Department of Psychology Research Seminar Series 2021-22
Dr Sarah Johns, University of Kent
*** Everyone welcome. No need to book in advance ***
Speaker: Dr Sarah Johns, University of Kent
Date: Friday 25th March 2022
Time: 1-2pm
Location:
https://mdx-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/96494558377?pwd=SWlqQVJ1UnB6ZmFZM0Uwd1J0WHAyQT09
Meeting ID: 964 9455 8377
Passcode: 342917
The internet has enabled the exchange of graphic, sexual images and increased the potential for harassing and unwanted sexual interactions. There is a fundamental lack of empirical research conducted on the motives for sending self-taken sexual images – a common form of online sexual harassment when such images are unsolicited. The incentives for this behaviour are unknown, as well as the prevalence of the behaviour in general. We created a predictive model for the sending of unsolicited nude images for both men and women, and in relation to dark triad personality traits. Our results suggest that, for men, this behaviour is predicted by psychopathy, self-rated mate value, and an accepting attitude towards sending nudes, whereas in women it is predicted by narcissism and a liberal attitude towards sending nudes. We conclude that female senders can be characterised as sex-positive individuals, and that male senders may have darker intentions and motives. This has implications for how this behaviour is viewed in both legal and sexual health contexts.
Sarah Johns is a broadly trained anthropologist who works on sexual and reproductive behaviour. Her research has focussed on teenage motherhood, post-natal depression, and the evolutionary anthropology of human reproductive decision-making. She is a Reader in the School of Anthropology and Conservation at the University of Kent.
