This study examines the moderating role of relationship length on the association between coercive sexting and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. Research has supported a positive association between coercive sexting and IPV perpetration (Drouin et al., 2015), though no prior research has examined how relationship length moderates this association. To test this relationship, we administered a multipart questionnaire online to 798 undergraduate participants (79% White, 77% female, MAge = 19.1 years) currently in a relationship. We assessed physical, psychological, and sexual IPV perpetration. Relationship length moderated the link between coercive sexting and sexual IPV perpetration. More specifically, the association was stronger in longer-term compared to shorter-term relationships. These results carry implications for future research and IPV education and intervention programs, suggesting that they should incorporate coercive sexting into their curriculums and target newer couples.
Keywords: coercive sexting; college students; intimate partner violence; relationship length.
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