New research suggests that sexting is more common than generally thought among adults.

Researchers at Drexel University found that More than eight out of 10 people admitted to sexting in the prior year.

"Given the possible implications, both positive and negative, for sexual health, it is important to continue investigating the role sexting plays in current romantic and sexual relationships," Emily Stasko, who presented the research, said in a statement.

For the study, Stasko and her colleagues surveyed 870 participants from the United States between the ages 18 to 82 to assess sexting behaviors, sexting motives, and relationship and sexual satisfaction. Just over half the participants were women.

Sexting, for the purpose of this study, was defined as the sending or receiving of sexually suggestive or explicit content via text message, primarily using a mobile device, said Stasko. Participants were asked if they had ever engaged in such behaviors.

They found that 88 percent of participants reported ever having sexted and 82 percent reported they had sexted in the past year. Nearly 75 percent said they sexted in the context of a committed relationship and 43 percent said they sexted as part of a casual relationship. Additionally, the researchers found that greater levels of sexting were associated with greater sexual satisfaction, especially for those in a relationship. Participants who identified as single (26 percent) had significantly lower overall scores for sexual satisfaction.

They also found that greater levels of sexting were associated with relationship satisfaction for all but those who identified their relationship as "very committed."

The survey also asked about attitudes toward sexting and found that people who sexted more saw the behavior as more fun and carefree and had higher beliefs that sexting was expected in their relationships.

"This research indicates that sexting is a prevalent behavior that adults engage in for a variety of reasons," Stasko said. "These findings show a robust relationship between sexting and sexual and relationship satisfaction."

The findings were presented at the presented at the American Psychological Association's 123rd Annual Convention.