Drexel University Study Finds Some Relationships Could Benefit From 'Sexting'

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A new study found that more adults are sending sext messages, and it could be beneficial to a certain stage of their relationship, but not as helpful to another.

As CBS2's Emily Smith reported, everyone has a different definition of sexting and everyone seems to have a different response.

New research found that 88 percent of adults studied admit to having done it, 74 percent said they sexted when they were in a committed relationship, 43 percent said they sexted during a casual relationship, and 12 percent said they sexted with someone else while cheating on their partner.

The study, done at Drexel University in Philadelphia, involved 870 adults in relationships.

Researchers found sext messages to be extremely beneficial for those in casual relationships, but not as helpful to couple in long term relationships.

"People who are in a good relationship, who have good sex, don't need to find other venues to turn each other on. They are turned on, but the people in the in between phase need some extra help," Dr. Judy Kurianksy explained.

Dr. Kurianksy said sexting is a modern version of phone sex, and if it's not being done with an anonymous person or behind your partner's back it shouldn't be a problem.

Psychologists said sexters should remember that anything that you send can be shared. A quarter of those surveyed said they received a sext message and shared it with an average of three people.

The study involved adults in committed relationships, ages 18 to 82 years old.