1
|
Hedén L, Jonsson LS, Fredlund C. The Connection Between Sex as Self-Injury and Sexual Violence. Arch Sex Behav 2023; 52:3531-3540. [PMID: 37640887 PMCID: PMC10703980 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02669-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a suggested diagnosis recognized by DSM-5 as in need of further research. Recent studies conclude that sex as self-injury (SASI) and NSSI share similar functions, such as being used as emotional regulation. SASI has been associated with earlier sexual abuse, but the understanding of the association between sexual violence and SASI is still limited. The aim of this study was to further investigate the connection between sexual violence and the experience of SASI. How could SASI be related to sexual violence? The study used a qualitative design and was based on an anonymous questionnaire published on the websites of Swedish NGOs, providing help and support to women and youths, such as those in women's shelters. In total, 139 informants with a mean age of 27.9 years (range 15-64 years) were included in the study. Three main themes were found: (1) Normalization of sexual violence and a shift in boundaries could be seen as consequences of earlier experiences of sexual violence leading to SASI; (2) SASI could escalate into sexual violence through increased need of emotional regulation, increased risk-taking, and risk of victimization; (3) SASI could be used to regain control of re-experiences, the body, sexuality, and shame after sexual abuse. In conclusion, a complex connection was identified whereby SASI could escalate into sexual violence, and earlier experiences of sexual violence could lead to SASI in a vicious loop. Hence, SASI should be seen as a risk factor for further victimization and sexual abuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ludwig Hedén
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Linda S Jonsson
- Department of Social Sciences, Marie Cederschiöld University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Fredlund
- Department of Psychiatry in Linköping, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 83, Linköping, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zetterqvist M, Landberg Å, Jonsson LS, Svedin CG. The psychosocial consequences of covid-19 in adolescents with nonsuicidal self-injury. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:33. [PMID: 36871031 PMCID: PMC9985473 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00566-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young people have been especially affected by the psychosocial consequences of the covid-19 pandemic. Covid-19 has potentially also been more stressful for vulnerable groups with mental health problems. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, the psychosocial effects of covid-19 in a vulnerable group of adolescents with nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) from a sample of 1602 Swedish high-school students were examined. Data were collected in 2020 and 2021. First, adolescents with and without NSSI were compared on how they perceived the psychosocial impact of covid-19, and second, a hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to examine whether lifetime NSSI experience was associated with perceived psychosocial consequences of covid-19, when demographic variables and symptoms of mental health problems were controlled for. Interaction effects were also examined. RESULTS Significantly more individuals with NSSI reported being burdened by covid-19 compared to those without NSSI. When demographic variables and mental health symptoms were controlled for, adding NSSI experience did not, however, increase the amount of variance explained in the model. The total model explained 23.2% of the variance in perceived psychosocial impact of covid-19. Perceiving the family's financial situation as poor and neither good nor bad, studying a theoretical high school program, symptoms of depression and difficulties with emotion regulation were significantly associated with perceived negative psychosocial impact of the covid-19 pandemic. There was a significant interaction effect between NSSI experience and depressive symptoms. The effect of NSSI experience was larger when depressive symptoms were lower. CONCLUSIONS Lifetime NSSI experience in itself was not associated with psychosocial covid-19 consequences when other variables were controlled for, whereas symptoms of depression and difficulties with emotion regulation were. Results imply that vulnerable adolescents with mental health symptoms need special attention and access to mental health support in order to prevent further stress and worsening of mental health symptoms in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Zetterqvist
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Region Östergötland, Linköping, Sweden. .,Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Å Landberg
- Department of Social Sciences, Marie Cederschiöld University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - L S Jonsson
- Department of Social Sciences, Marie Cederschiöld University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C G Svedin
- Department of Social Sciences, Marie Cederschiöld University, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fredlund C, Jonsson LS. Perceived Help and Support for Sex as Self-Injury: A Qualitative Study of a Swedish Sample. Arch Sex Behav 2023; 52:149-160. [PMID: 36261736 PMCID: PMC9859879 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02437-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Earlier research has found that sexual acts could be used as a means of self-injury, with comparable functions to nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) such as cutting or burning the skin. However, no previous study has investigated the experience of help and support in relation to sex as a means of self-injury (SASI), which this study aims to investigate. The study was based on an anonymous open-ended questionnaire published from December 2016 to April 2017 on the websites of NGOs working with help and support for women and youths in Sweden. In total, 197 participants (mostly women, mean age 27.9 years, range 15-64 years) with self-reported experiences of SASI were included in the study. Three main themes were found concerning experiences of help and support for SASI. The need for: (1) Framing the behavior of SASI, to find a word for SASI-to know it exists, to get questions and information about SASI and its function; (2) Flexible, respectful, and professional help and support from an early age, to be listened to and confirmed in one's experience of SASI; and (3) Help with underlying reasons to exit SASI such as finding one's own value and boundaries through conventional therapy, through life itself, or through therapy for underlying issues such as earlier traumatic events, PTSD, dissociation, or anxiety. In conclusion, similar interventions could be helpful for SASI as for NSSI, irrespective of the topographical differences between the behaviors, but the risk of victimization and traumatization must also be addressed in SASI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Fredlund
- Department of Psychiatry in Linköping and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Linda S Jonsson
- Department of Social Sciences, Marie Cederschiöld University, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Andersson H, Aspeqvist E, Dahlström Ö, Svedin CG, Jonsson LS, Landberg Å, Zetterqvist M. Emotional Dysregulation and Trauma Symptoms Mediate the Relationship Between Childhood Abuse and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Adolescents. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:897081. [PMID: 35966492 PMCID: PMC9366744 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.897081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is common in adolescents. Emotion dysregulation has been identified as a core mechanism in the development and maintenance of NSSI and it is therefore an important target when addressing NSSI. The pathogenic connection between different kinds of childhood abuse, difficulties in emotion regulation and NSSI needs further investigation. The objective of this study was to examine whether difficulties with emotion regulation and trauma symptoms, separately and together, mediate the relationships between sexual, physical and emotional abuse and NSSI. Method Cross-sectional data was collected from 3,169 adolescent high-school students aged 16-19 years (M = 18.12, SD = 0.45). Data from self-reported experiences of childhood abuse, current difficulties with emotion regulation (measured with the Difficulties with Emotion Regulation Scale, DERS-16) and trauma symptoms (measured with the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children, TSCC), and NSSI were collected. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to test the proposed relationships between variables. Results The prevalence of life-time NSSI was 27.4%. Prevalence of reported childhood abuse was 9.2, 17.5, and 18.0% for sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, respectively. Childhood abuse, difficulties with emotion regulation and trauma symptoms exhibited significant positive associations with NSSI in adolescents. Emotional dysregulation and trauma symptoms were both found to mediate the relationship between childhood abuse and NSSI. Latent variable models were found to fit data well. Conclusion Results indicate that increased levels of emotional dysregulation and trauma symptoms in relation to childhood abuse contribute to the increased risk of NSSI. Further, results point to some aspects of emotional dysregulation and trauma symptoms being more important in this regard. Clinical implications are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hedvig Andersson
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Erik Aspeqvist
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Örjan Dahlström
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Carl Göran Svedin
- Department of Social Sciences, Marie Cederschiöld University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Linda S. Jonsson
- Department of Social Sciences, Marie Cederschiöld University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Åsa Landberg
- Department of Social Sciences, Marie Cederschiöld University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Zetterqvist
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zetterqvist M, Jonsson LS, Landberg Å, Svedin CG. A potential increase in adolescent nonsuicidal self-injury during covid-19: A comparison of data from three different time points during 2011 - 2021. Psychiatry Res 2021; 305:114208. [PMID: 34543849 PMCID: PMC8448460 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Life-time prevalence of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) has consistently been found to be around 17% in community samples of adolescents. Concerns of threats to mental health in adolescents during covid-19 have been raised. Life-time prevalence of NSSI in high school students in Sweden was compared using the same item to assess NSSI at three different time points. Results showed very similar prevalence of NSSI in 2011 and 2014 (17.2 % vs. 17.7 %), and an increase to 27.6 % during the pandemic of 2020-2021. Our findings imply a need to highlight the potential psychosocial consequences of covid-19 for young people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Zetterqvist
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Linköping, Region Östergötland, Sweden; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Linköping university, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Linda S Jonsson
- Department of Social Sciences, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Åsa Landberg
- Department of Social Sciences, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Stockholm, Sweden,Children's Welfare Foundation, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carl Göran Svedin
- Department of Social Sciences, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Joleby M, Lunde C, Landström S, Jonsson LS. Offender strategies for engaging children in online sexual activity. Child Abuse Negl 2021; 120:105214. [PMID: 34303993 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following technological developments, there has been increasing interest in online offenders' use of digital communication technology to sexually groom and abuse children. However, research has thus far primarily explored offenders' interactions with decoys instead of actual children, and initial evidence indicates that conversations with actual children may include more overt persuasion and extortion than conversations with decoys. OBJECTIVE This study aims to describe online offenders' interactions with actual children when inciting them to engage in online sexual activity. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Swedish court judgements including 50 offenders (aged 16-69, median = 28.9) and 122 child victims (aged 7-17, median = 13.0) were analyzed. METHODS By using an explorative mixed-methods approach, we thematically analyzed what strategies the children were exposed to, and looked for patterns between the strategy used and the characteristics of the abuse, victim, or offender. RESULTS We identified two types of strategies that the children were exposed to: pressure (threats, bribes, or nagging, N = 56), and sweet-talk (flattery, acting as a friend, or expressing love, N = 25). Overall, the offenders who used pressure were younger and targeted older children than the offenders who used sweet-talk. CONCLUSIONS This study expands the existing knowledge about the variety of manipulative strategies used by online offenders and adds support to the initial literature showing substantially more pressure and coercion in online offenders' interactions with actual children. The study also identifies some patterns between the strategy used and the age of the offender and victim that warrant further investigation in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malin Joleby
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, P.O. Box 500, SE 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Carolina Lunde
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, P.O. Box 500, SE 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Sara Landström
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, P.O. Box 500, SE 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Linda S Jonsson
- Department of Social Sciences, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, 128 06 Sköndal, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Joleby M, Lunde C, Landström S, Jonsson LS. "All of Me Is Completely Different": Experiences and Consequences Among Victims of Technology-Assisted Child Sexual Abuse. Front Psychol 2020; 11:606218. [PMID: 33365004 PMCID: PMC7750528 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.606218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to gain a first-person perspective on the experiences of technology-assisted child sexual abuse (TA-CSA), and a deeper understanding of the way it may affect its victims. Seven young women (aged 17–24) with experience of TA-CSA before the age of 18 participated in individual in-depth interviews. The interviews were teller-focused with the aim of capturing the interviewee’s own story about how they made sense of their experiences over time, and what impact the victimization had on them in the short and long terms. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed a broad range of abusive experiences that had profoundly impacted the individuals’ lives, health and self-concepts. Three dominant themes emerged from the analysis – From thrilling to abusive, Negative effect on health and wellbeing, and A new self after the abuse. From thrilling to abusive captures the wide range of experiences described, starting from the child’s own sexual curiosity to descriptions of having been manipulated or threatened into engaging in sexual activity, as well as the sometimes long and complex process of understanding the severity of one’s experiences. Negative effect on health and wellbeing describes the victimization’s comprehensive impact on the life and health of the participants, how they blamed themselves for what had happened, and the struggle of having to live with the constant fear of pictures from the abuse resurfacing. A new self after the abuse depicts how the victimization impacted the way participants viewed and thought about themselves in relation to others, and distorted their views of their bodies. The findings are discussed in relation to previous research on both offline CSA and TA-CSA, as well as theoretical and practical implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malin Joleby
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Carolina Lunde
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Sara Landström
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Linda S Jonsson
- Department of Social Sciences, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
To view destructive sexual behaviors as a form of self-injury is a new concept in the research field that needs further exploration and conceptualization. The aim of this study was to explore experiences of sex as self-injury to identify motives and manifestations of the behavior. An anonymous self-selected open-ended questionnaire was used for the study, and qualitative content analysis was used to identify patterns and themes in the text. A total of 199 informants participated in the study (M = 27.9, SD = 9.3 years), all of whom were recruited via a range of websites of Swedish nongovernmental organizations. Sex as self-injury was described as voluntary exposure to sexual situations including psychological and/or physical harm. Affect regulation and receiving positive or negative confirmation emerged as important motives for the behavior. Respondents described sex as self-injury as difficult to stop when it felt compulsive and addictive, with ever-higher risk-taking and self-harming described. Our findings indicate that sex as self-injury often includes deliberate sexual violence, and is similar to other self-injurious behaviors, including non-suicidal self-injury. Sex as self-injury needs to be addressed in healthcare, such as in psychiatry and gynecology departments, to prevent further traumatization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Fredlund
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Linköping University
| | - Marie Wadsby
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Linköping University
| | - Linda S Jonsson
- Barnafrid, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Linköping University
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jonsson LS, Fredlund C, Priebe G, Wadsby M, Svedin CG. Online sexual abuse of adolescents by a perpetrator met online: a cross-sectional study. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2019; 13:32. [PMID: 31462925 PMCID: PMC6708231 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-019-0292-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current study aimed at exploring adolescents' experiences of online sexual contacts leading to online sexual abuse by a perpetrator whom the victim had first met online. Associations with socio demographic background, experience of abuse, relation to parents, health and risk behaviors were studied. METHODS The participants were a representative national sample of 5175 students in the third year of the Swedish high school Swedish (M age = 17.97). Analyses included bivariate statistics and stepwise multiple logistic regression models. RESULTS In total 330 (5.8%) adolescents had gotten to know someone during the preceding 12 months for the purpose of engaging in some kind of sexual activity online. Thirty-two (9.7%) of those, the index group, had felt that they had been persuaded, pressed or coerced on at least one occasion. Sexual interaction under pressure was seen as constituting sexual abuse. These adolescent victims of online sexual abuse, the index group, did not differ with respect to socio-demographic background from the adolescents without this experience, the reference group. The index group had significantly more prior experiences of different kind of abuse, indicating that they belong to a polyvictimized group. More frequent risk behavior, poorer psychological health, poorer relationships with parents and lower self-esteem also characterized the index group. Online sexual abuse, without experiences of offline abuse, was associated with a poorer psychological health, at least at the same level as offline sexual abuse only. CONCLUSIONS The study made clear the importance of viewing online sexual abuse as a serious form of sexual abuse. Professionals meeting these children need to focus not only on their psychological health such as symptoms of trauma and depression but also need to screen them for online behavior, online abuse and other forms of previous abuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda S. Jonsson
- 0000 0001 2162 9922grid.5640.7Barnafrid, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Fredlund
- 0000 0001 2162 9922grid.5640.7Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Linköping University, 581 85 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Gisela Priebe
- 0000 0001 0930 2361grid.4514.4Department of Psychology, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Marie Wadsby
- 0000 0001 2162 9922grid.5640.7Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Linköping University, 581 85 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Carl Göran Svedin
- 0000 0001 2162 9922grid.5640.7Barnafrid, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fredlund C, Dahlström Ö, Svedin CG, Wadsby M, Jonsson LS, Priebe G. Adolescents' motives for selling sex in a welfare state - A Swedish national study. Child Abuse Negl 2018; 81:286-295. [PMID: 29775872 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2018.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In addition to money or other compensation, other motives for selling sex may be important in a welfare country such as Sweden. The aim of this study was to carry out an exploratory investigation of adolescents' motives for selling sex in a population-based survey in Sweden. A total of 5839 adolescents from the third year of Swedish high school, mean age 18.0 years, participated in the study. The response rate was 59.7% and 51 students (0.9%) reported having sold sex. Exploratory factor analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to identify groups of adolescents according to underlying motives for selling sex. Further analyses were carried out for characteristics of selling sex and risk factors. Three groups of adolescents were categorized according to their motives for selling sex: Adolescents reporting; 1) Emotional reasons, being at a greater risk of sexual abuse, using sex as a means of self-injury and having a non-heterosexual orientation. 2) Material but no Emotional reasons, who more often receive money as compensation and selling sex to a person over 25 years of age, and 3) Pleasure or no underlying motive for selling sex reported, who were mostly heterosexual males selling sex to a person under 25 years of age, the buyer was not known from the Internet, the reward was seldom money and this group was less exposed to penetrative sexual abuse or using sex as a means of self-injury. In conclusion, adolescents selling sex are a heterogeneous group in regard to underlying motives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Fredlund
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Linköping University, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Örjan Dahlström
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Carl Göran Svedin
- Barnafrid, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Linköping University, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Marie Wadsby
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Linköping University, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Linda S Jonsson
- Barnafrid, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Linköping University, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Gisela Priebe
- Barnafrid, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Linköping University, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden; Department of Psychology, Lund University, SE-221 00 Lund Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jonsson LS, Bladh M, Priebe G, Svedin CG. Online sexual behaviours among Swedish youth: associations to background factors, behaviours and abuse. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2015; 24:1245-60. [PMID: 25589438 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-015-0673-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/01/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Sexual activity online may result in positive experiences for young people, or lead them to engage in risky behaviours possibly resulting in sexual assault or abuse. The aim of our study was to investigate associations between online sexual behaviours among Swedish youth and background factors as well as aspects of well-being. The behaviours investigated were: having sex online with a contact met online, having sex with an online contact offline, posting sexual pictures online, and selling sex online. We used data from a representative sample of 3,432 Swedish youth who were asked about their lifetime experiences as well as their experiences within the previous year. We hypothesized that more advanced online sexual behaviours were associated with more problematic background factors, worse psychosocial well-being and riskier behaviours in general. Bivariate relationships were evaluated followed by a multiple logistic regression model. Our data suggested that most Swedish youth do not perform any of the assessed online sexual behaviours. Young people who reported online sexual behaviour showed a more problematic background, rated their health as poorer, had a more sexualized life and had experienced more sexual or physical abuse. Professionals who work with young people need to help them better evaluate potential risks online and offer support when needed. Youths who sell sex online are especially at risk and need extra attention, as they might be in greater need of protection and therapeutic support.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda S Jonsson
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 85, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Marie Bladh
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 85, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Gisela Priebe
- Department of Psychology, Linnæus University, SE-351 95, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Carl Göran Svedin
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 85, Linköping, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
The current study concerns young women's life stories of their experiences selling sex online before the age of 18. The aim was to gain an understanding of young women's perceptions of the reasons they started, continued, and stopped selling sex. The study included interviews with 15 young women between the ages of 15 and 25 (M=18.9). Thematic analysis was used to identify similarities and differences in the narratives. Three themes and eight sub-themes were identified in relation to different stages in their lives in the sex trade. The themes were organized into three parts, each with its own storyline: "Entering - adverse life experiences"; traumatic events: feeling different and being excluded. "Immersion - using the body as a tool for regulating feelings"; being seen: being touched: being in control: affect regulation and self-harming. "Exiting - change or die"; living close to death: the process of quitting. The informants all had stable social lives in the sense that they had roofs over their heads, food to eat, and no substance-abuse issues. None had a third party who arranged the sexual contacts and none were currently trafficked. They described how their experiences of traumatic events and of feeling different and excluded had led them into the sex trade. Selling sex functioned as a way to be seen, to handle traumatic events, and to regulate feelings. Professionals working with young people who sell sex online need to understand the complex web of mixed feelings and emotional needs that can play a role in selling sex. Young people selling sex might need guidance in relationship building as well as help processing traumatic experiences and ending self-harming behavior. Further studies are needed on the functions of online sex selling and on the exit process for young people, in order to prevent entrance and facilitate exiting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda S Jonsson
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Carl Göran Svedin
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Margareta Hydén
- Department of Social and Welfare Studies, Linköping University, Norrköping, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jonsson LS, Priebe G, Bladh M, Svedin CG. Voluntary sexual exposure online among Swedish youth – social background, Internet behavior and psychosocial health. Computers in Human Behavior 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2013.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|