Joris Van Ouytsel
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Phone: 602-543-3476
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STAUF A466 Tempe, AZ 85287-1205
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Mail code: 1205Campus: Tempe
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Joris Van Ouytsel is an associate 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 research program focuses on the intersection of interpersonal and health communication and includes the following areas:
- Internet safety and media literacy education
- The influence of digital media and artificial intelligence on relationship experiences and expressions of sexuality
- Understanding digital risky and violent behaviors in interpersonal relationships (e.g., digital forms of intimate partner violence and cyber dating abuse)
- Examining the antecedents and consequences of digital sexual behaviors (e.g., sexting, image-based sexual abuse, and pornography use)
Professor Van Ouytsel has pioneered research on the causes and consequences of adolescents' sexting behavior, and he has co-authored over 25 peer-reviewed journal articles on sexting. He is coeditor of the book “Sexting: Motives and risk in online sexual self-presentation.” He also developed a research program focused 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 media literacy education and the role of digital media in adolescents’ romantic relationships, with particular emphasis on online sexual self-disclosure (i.e., sexting) and digital forms of dating violence (i.e., cyber dating abuse). Future research avenues include conducting studies with diverse age groups, using innovative research designs, and placing increased emphasis on nonconsensual forms of sexting and other abusive behaviors. He also plans to expand his work by developing and testing prevention and education programs, including evaluating effective communication strategies and promoting healthy relationships.
Prior to joining the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, Professor Van Ouytsel was 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.
Professor Van Ouytsel has received several awards for his research from the National Communication Association (NCA). Most recently, he received the Early Career Award from the NCA Interpersonal Communication Division and the Early Career Award from the NCA Health Communication Division. He also received awards from the International Association for Relationship Research (IARR) and the University of Antwerp. In 2023, he received the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication Faculty Innovation Award. He was listed among the top 2% most cited scholars worldwide for the years 2024, 2023 and 2022, according to data provided by Stanford University professor John P.A. Ioannidis.
Van Ouytsel currently serves as an associate editor for Personal Relationships and Cyberpsychology: Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace. He is also an editorial board member of the Journal of Children and Media. Between 2020 and August 2023, he served as associate editor for BMC Public Health and Editorial Advisory Board Member for 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)
Dr. Joris Van Ouytsel is an associate 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 60 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
- Digital media and friendships
Publications on sexting
- Maes, C., Van Ouytsel, J., & Vandenbosch, L. (2024). Active bystanders in the forwarding of sexting messages: Applying a theory of planned behavior in youth. New Media & Society. Online Ahead of Print
- Schokkenbroek, J. M., Ponnet, K., Van Ouytsel, J., Walrave, M., & Hardyns, W. (2023). Receive, Forward, Repeat: The Link between Sexting Intention, Sexting Attitudes, and Non-Consensual Sexting Behaviours. Telematics and Informatics, 102036.
- Maes, C., Van Ouytsel, J., & Vandenbosch, L. (2023). Victim blaming and non-consensual forwarding of sexts among late adolescents and young adults. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 52, 1767–1783.
- Van Ouytsel, J., & Dhoest, A. (2022). The prevalence, context and perceptions of sexting among non-heterosexual men from various generations in Belgium. Computers in Human Behavior, 126, 107031.
- Van Ouytsel, J., Lu, Y., & Temple, J. R. (2022). An Exploratory Study of Online Early Sexual Initiation Through Pressured and Unwanted Sexting. Journal of Sex Research, 59(6), 742-748.
- 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.
- 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 and digital forms of dating violence
- Punyanunt-Carter, N. M., Arias, V. S., Dibble, J. L., Drouin, M., Van Ouytsel, J., Martinez, R. J., & Wagner, T. R. (2024). Identifying Motivations for Relationship Alternatives: Analyzing College Students’ Backburner Relationships. Journal of Social Psychology Research, 3(1), 17–25.
- Schokkenbroek, J.M., Van Ouytsel, J., Hardyns, W., Ponnet, K. (2022). Adults’ online and offline psychological intimate partner violence experiences. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 37(15-16), NP14656-NP14671.
- 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
Publications on the role of digital media in friendships
- Van Ouytsel, J., & De Groote, D. (2024). How can social media contribute to friendship jealousy and conflict among early adolescents? Qualitative Research Reports in Communication.
- van Essen, C. & Van Ouytsel, J. (2023). Snapchat Streaks – how are these forms of gamified interactions associated with smartphone dependency and fear of missing out among early adolescents? Telematics and Informatics Reports.
- Van Ouytsel, J., & De Groote, D. (2023). Research brief: early adolescents’ perceptions of the motivations and consequences of sharing passwords with friends in Belgium. Journal of Children and Media, 17(1), 75-86.
- De Groote, D., & Van Ouytsel, J. (2022). Digital stress within early adolescents’ friendships – a focus group study from Belgium. Telematics and Informatics, 73, 101877.
- Van Ouytsel, J. (2021). The prevalence and motivations for password sharing practices and intrusive behaviors among early adolescents’ best friendships – A mixed-methods study. Telematics and Informatics, 63, 101668.
Courses
2025 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| COM 792 | Research |
| COM 308 | Research Strategies |
| COM 308 | Research Strategies |
| COM 690 | Reading and Conference |
| COM 499 | Individualized Instruction |
| COM 492 | Honors Directed Study |
| COM 493 | Honors Thesis |
| COM 799 | Dissertation |
2025 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| COM 690 | Reading and Conference |
2025 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| COM 308 | Research Strategies |
| COM 792 | Research |
| COM 799 | Dissertation |
| COM 308 | Research Strategies |
| COM 492 | Honors Directed Study |
| COM 493 | Honors Thesis |
| COM 692 | Research |
| COM 690 | Reading and Conference |
| COM 692 | Research |
2024 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| COM 792 | Research |
| COM 308 | Adv Research Methods in Comm |
| COM 492 | Honors Directed Study |
| COM 493 | Honors Thesis |
| COM 799 | Dissertation |
| COM 691 | Seminar |
2024 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| COM 792 | Research |
2024 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| COM 792 | Research |
| COM 799 | Dissertation |
| COM 308 | Adv Research Methods in Comm |
| COM 492 | Honors Directed Study |
| COM 493 | Honors Thesis |
| COM 690 | Reading and Conference |
2023 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| COM 310 | Comm Interpersnl Relationships |
| COM 792 | Research |
| COM 308 | Adv Research Methods in Comm |
| COM 492 | Honors Directed Study |
| COM 493 | Honors Thesis |
| COM 799 | Dissertation |
2023 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| COM 792 | Research |
| COM 584 | Internship |
| COM 690 | Reading and Conference |
2023 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| COM 792 | Research |
| COM 308 | Adv Research Methods in Comm |
| COM 492 | Honors Directed Study |
| COM 410 | Intrprsnl Com Thry & Resrch |
2022 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| COM 792 | Research |
| COM 308 | Adv Research Methods in Comm |
| COM 310 | Relational Communication |
| COM 492 | Honors Directed Study |
| COM 493 | Honors Thesis |
2022 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| COM 584 | Internship |
| COM 690 | Reading and Conference |
2022 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| COM 310 | Relational Communication |
| COM 499 | Individualized Instruction |
| COM 792 | Research |
| COM 308 | Adv Research Methods in Comm |
2021 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| COM 792 | Research |
| COM 308 | Adv Research Methods in Comm |
| COM 691 | Seminar |
| COM 492 | Honors Directed Study |
| COM 493 | Honors Thesis |
2021 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| COM 308 | Adv Research Methods in Comm |
- November 2024: National Communication Association (NCA), Interpersonal Communication Division: Early Career Scholar Award, New Orleans, LA.
- November 2023: National Communication Association (NCA), Health Communication Division: Early Career Scholar Award, National Harbor, MD.
- April 2023: Arizona State University - Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, Hugh Downs Faculty Innovation Award, Tempe, AZ.
- 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.
Associate Editor
- Personal Relationships (current)
- Cyberpsychology: Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace (current)
- BMC Public Health (2020-2023)
Editorial Panel
- Cyberpsychology: Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace (current)
- Journal of Children and Media (current)
- Journal of School Nursing (2020-2023)
- 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
Doctoral Student Co-Advisor (co-promotor)
- Current Yuqi Xiao
- 2022- 2024 Jihyun Kang
- 2021- 2024 Christina (Kiki) van Essen
Doctoral Committee Membership
2023-2024: Cassandra Ryder, Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, ASU.
Primary Advisors: Laura Guerrero & Liesel Sharabi
2020-2024: Janneke Schokkenbroek, IMEC-MICT Ghent University, external doctoral committee member. Primary Advisors: Koen Ponnet & Wim Hardyns
- 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