Joris Van Ouytsel
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STAUF A335A Tempe, AZ 85287-1205
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Mail code: 1205Campus: Tempe
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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.
- 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)
