Impulsivity traits, emotions and mobile phone sexting among college students in Kenya

Abstract

Mobile phone sexting is increasingly becoming central to college students’ communication. Understanding the prevalence rates and psychological predictors in an understudied population in sub-Saharan Africa therefore warrants concern. This survey study sought to examine (a) sexting prevalence rates, (b) impulsivity traits and (c) whether emotions moderate the relationship between impulsivity traits and sexting. Data from 464 undergraduate students were collected using a questionnaire measuring impulsivity, emotions and engagement in sexting, which were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-tests and regression analysis. Sexting was reported by over half the sample, and men compared to women significantly sent and responded to sexts. Lack of premeditation predicted sending but not responding; positive urgency predicted responding but not sending; and sensation seeking predicted both aspects of sexting. Desire, fear and happiness moderated the relationship between impulsivity traits and sexting. The findings suggest that under specific heightened emotions, impulsive individuals are more likely to sext. It is recommended that more focus be placed on the psychological contexts of sexting in young adults’ relationship formation and maintenance in a changing digital world.

Keywords: Appraisal, emotions, impulsivity traits, sexting, young adults.