Two-study investigation (qualitative pilot, n=92; experimental study, n=218 Spanish women) examining how women evaluate and emotionally respond to unsolicited genital images (cyberflashing), and whether acceptance of cyber-sexual violence myths and prior sexual context (interest vs. no interest vs. control) shape those responses.
Women in both experimental conditions reported significantly more anxiety, anger-hostility, and sadness, and less happiness and feelings of power than controls (all p<.001, ηp² ranging .15–.59). Women higher in cyber-sexual violence myth acceptance evaluated unsolicited images more positively only when they had shown prior sexual interest toward the sender (b=0.36, p<.001); this more positive evaluation fully mediated lower negative and higher positive emotions in that condition only (all indirect effects significant via bootstrap CI).
- Scenario-based, cross-sectional design with a convenience sample of Spanish women; causal and longitudinal conclusions cannot be drawn. - Excludes non-binary, transgender, and sexual-minority experiences; findings may not generalize beyond heteronormative contexts. - Hypothetical emotional responses may not fully capture real-world psychological impact of actual cyberflashing incidents.
Clinicians and educators should be aware that endorsing myths about cyber-sexual violence can lead women to perceive unsolicited genital images as less harmful—especially when they have shown prior interest in the sender—potentially delaying recognition of abuse and help-seeking. Interventions targeting these myths are needed to help women identify cyberflashing as violence regardless of relational context.
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