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Paquette MM, Bőthe B, Dion J, Girouard A, Bergeron S. Can I Love My Body Even if It Doesn't Look Like the Porn Stars'? Longitudinal Associations Between Pornography Use Frequency and Body Appreciation in a Diverse Sample of Adolescents. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:3471-3489. [PMID: 37644359 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02679-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Online technologies could play an important role in the sexual development of adolescents as they watch more pornography than before. Pornography may relate to adolescents' perceptions of their bodies, especially among those identifying as a sexual and/or gender minority (SGM) as they have an increased risk of body image concerns compared to their heterosexual, cisgender (HC) peers. The present study examined the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations over 3 years between adolescents' pornography use frequency and body appreciation, considering potential gender and sexual orientation-based differences. Results from linear univariate and parallel processes latent growth curve models with a multi-group approach among 2904 adolescents (MageT1 = 14.5 years, SD = 0.61; 51.4% girls, 16.3% sexual minority) demonstrated that HC and SGM girls' body appreciation slightly decreased over time. Moreover, HC boys, HC girls and SGM girls' pornography use frequency slightly increased over time. Cross-sectionally, greater pornography use frequency was associated with lower levels of body appreciation in HC girls and SGM boys, with a small effect size. However, longitudinally, pornography use frequency and body appreciation were not related to each other in either group. Our findings support that pornography use, in the short term, is negatively associated with adolescents' body appreciation, although these associations might not hold in the long term. Adolescents may be more critical of body ideals represented in pornography as they learn to think with more discernment about the pornographic depictions of bodies and sexuality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Michèle Paquette
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada.
| | - Beáta Bőthe
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
- Département de Psychologie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Jacinthe Dion
- Département des Sciences de la Santé, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi, QC, Canada
| | - Alice Girouard
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Sophie Bergeron
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
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Teen Pornography: An Emerging Mental Health Challenge. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOSEXUAL HEALTH 2023. [DOI: 10.1177/26318318231154230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to pornography is not an uncommon and unusual phenomenon in the digital era, with teens being no exception. Exposure to pornography among teens may happen accidentally, out of curiosity, or intentionally to derive sexual excitement. Many individuals exposed to pornography may later develop pornography addiction. Most parents who are aware that their children view pornography are often worried about such behavior and sometimes seek help from mental health professionals. So, it can be certainly said that exposure to pornography among teens may cause significant distress in them and their parents. As pornography is a major source of sex education for a large number of teens, lots of myth and misguided information are harbored from watching pornography. This article focuses on the mental health aspects of pornography exposure among teens and the possible remedial measures.
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Andrie EK, Sakou II, Tzavela EC, Richardson C, Tsitsika AK. Adolescents' Online Pornography Exposure and Its Relationship to Sociodemographic and Psychopathological Correlates: A Cross-Sectional Study in Six European Countries. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 8:children8100925. [PMID: 34682190 PMCID: PMC8534324 DOI: 10.3390/children8100925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of online exposure to pornography in European adolescents and its relationship to sociodemographic and psychopathological correlates. A cross-sectional school-based survey of 10,930 adolescents (5211 males/5719 females), aged 14-17 years old (mean age 15.8 ± 0.7) was carried out in six European countries (Greece, Spain, Poland, Romania, the Netherlands, and Iceland). Anonymous self-completed questionnaires covered exposure to pornography, internet use and dysfunctional internet behavior, and psychopathological syndromes (measured by Achenbach's Youth Self-Report). The prevalence of any online exposure to pornography was 59% overall and 24% for exposure at least once a week. The likelihood of online exposure to pornography was greater in male adolescents, heavier internet users, and those who displayed dysfunctional internet behavior. Country-specific analyses confirmed that the gender effect existed in every country, although its strength varied, from an odds ratio of 1.88 in Poland to 14.9 in Greece. Online exposure to pornography was shown to be associated with externalizing problem scale scores, especially rule-breaking and aggressive behavior, but also associated with higher scores in competences, namely activities and social competence. Exposure to pornography is ubiquitous, more relevant to boys, and is associated with both positive qualities/competences and externalizing behavioral problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth K. Andrie
- Adolescent Health Unit, Second Department of Pediatrics, P. & A. Kyriakou Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (I.I.S.); (E.C.T.); (A.K.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-210-771-0824
| | - Irene Ikbale Sakou
- Adolescent Health Unit, Second Department of Pediatrics, P. & A. Kyriakou Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (I.I.S.); (E.C.T.); (A.K.T.)
| | - Eleni C. Tzavela
- Adolescent Health Unit, Second Department of Pediatrics, P. & A. Kyriakou Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (I.I.S.); (E.C.T.); (A.K.T.)
| | - Clive Richardson
- Department of Economic and Regional Development, Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, 17671 Athens, Greece;
| | - Artemis K. Tsitsika
- Adolescent Health Unit, Second Department of Pediatrics, P. & A. Kyriakou Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (I.I.S.); (E.C.T.); (A.K.T.)
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Eljawad MA, Se'eda H, Ghozy S, El-Qushayri AE, Elsherif A, Elkassar AH, Atta-Allah MH, Ibrahim W, Elmahdy MA, Islam SMS. Pornography Use Prevalence and Associated Factors in Arab Countries: A Multinational Cross-Sectional Study of 15,027 Individuals. J Sex Med 2021; 18:539-548. [PMID: 33526399 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been a tangible increase in pornography consumption during the past decade, with the absence of a large-scale study of Arab countries. AIM The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of pornography viewing and its associated risk factors in Arab countries. METHODS A large cross-sectional online survey was carried out recruiting participants without restrictions on the age, socioeconomic level, job, or educational level. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify possible risk factors for viewing porn and results were expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). OUTCOMES Main outcomes were pornography viewing (first exposure and frequency), the perceptions of this act, use of spare time, physical activity (exercising), and frequency of psychiatrist visits. RESULTS The final number of participants included in the study was 15027 participants with a mean age ± standard deviation of 23.82 years ± 24.99. Most of the participants were men (84.56%), living with parents (81.71%), and 60.51% university graduates. There were statistically significant differences (P < .001) in the attitude and practice of men compared with women throughout all tested variables. Frequent pornography viewing was associated with male gender (OR [95% CI] = 7.08 [6.43 to 7.81]; P < .001) and age group ≤15 years (OR [95% CI] = 1.33 [1.01 to 1.75]; P = .044). By contrast, higher education was inversely associated with viewing rates reaching the lowest level in PhD awardees (OR [95% CI] = 0.36 [0.26 to 0.51]; P = .003). It was also noted that regular exercising (OR [95% CI] = 0.66 [0.58 to 0.74]; P < .001) was associated with a reduction in pornography viewing rates. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Young age, male gender, and lower educational level are all predictors for higher pornography viewing and should be considered when designing public health intervention in a related context. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS This is the first large-scale multi-national survey to be conducted in Arab countries to investigate pornography viewing. The main limitations were the cross-sectional design (cannot indicate causality) and the self-report nature (liable to social desirability and recall bias). CONCLUSION Pornography viewing is common in Arab countries and associated with some personal and behavioral factors. Eljawad MA, Se'eda H, Ghozy S, et al. Pornography Use Prevalence and Associated Factors in Arab Countries: A Multinational Cross-Sectional Study of 15,027 Individuals. J Sex Med 2021;18:539-548.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Abd Eljawad
- Internal Medicine Department, Jazan Armed Forces Hospital, Jazan, Saudi Arabia; Academic Research Division, The Aware Academy, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hussien Se'eda
- Academic Research Division, The Aware Academy, Cairo, Egypt; Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Sherief Ghozy
- Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
| | | | - Ahmed Elsherif
- Academic Research Division, The Aware Academy, Cairo, Egypt; Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Hussein Elkassar
- Academic Research Division, The Aware Academy, Cairo, Egypt; Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Mohammed H Atta-Allah
- Academic Research Division, The Aware Academy, Cairo, Egypt; Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Wael Ibrahim
- Academic Research Division, The Aware Academy, Cairo, Egypt; Student Counselor, Australian Islamic College, Kewdale, Australia
| | - Mohamed A Elmahdy
- Psychiatry Department, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar- University, Damietta, Egypt
| | - Sheikh Mohammed Shariful Islam
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
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Cui Z, Mo M, Chen Q, Wang X, Yang H, Zhou N, Sun L, Liu J, Ao L, Cao J. Pornography Use Could Lead to Addiction and Was Associated With Reproductive Hormone Levels and Semen Quality: A Report From the MARHCS Study in China. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:736384. [PMID: 34566897 PMCID: PMC8461095 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.736384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the situations of pornography use among male college students of China, to explore the addiction possibility for pornography use, and to study the associations between pornography use and reproductive hormone levels and semen quality. Five hundred sixty-eight participants met the inclusion criteria and finished all of the questionnaires and hormone level and semen parameter examinations. A majority of participants (except one) had pornography use experience, 94.2% participants started pornography use before college, and 95.9% participants reported they had masturbation experience when using pornography. Early contact to pornography, frequent pornography use, high amount of time spending on pornography use, and frequent masturbation during pornography use were correlated with addiction trends. Earlier pornography use was found to be associated with lower serum prolactin (PRL), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and progesterone (Prog), as well as lower sperm concentration and total sperm count. Higher frequency of pornography use was associated with lower serum estrogen (E2). In conclusion, pornography use was common among male college students in China. Early contact, high frequent use, and high frequency of masturbation during pornography use could lead to addiction trends and aberrant reproductive hormone levels and semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihong Cui
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Min Mo
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Chen
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaogang Wang
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Niya Zhou
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Sun
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jinyi Liu
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Ao
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jia Cao
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Jia Cao,
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Pornography Use in Adolescents and Its Clinical Implications. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9113625. [PMID: 33187153 PMCID: PMC7698108 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9113625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The Differential Susceptibility to Media Effects Model (DSMM) suggests that pornography use effects are conditional and they depend on dispositional, developmental, and social differential susceptibility variables. This framework also highlights that the differential susceptibility variables act as predictors of pornography use and as moderators of the effect of pornography on criterion variables. (2) Methods: By administering a survey to n = 1500 adolescents, we tested whether these assumptions were met. (3) Results: Pornography use was related to being male and older, having a bisexual or undefined sexual orientation, higher substance use, being non-Muslim, and reporting sexual interest and the use of the media to obtain sexual information. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) showed that higher levels in the criterion variables were directly related to pornography use, older age, substance use, and being women. Some mediational links also emerged. Pornography use mediated between the age and criterion variables. Moreover, substance use mediated the association between age and gender with the criterion variables. (4) Conclusions: Our findings support the clinical applicability of the theoretical DSMM framework. Knowing adolescent pornography consumers’ profiles and the impact of pornography on this population would allow for the designing of more effective prevention and regulation proposals.
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Leung H, Lin L. Adolescent Sexual Risk Behavior in Hong Kong: Prevalence, Protective Factors, and Sex Education Programs. J Adolesc Health 2019; 64:S52-S58. [PMID: 31122550 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Although Hong Kong is considered to be a relatively westernized Chinese society, sex remains to be a subject that is rarely discussed openly. This article provided a brief overview on the prevalence of sexual behaviors and attitudes among adolescents in Hong Kong. Compared with the West, Hong Kong adolescents are less sexually active; however, increasing rates and more liberal sexual attitudes have been reported over the decades. These worrying trends have caused great concern and begged the question of occurrences and the effectiveness of sex education programs. Endeavor has been made to identify protective factors for reducing adolescent risky sexual behaviors and promoting sexual health from a strength-based perspective, such as the positive youth development (PYD) approach. However, to date, there is little synthesis of empirical evidence in the literature on the relations between PYD and adolescent sexual behaviors. We attempted to fill in this gap by outlining empirical evidence on the protective roles of PYD attributes in youth sexual outcomes. We reviewed local sex education programs and outlined several observations regarding foci, implementation, and evaluation. To conclude, we provided suggestions to inform practice in the future development and implementation of sex education programs to promote sexual health among youths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hildie Leung
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, PR China.
| | - Li Lin
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, PR China
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Leung H, Shek DTL, Leung E, Shek EYW. Development of Contextually-relevant Sexuality Education: Lessons from a Comprehensive Review of Adolescent Sexuality Education Across Cultures. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E621. [PMID: 30791604 PMCID: PMC6406865 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16040621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
As reported by the World Health Organization in 2017, there are 2 million+ young people living with HIV worldwide. The World Health Organization also reported that a third of all new HIV infections around the world are estimated to occur among youths (aged 15⁻25). and teen pregnancy rates are on the rise in many places. These worrying trends suggest that existing sexuality education programs and interventions may be inadequate and/or ineffective. Although the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development's (ICPD) Programme of Action highlighted the roles of Governments to offer sex education to young people to promote teenage reproductive health, yet inconsistency exists in the related initiatives in the global context. The present article aims to provide a comprehensive literature review of the existing sexuality programs in selected places in both English-speaking (i.e., the United States of America, the United Kingdom) and Chinese-speaking contexts (i.e., Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Taiwan). Based on the review, observations and implications for sexuality education policy and practice, as well as recommendations for future research for youths are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hildie Leung
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Daniel T L Shek
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Edvina Leung
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Esther Y W Shek
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
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Al Mamun MA, Yasir Arafat SM, Ambiatunnahar M, Griffiths MD. Attitudes and Risk Factors of Pornography Consumption Among Bangladeshi University Students: An Exploratory Study. Int J Ment Health Addict 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11469-018-0021-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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