Online Sexual Exposure and Risky Behaviors: The Mediating Role of Sensation Seeking
Keywords:
Online sexual exposure, risky behaviors, sensation seeking, adolescentsAbstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between online sexual exposure and risky sexual behaviors among Canadian adolescents and young adults, with sensation seeking tested as a mediating variable.
Methods and Materials: A descriptive–correlational design was employed with a sample of 400 adolescents and young adults in Canada, selected based on Morgan and Krejcie’s sample size determination table. Participants completed validated self-report questionnaires measuring risky sexual behaviors, online sexual exposure, and sensation seeking. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analyses using SPSS version 27, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using AMOS version 21 were applied to test the hypothesized mediation model. Model fit was evaluated using chi-square, CFI, TLI, GFI, AGFI, and RMSEA indices.
Findings: The results revealed that online sexual exposure was significantly and positively correlated with risky behaviors (r = .46, p < .001), while sensation seeking also showed a significant correlation with risky behaviors (r = .52, p < .001). SEM analysis demonstrated good model fit (χ² = 142.83, df = 71, χ²/df = 2.01, CFI = 0.96, TLI = 0.95, GFI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.051). Online sexual exposure had a significant direct effect on risky behaviors (β = .29, p < .001) and an indirect effect through sensation seeking (β = .09, p = .002). The total effect of online sexual exposure on risky behaviors was β = .38 (p < .001), confirming partial mediation.
Conclusion: These findings highlight that sensation seeking plays a crucial mediating role in linking online sexual exposure to risky sexual behaviors. Digital platforms not only increase exposure opportunities but also align with sensation-seeking tendencies, thereby heightening vulnerability to sexual risk.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Leila Saeidtaleshi (Corresponding Author); Shiva Sherkat, Niki Nourbakhsh (Author)
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