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Biography:
Joris Van Ouytsel is an assistant professor at the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication. He is also a Senior Global Futures Scientist within the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory. His program of research focuses on the intersection of interpersonal and health communication and includes the following:
- Research on the influence of digital media on relationship experiences and sexuality
- Understanding digital risky and violent behaviors in interpersonal relationships (e.g., digital forms of dating violence, cyber dating abuse)
- Examining the antecedents and consequences of digital sexual behaviors (e.g., sexting, revenge porn, and sextortion)
Professor Van Ouytsel has pioneered research on the causes and consequences of adolescents’ sexting behavior, and he has coauthored over 20 peer-reviewed journal articles about sexting. He is coeditor of the book “Sexting: Motives and risk in online sexual self-presentation.” He also developed a second research program on the study of digital forms of teen dating violence (also known as cyber dating abuse).
In the coming years, his research program will continue to focus on the role of digital media within adolescents’ romantic relationships, the prevention of digital forms of interpersonal violence, and more specifically on online forms of sexual self-disclosure through digital media (i.e., sexting) and digital forms of dating violence (cyber dating abuse). Avenues for future research include conducting studies among diverse age groups, focusing on the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth, using innovative research designs, and placing an increasing focus on nonconsensual forms of sexting and other abusive behaviors. He will also expand his research to the development and testing of prevention and educational programs, including testing effective communication strategies and promoting healthy relationships.
Prior to joining the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, Professor Van Ouytsel worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Antwerp (supported by the Research Foundation - Flanders). He worked both as a doctoral researcher and as a postdoctoral fellow under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Michel Walrave (UAntwerp) and Prof. Dr. Koen Ponnet (IMEC-MICT UGent). As a Fulbright grantee, Professor Van Ouytsel conducted research at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX, from October 2016 through January 2017.
Professor Van Ouytsel has received several awards for his research from the National Communication Association (NCA), International Association for Relationship Research (IARR), and the University of Antwerp. He serves as an associate editor for Personal Relationships and BMC Public Health. He is also an editorial panel member of the Journal of Children and Media and the Journal of School Nursing.
Education:
- Ph.D. Communication Studies, University of Antwerp (Antwerp, Belgium)
- M.A. Communication Sciences, KU Leuven (Leuven, Belgium)
- M.A. Dutch Linguistics and Literature, University of Antwerp (Antwerp, Belgium)
Research Website URL:
Google Scholar URL:
Research Interests:
Dr. Joris Van Ouytsel is an assistant professor in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication. His award-winning research focuses on media literacy, sexting, online intimate partner violence, and the role of digital media in romantic relationships. Van Ouytsel was a Fulbright grantee and is author of more than 50 peer-reviewed publications.
Keywords
- Sexting
- Cyber dating abuse / digital dating violence
- Cyber aggression
- Violence prevention
- Media literacy
- E-safety
- Technology use in interpersonal relationships
- Digital media and romantic relationships
Publications:
Publications on sexting
- Van Ouytsel, J., Lu, Y., Shin, Y., Avalos, B.L. & Pettigrew, J. (2021). Sexting, Pressured Sexting and Associations with Dating Violence among Early Adolescents. Computers in Human Behavior, 125, 106969.
- Van Ouytsel, J., Lu, Y., & Temple, J. R. (online first). An Exploratory Study of Online Early Sexual Initiation Through Pressured and Unwanted Sexting. Journal of Sex Research.
- Morelli, M., Urbini, F., Bianchi, D., Baiocco, R., […], Van Ouytsel, J., Ponnet, K., Walrave, M., […] Drouin, M., & Chirumbolo, A. (2021). The Relationship between Dark Triad Personality Traits and Sexting Behaviors among Adolescents and Young Adults across 11 Countries. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(5).
- Van Ouytsel, J., Walrave, M., De Marez, L., Vanhaelewyn, B., & Ponnet, K. (2021). Sexting, pressured sexting and image-based sexual abuse among a weighted-sample of heterosexual and LGB-youth. Computers in Human Behavior, 117, 106630.
- Van Ouytsel, J., Walrave, M., De Marez, L., Vanhaelewyn, B., & Ponnet, K. (2020). A first investigation into gender minority adolescents’ sexting experiences. Journal of Adolescence, 84, 213-218.
- Van Ouytsel, J., Walrave, M., Ojeda, M., Del Rey, R., & Ponnet, K. (2020). Adolescents’ Sexy Self-Presentation on Instagram: An Investigation of Their Posting Behavior Using a Prototype Willingness Model Perspective. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(21), 8106.
- Morelli M., […] Van Ouytsel J., […] Drouin M. (2020). The role of HEXACO personality traits in different kinds of sexting: A cross-cultural study in 10 countries. Computers in Human Behavior, 113, 106502.
- Van Ouytsel, J., Punyanunt-Carter, N.M., Walrave, M., & Ponnet, K. (2019). Sexting within young adults’ dating and romantic relationships. Current Opinion in Psychology, 36, 55-59.
- Van Ouytsel, J., Walrave, M., & Ponnet, K. (2019). An exploratory study of transactional sexting among high school students. Journal of Adolescent Health, 66(4), 510-513.
- Van Ouytsel, J., Walrave, M., & Ponnet, K. (2019). An exploratory study of sexting behaviors among heterosexual and sexual-minority early adolescents. Journal of Adolescent Health, 65(5), 621-626.
- Van Ouytsel, J. (2019). A decade of sexting research - Are we any wiser? JAMA Pediatrics, 174 (2), 204.
- Van Ouytsel, J., Walrave, M., De Marez, L., Van Damme, K., De Wolf, R., Baccarne, B., Vanhaelewyn, B., & Ponnet, K. (2019). Concise Report: Teenage sexting on the rise? Results of a cohort study using a weighted-sample of adolescents. Sexual Health, 66(4), 178-181.
- Van Ouytsel, J., Madigan, S., Ponnet, K., Walrave, M., & Temple, J. R. (2019). Adolescent Sexting: Myths, Facts, and Advice. NASN School Nurse, 34(6), 345-350.
- Van Ouytsel, J., Lu, Y., Walrave, M., Ponnet, K., & Temple, J. R. (2019). Longitudinal associations between sexting, cyberbullying, and bullying among adolescents: Cross-lagged panel analysis. Journal of Adolescence, 73, 36-41.
- Van Ouytsel, J., Walrave, M., & Ponnet, K. (2019). Sexting within adolescents' romantic relationships: How is it related to perceptions of love and verbal conflict? Computers in Human Behavior, 97, 216-221.
- Van Ouytsel, J., Walrave, M., & Ponnet, K. (2018). Adolescent Sexting Research. The Challenges Ahead. JAMA Pediatrics, 172 (5), 405-406.
- Madigan S., Ly A., Rash C.L., Van Ouytsel J., & Temple J.R. (2018) Prevalence of Multiple Forms of Sexting Behavior Among Youth - A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Pediatrics, 172 (4), 327-335.
- Van Ouytsel, J., Ponnet, K., Walrave, M., & d’Haenens, L. (2017). Adolescent sexting from a social learning perspective. Telematics and Informatics, 34(1), 287-298.
- Gebbers, T., & Van Ouytsel, J. (2017). „Zeig mir, was du hast!“ – Was steckt hinter dem Teilen von „sexy Selfies“ und welche Risiken und Chancen birgt das sogenannte Sexting unter Jugendlichen?. In-Mind - The Inquisitive Mind - Deutschland, 7(4/2017), 1-3. [IN GERMAN]
- Van Ouytsel, J., Van Gool, E., Walrave, M., Ponnet, K., & Peeters, E. (2017). Sexting: Adolescents’ Perceptions of the Applications Used for, Motives for, and Consequences of Sexting. Journal of Youth Studies, 20(4), 446-470.
- Choi, H., Van Ouytsel, J., & Temple, J. R. (2016). Association between sexting and sexual coercion among female adolescents. Journal of Adolescence, 53, 164-168.
- Van Ouytsel, J., Walrave, M., Ponnet, K., & Heirman, W. (2015). The Association Between Adolescent Sexting, Psychosocial Difficulties, and Risk Behavior: Integrative Review. The Journal of School Nursing, 31(1), 54-69.
- Walrave, M., Ponnet, K., Van Ouytsel, J., Van Gool, E., Heirman, W., & Verbeek, A. (2015) Whether or not to engage in sexting: Explaining adolescent sexting behaviour by applying the prototype willingness model. Telematics and Informatics, 32(4), 796-808.
- Van Ouytsel, J., Ponnet, K., & Walrave, M. (2014). The Associations Between Adolescents' Consumption of Pornography and Music Videos and Their Sexting Behavior. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 17(12), 772-778.
- Van Ouytsel, J., Van Gool, E., Ponnet, K., & Walrave, M. (2014). Brief report: The association between adolescents' characteristics and engagement in sexting. Journal of Adolescence, 37(8), 1387-1391.
- Van Ouytsel, J., Walrave, M., & Van Gool, E. (2014). Sexting: Between Thrill and Fear - How Schools Can Respond. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas, 87(5), 204-212.
Publications on the role of digital media in romantic relationships - Cyber Dating Abuse
- Van Ouytsel, J., Ponnet, K., & Walrave, M. (2020). Cyber Dating Abuse: Investigating Digital Monitoring Behaviors Among Adolescents From a Social Learning Perspective. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 35(23-24), 5157-5178.
- Van Ouytsel, J., Walrave, M., & Ponnet, K., Willems, A-S., Van Dam, M. (2019). Adolescents’ perceptions of digital media’s potential to elicit jealousy, conflict and monitoring behaviors within romantic relationships. Cyberpsychology: Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace, 13(3), article 3.
- Lu, Y., Van Ouytsel, J., Walrave, M., Ponnet, K., & Temple, J. R. (2018). Cross-sectional and temporal associations between cyber dating abuse victimization and mental health and substance use outcomes. Journal of Adolescence, 65, 1-5.
- Van Ouytsel, J., Ponnet, K., & Walrave, M. (2018). Cyber Dating Abuse Victimization Among Secondary School Students From a Lifestyle-Routine Activities Theory Perspective. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 33(17), 2767-2776.
- Van Ouytsel, J., Walrave, M., Ponnet, K., & Temple, J. R. (2016). Digital Forms of Dating Violence: What School Nurses Need to Know. NASN School Nurse, 31(6), 348-353.
- Van Ouytsel, J., Ponnet, K., Walrave, M., & Temple, J. R. (2016). Adolescent cyber dating abuse victimization and its associations with substance use, and sexual behaviors. Public Health, 135, 147-151.
- Van Ouytsel, J., Van Gool, E., Walrave, M., Ponnet, K., & Peeters, E. (2016). Exploring the role of social networking sites within adolescent romantic relationships and dating experiences. Computers in Human Behavior, 55, Part A, 76-86
| Spring 2022 | |
|---|---|
| Course Number | Course Title |
| COM 308 | Adv Research Methods in Comm |
| COM 310 | Relational Communication |
| COM 499 | Individualized Instruction |
| COM 792 | Research |
| Fall 2021 | |
|---|---|
| Course Number | Course Title |
| COM 308 | Adv Research Methods in Comm |
| COM 492 | Honors Directed Study |
| COM 493 | Honors Thesis |
| COM 691 | Seminar |
| COM 792 | Research |
| Spring 2021 | |
|---|---|
| Course Number | Course Title |
| COM 308 | Adv Research Methods in Comm |
Honors / Awards:
- May 2020: International Association for Relationship Research (IARR), Outstanding Dissertation Award, London, UK.
- November 2019: National Communication Association (NCA), Interpersonal Communication Division: Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award, Baltimore, MD.
- November 2019: University of Antwerp - Research Council, Research Council Award 2019, Antwerp, Belgium.
- November 2018: National Communication Association (NCA), Gerald R. Miller Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award, Salt Lake City, UT.
- April 2015: LINC vzw, Digital Week e-inclusion award - third place in the category Innovation for the research project Media Didactica, Brussels, Belgium.
Editorships:
Associate Editor
- Personal Relationships
- BMC Public Health
Editorial Panel
- Journal of Children and Media
- Journal of School Nursing
Professional Associations:
- Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
- European Communication Research and Education Association
- International Assocation for Relationship Research
- International Communication Association
- International Association for Media and Communication Research
- National Communication Association
- Netherlands – Flanders Communication Association
- Society for Research on Adolescence
- Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality
Work History:
- MIOS, Communication Studies Department, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Researcher (Postdoctoral grant - Research Foundation - Flanders) 2018-2021 - MIOS, Communication Studies Department, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Researcher (Doctoral grant - Research Foundation - Flanders) 2015 - 2018 - MIOS, Communication Studies Department, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Researcher (Doctoral grant - University Research Fund, University of Antwerp) 2014 - 2015 - Didactica, Education Studies & MIOS, Communication Studies Department, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Researcher Mediawijs.be (50%) and Media Didactica (50%) 2013