies from the United States than in studies from Europe. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of treatment for depressive symptoms. The findings may contribute to the development of prevention and intervention programs specifically targeting youth who commit non-consensual sexting, considering depressive symptoms as a risk factor.