1
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Mubasshera H. Pornography usage during adolescence: Does it lead to risky sexual behavior? HEALTH ECONOMICS 2024; 33:1682-1704. [PMID: 38511292 DOI: 10.1002/hec.4825] [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: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Are youths who consume pornography more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors? Using longitudinal data from the National Study of Youth and Religion and an individual fixed effects strategy, this paper investigates the relationship between pornography use among 13- to 23-year-olds and a range of subsequent risky sexual behaviors. It also estimates a lagged dependent variable model where risky sexual behavior of the previous wave is included as a control. The findings suggest that moderate and frequent pornography use increases the likelihood of engaging in acts such as unprotected sex and having multiple sexual partners. Finally, a heterogeneity analysis by gender reveals that males and females behave differently in response to exposure to pornography, but that is true for only a few indicators of risky sex. The paper's findings provide critical information on determinants of risky sexual behavior and meaningful evidence for the policy debate on government censoring and monitoring online behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamida Mubasshera
- Department of Economics, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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2
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Hollett RC, West H, Craig C, Marns L, McCue J. Evidence That Pervasive Body Gaze Behavior in Heterosexual Men Is a Social Marker for Implicit, Physiological, and Explicit Sexual Assault Propensities. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024:10.1007/s10508-024-02953-y. [PMID: 39048779 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-024-02953-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Deliberate and effortful attempts to gaze at the bodies of women is emerging as a valuable marker of sexual objectification in men. Some preliminary evidence suggests that pervasive body gaze behavior may also accompany insidious attitudes which can facilitate sexual assault. The present study aimed to further explore this potential by examining pervasive body gaze associations with explicit, implicit, and physiological sexual assault propensity measures. We presented 110 heterosexual male participants with images of fully and partially dressed women with and without injuries while measuring their skin conductance responses. We also captured implicit and explicit sexual assault measures in addition to self-reported pervasive body gaze behavior. Pervasive body gaze behavior was significantly correlated with rape myth acceptance attitudes, prior perpetration of sexual assault, a stronger implicit association between erotica and aggression, and lower physiological reactivity during exposure to partially dressed injured women. These findings suggest that body gaze towards women could be a behavioral marker for inclinations to victim blame, preferences for rough sexual conduct, and a physiological desensitization towards female victims. This study further validates a five item self-reported body gaze measure as a valuable tool for detecting deviant sexual objectification attitudes and affective states. As such, measurement and observation of body gaze behavior could be useful for developing risk assessments, estimating intervention efficacy, and enhancing public awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross C Hollett
- Psychology and Social Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia.
| | - Hannah West
- Psychology and Social Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - Candice Craig
- Psychology and Social Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - Lorna Marns
- Psychology and Social Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - James McCue
- Psychology and Social Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
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3
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Barchielli B, Cricenti C, Lausi G, Quaglieri A, Mari E, Rocca G, Antinori A, Giannini AM, Ferracuti S. Exploring the Interplay of problematic pornography use, sexism, and rape myth acceptance: An Italian cross-sectional study. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32981. [PMID: 39044971 PMCID: PMC11263655 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The relationships among pornography use, sexist ideology and false or stereotypical ideas about rape are controversial. This study specifically examines the associations of problematic pornography use (PPU) with sexism and rape myth acceptance among both male and female participants within the Italian context utilizing a cross-sectional methodology. Based on data from 815 participants collected through an online questionnaire, the study identifies significant gender-based differences, with men typically exhibiting higher scores on sexism, rape myth acceptance, and token resistance beliefs. Correlation analysis revealed that in men, there was a positive relationship between pornography cravings and sexist beliefs but not between pornography cravings and minimizing rape or accusations of lying (rape myth). Women showed significant positive correlations across all problematic pornography use dimensions with sexist ideology, although the relationship with rape myth acceptance varied. These findings underscore the critical need for acknowledging these relationships to enhance strategies for preventing gender-based violence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Giulia Lausi
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Italy
| | | | - Emanuela Mari
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Rocca
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Criminology, University of Genoa, Italy
| | - Arije Antinori
- Department of Human Neuroscience, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Italy
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4
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Hu Z, Sun H, Liang H, Cao W, Hee JY, Yan Y, Tang K. Pornography Consumption, Sexual Attitude, and Condomless Sex in China. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024; 39:73-82. [PMID: 36522306 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2022.2156738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Studies have found that pornography consumption is associated with a higher likelihood of having condomless sex. Past research was primarily conducted with Western populations from developed countries. Consequently, less is known about sexual and reproductive health in developing countries and regions. A national sample of 11,957 university-level students was used to investigate the association between pornography consumption, sexual attitudes, and condomless sex. Our findings suggest that a higher frequency of pornography consumption is associated with an increased likelihood of having condomless sex and more positive attitudes toward premarital sex and one-night stand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenchao Hu
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University
- Faculty of Social Sciences, KU Leuven
| | - Haocan Sun
- School of Journalism and Communication, Beijing Normal University
| | | | - Wenzhen Cao
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University
- Department of Information Management, Peking University
| | - Jia Yi Hee
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University
| | | | - Kun Tang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University
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5
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Thorpe S, Malone N, Peterson RL, Iyiewuare P, Mizelle DL, Hargons CN. The influence of pornography on heterosexual black men and women's genital self-image & grooming. Body Image 2024; 48:101669. [PMID: 38128239 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.101669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Pornography consumption may negatively impact Black men's and women's genital self-image. Poor genital self-image is linked to negative mental health outcomes and sexual dysfunction. Despite this, little work has examined genital self-image among Black men and women, a group whose genital self-image may be informed by racist-gendered stereotypes and perceived expectations for genital grooming. The purpose of this multigenerational qualitative study is to examine how pornography impacts genital self-image and grooming for Black heterosexual men and women. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with participants (n = 20) across four generational cohorts. An inductive content analysis resulted in three categories and four subcategories. All participants reported pornography consumption at some point in their lifetime. The degree of influence on their genital self-image and grooming was categorized in four ways: no influence, perceived influence, and direct influence, and resisting influence. There were four subcategories within the perceived and direct influence categories: pubic hair grooming & preferences, designer vaginas, penis size, and partnered expectations. Black men and women differed in their reported influence of porn on genital self-image and grooming. Implications of findings for pornography creators, sex educators, and sex partners are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shemeka Thorpe
- University of Kentucky, Department of Kinesiology & Health Promotion, USA; University of Kentucky, Department of Educational, School, & Counseling Psychology, USA; University of Vermont, Department of Psychological Science, USA.
| | - Natalie Malone
- University of Kentucky, Department of Kinesiology & Health Promotion, USA; University of Kentucky, Department of Educational, School, & Counseling Psychology, USA; University of Vermont, Department of Psychological Science, USA
| | - Rayven L Peterson
- University of Kentucky, Department of Kinesiology & Health Promotion, USA; University of Kentucky, Department of Educational, School, & Counseling Psychology, USA; University of Vermont, Department of Psychological Science, USA
| | - Praise Iyiewuare
- University of Kentucky, Department of Kinesiology & Health Promotion, USA; University of Kentucky, Department of Educational, School, & Counseling Psychology, USA; University of Vermont, Department of Psychological Science, USA
| | - Destin L Mizelle
- University of Kentucky, Department of Kinesiology & Health Promotion, USA; University of Kentucky, Department of Educational, School, & Counseling Psychology, USA; University of Vermont, Department of Psychological Science, USA
| | - Candice N Hargons
- University of Kentucky, Department of Kinesiology & Health Promotion, USA; University of Kentucky, Department of Educational, School, & Counseling Psychology, USA; University of Vermont, Department of Psychological Science, USA
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6
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Nolin MC, Daspe MÈ, Bőthe B, Brassard A, Joyal C, Vaillancourt-Morel MP. Associations Between Contents of Pornography and Sexual Satisfaction and Function Among Young Adults. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38319285 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2024.2311874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Pornography offers a wide variety of sexual contents and has documented potential positive (e.g., higher sexual satisfaction) and negative associations (e.g., lower sexual function) with sexuality. The aims of this study were to describe the proportion of use of five different contents of pornography (i.e. group sex, passion and romance, gender-bending, taboo transgression and forbidden sex, power, control, and rough sex pornography), to examine gender-based differences in the frequency of use of these contents, and to examine the associations between the frequency of use of these contents and sexual satisfaction and function, considering potential differences among genders and individuals with and without a romantic or sexual partner, and controlling for frequency of masturbation. A sample of 827 young adults (503 women; Mage = 23.44) completed online self-report questionnaires. Results of path analysis indicated that, controlling for frequency of masturbation, the use of passion and romance pornography was associated with higher sexual satisfaction, whereas the use of power, control, and rough sex pornography was associated with lower sexual satisfaction. Cisgender men's use of power, control, and rough sex pornography was also associated with lower sexual function. These findings suggest different associations between pornography use and sexual satisfaction and function depending on the pornographic contents used.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Beáta Bőthe
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal
| | | | - Christian Joyal
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
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7
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Bridges AJ, Willis M, Ezzell MB, Sun CF, Johnson JA, Wright PJ. Pornography Use and Sexual Objectification of Others. Violence Against Women 2024; 30:228-248. [PMID: 37847848 DOI: 10.1177/10778012231207041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Researchers have demonstrated associations between use of pornography and sexual objectification of women. We examine whether self-reported preference for degrading pornography moderated the relation between use frequency and sexual objectification of others. Participants were 1,342 heterosexual women and men residing in the United States. In women and men, pornography use frequency was associated with the sexual objectification of others, even after controlling for interest in generally explicit content. In men, interest in degrading pornography content significantly predicted sexual objectification of women. Our results suggest greater pornography use is associated with greater sexual objectification of others, across a variety of content categories.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Malachi Willis
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Chyng-Feng Sun
- School of Professional Studies, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Paul J Wright
- The Media School, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA
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8
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Marshall EA, Miller HA. Psychometric Evaluation of Initial Domains on the Comprehensive Assessment of Pornography Use Tool. Violence Against Women 2024; 30:207-227. [PMID: 37807715 DOI: 10.1177/10778012231205583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Research on pornography use and sexual coercion has provided inconsistent results. One explanation for this is the lack of a valid, reliable, and comprehensive measure of pornography use. This study seeks to address this need by developing a comprehensive pornography use instrument consisting of four domains identified in research: type of pornography used, sexual scripts, habits, and compulsivity. A sample of 324 college men was used. Results of the study yielded factor structures for these domains and evidence of reliability and validity. Findings present the initial development of a pornography use instrument that could improve research in this area and aid practitioners in treatment and supervision decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan A Marshall
- Department of Criminal Justice and Social Work, College of Public Service, University of Houston-Downtown, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Holly A Miller
- Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA
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9
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Huntington C, Willoughby B, Rhoades G. Associations of Adolescents' Pornography Viewing with their Romantic Relationship Skills and Behaviors. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024; 61:80-91. [PMID: 35856785 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2022.2096844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Research into adolescent pornography use has identified numerous individual-level behavioral and attitudinal correlates. However, associations between adolescents' pornography viewing and their romantic relationships remain understudied. Furthermore, very little is known about adolescents' watching pornography with their romantic partners (i.e., joint pornography use). The present study of adolescents (n = 755, 59.9% girls, M age = 15.72 years old [SD = 1.34]) is among the first attempts to link adolescents' pornography viewing behaviors to their romantic relationship attitudes and behaviors. We hypothesized that adolescents' viewing would be associated with poorer self-reported relationship skills, more negative relationship behaviors, and increased involvement in sexual activity, such as sexting. Partial support for these hypotheses was found. Frequency of overall viewing was associated with lower relationship and refusal skills. Lifetime joint pornography viewing was associated with higher rates of dating violence victimization and perpetration in the past six months and with more abusive behaviors from one's partner and more verbal conflict in the current dating relationship. Results, though cross-sectional, suggest that pornography viewing in adolescence is associated with poorer romantic outcomes. Implications for adolescent development and for healthcare providers and educators are discussed.
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10
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Fritz N, Bowling J. Sexual Behaviors and Aggression in Gay Pornography. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2023; 70:3353-3373. [PMID: 35759678 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2022.2093688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested a substantial number of men who have sex with men (MSM) have consumed and used pornography to learn about same-sex sexual behaviors. Yet, past research has focused almost exclusively on condom-use in the category of Gay pornography and ignored the types of sexual behaviors and aggression depicted within the content. This study examined aggression and sexual behaviors depicted in Gay online pornography (N = 415). We found fellatio and anal sex were the most common behaviors, occurring in roughly two-thirds of scenes, while kissing occurred in less than a third of scenes. Additionally, sexual aggression occurred in 31% of scenes, with spanking being the most common, occurring in 20% of scenes. Anal sex and forced fellatio were found to be predictors of physical aggression. These findings point to normalization of aggression and narrow sexual behaviors in Gay pornography, which may have implications for MSM's norm perceptions related to sexuality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Fritz
- The Media School, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Jessamyn Bowling
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
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11
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Lawless NJ, Karantzas GC, Knox L. The Development and Validation of the Pornography Use in Romantic Relationships Scale. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:1799-1818. [PMID: 36853349 PMCID: PMC10125950 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02534-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Recent reviews of the pornography literature have called for the development of valid and reliable measures that assess multiple facets of pornography use. Moreover, despite pornography use having important implications for romantic relationships, there are currently no self-report assessments of pornography use specifically within the context of romantic relationships. To address these limitations, the current paper reports on two studies regarding the development and psychometric evaluation of a 38-item multidimensional measure of pornography use within the context of romantic relationships: the Pornography Use in Romantic Relationships Scale (PURRS). Study 1 (n = 739) reports on an Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analytic approach to determine the factor structure of the PURRS. Study 2 (n = 765) reports on the cross-validation of the factor structure of the PURRS, before assessing the criterion validity of the measure. The PURRS exhibited good internal consistency, construct validity, and criterion validity. The findings suggest that the PURRS is best modeled by 13 first-order factors, though a higher-order factor structure comprising four broad factors may also be used. The PURRS significantly extends on past assessments of pornography use, and in particular, advances the assessment and study of pornography use within the context of romantic relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Lawless
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, Melbourne, VIC, 3125, Australia.
| | - Gery C Karantzas
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, Melbourne, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Laura Knox
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, Melbourne, VIC, 3125, Australia
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12
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Desbuleux JC, Fuss J. The Self-Reported Sexual Real-World Consequences of Sex Doll Use. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2023:1-15. [PMID: 37074356 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2023.2199727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
It is a growing concern that the use of sex dolls and robots could affect human sexuality. This concern has led to a ban of child-like sex dolls in several countries and a call to ban adult-like sex dolls and robots by some scholars. However, empirical data is largely missing supporting this claim. Here, we present retrospective self-reported quantitative and qualitative data of a large sample (N = 224, 90.5% men, Mean age = 31 years, SD = 14.2) of teleiophilic (i.e., sexual orientation toward adults) and pedo-hebephilic participants. Using an online survey, we found that users reported an overall reduction in sexuality-related behaviors (e.g., porn consumption or visiting of sex workers) in response to doll ownership. Users in a relationship with a human were less affected by doll use, while those in a relationship with a doll reported greater effects. Interestingly, pedo-hebephilic users reported a greater reduction of sexual compulsivity compared to teleiophilic participants following doll use. Additionally, pedo-hebephilic participants more often reported acting out of illegal sexual fantasies with their dolls and a loss of interest in (sexual) intimacy with real children through doll use in the qualitative data. These self-reported data challenge the view that doll use is dangerously affecting human sexuality and instead suggest that dolls may be used as a sexual outlet for potentially dangerous and illegal (sexual) fantasies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne C Desbuleux
- Institute of Forensic Psychiatry and Sex Research, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University of Duisburg-Essen
| | - Johannes Fuss
- Institute of Forensic Psychiatry and Sex Research, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University of Duisburg-Essen
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Wright PJ, Herbenick D, Paul B, Tokunaga RS. U.S. Parents Underestimate Their Children's Pornography Use and Learning. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:373-383. [PMID: 36287301 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02449-7] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Research on parental knowledge and positive adolescent adjustment suggests that more accurate levels of the former increase the likelihood of the latter. Despite a significant body of literature correlating adolescent pornography use with negative adolescent adjustment, however, only a handful of studies have compared parents' beliefs about their children's pornography use with adolescents' reports and just a few of these have been carried out in the U.S. The present study employed national probability data gathered from 614 parent-adolescent dyads in the U.S. as a further step toward bolstering this important area of parent-child research. Parents were 44.78 years old on average (SD = 7.76). Mothers comprised 55.80% of parents (fathers were 44.20%). Children were 15.97 years old on average (SD = 1.38). Daughters comprised 50.20% of children (sons were 49.80%). Boys were more likely to report pornography use and learning across a range of pornography genres and sexual domains. Parents accurately estimated the direction of many of these gender differences, but still consistently underestimated both sons' and daughters' exposure to and socialization from pornography. Interestingly, although parents were more likely to believe that sons than daughters had viewed and learned from pornography, their degree of underestimation was larger for sons. Mothers' and fathers' beliefs were consistently indistinguishable at the main effect level and interacted with child gender in only one instance. Results are discussed in relation to the moral panic and risk underestimation perspectives on youth and media effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Wright
- The Media School, Indiana University, 601 East Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
| | - Debby Herbenick
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, The School of Public Health at Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Bryant Paul
- The Media School, Indiana University, 601 East Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Robert S Tokunaga
- Department of Communication, University of Texas, San Antonio, TX, USA
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14
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Adarsh H, Sahoo S. Pornography and Its Impact on Adolescent/Teenage Sexuality. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOSEXUAL HEALTH 2023. [DOI: 10.1177/26318318231153984] [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
Adolescents/Teenagers are exposed to pornography due to a variety of factors and it is accepted as a process of sexual exploration/normal development of sexuality. However, early exposure to pornography and unregulated/excess exposure to pornography during the formative years of adolescence has been seen to have various long-term deleterious effects on sexual maturation, sexual behavior, Internet addiction, and overall personality development. To safeguard the growing minds of the teens from the harmful effects of pornography, few rules/regulations have been passed in India as well as banning of porn sites. However, there are very limited research on the impact of pornography on various aspects of adolescents’ growth and development. This mini-review covers the issues pertinent to the effect of pornography with regard to adolescent sexuality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himani Adarsh
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Swapnajeet Sahoo
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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15
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In the Heat of the Short-Term Moment: Evidence that Heightened Sexual Arousal Increases Short-Term Mating Motivation Among Men. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40806-022-00347-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
AbstractIndividual differences in men’s short-term mating interest are well studied, both at state and trait levels. Yet, the role of sexual arousal as a source of intra-individual variation has been neglected. This research represents the first attempt to integrate sexual arousal into the human mate plasticity literature. We argue that sexual arousal directly impacts the short-term mating motivation among men regardless of their personality, relationship status, and sociosexuality. Across four experiments, we found that heightened sexual arousal consistently increased men’s short-term mating motivation relative to participants in neutral and arousing control groups. Experiments 1 and 2 revealed that sexual arousal increased participants’ general short-term mating motivation and their preference for a short-term relationship over a long-term one. Experiment 3 replicated the findings of the first two experiments whilst also demonstrating that this effect was not moderated by personality (i.e., Dark Triad, Big Five) or relationship status. Heightened sexual arousal also led to decreased “state” long-term mating motivation. Finally, Experiment 4 showed that sexual arousal increased the participants’ preference for a short-term relationship over a long-term one, an effect that was not moderated by sociosexuality. Together, the results suggest that sexual arousal has a powerful effect on men’s short-term mating motivation, and that this effect is independent of intrasexual differences in personality, relationship status, and sociosexuality.
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16
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Jongsma K, Timmons Fritz P. The Role of Pornography Use in Intimate Partner Violence in Different-Sex Couples: A Prospective Longitudinal Study. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP20873-NP20897. [PMID: 34783607 PMCID: PMC9554362 DOI: 10.1177/08862605211055145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Pornography use and intimate partner violence (IPV) are both prevalent in romantic relationships. However, information is lacking about whether pornography use predicts IPV. This study examined the relation between frequency of pornography use (FPU) and IPV across a span of 4 months in a sample of 132 different-sex couple dyads. At least one partner in each couple was attending a Canadian university. Participants (N = 264) completed online measures of pornography use, IPV, and social desirability at baseline and at a 4-month follow-up. Two longitudinal actor-partner interdependence models using a structural equation framework to conduct path analyses demonstrated that (a) higher FPU among men at baseline predicted increases in IPV perpetration and victimization from baseline to 4-month follow-up for both men and women and (b) women's baseline FPU did not predict change in IPV over time for themselves or their partners. These findings suggest that frequent pornography use among male partners in different-sex romantic relationships may represent an under-recognized risk factor for IPV, and further research is needed to identify latent factors that may be contributing to this relation. Although women's baseline FPU did not predict changes in IPV over time, this may be because women used pornography less frequently than men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Jongsma
- University Health
Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Katherine Jongsma, Altum Health, University
Health Network, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada.
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17
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Nguyen TC, Donovan EE, Wright ML. Doula Support Challenges and Coping Strategies during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Maternal Health Inequities. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022; 38:1099-1110. [PMID: 34894931 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2021.1991641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has made birthing more stressful and isolating, which has raised particular concern for populations of birthing people affected by maternal health inequities. Doulas have been proposed as one means of improving health outcomes by providing emotional, physical, and informational support to patients and their families before, during, or after labor. However, the social and economic conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic have posed new challenges for doula care. We conducted thematic analysis on 25 semi-structured interviews with practicing doulas in the United States to explore changes to doula care during the pandemic. Although doulas have faced many challenges in providing virtual and socially-distanced support during the pandemic, the rising use of telehealth among doulas has revealed new coping strategies and opportunities for virtual communication with the doula community. Our findings indicate that doula experiences during the pandemic can inform future doula care practices, particularly for birthing people of color and low-income birthing people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tien C Nguyen
- College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas
| | - Erin E Donovan
- Department of Communication Studies, The University of Texas
| | - Michelle L Wright
- School of Nursing, The University of Texas
- Department of Women's Health, Dell Medical School
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18
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Sánchez-Lamadrid N, Sánchez-Fuentes MDM, Moyano N, Granados R. Sexually Explicit Material and Its Relationship with Sociodemographic Variables, Sexual Satisfaction, and Relationship Satisfaction in a Spanish Sample. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14131. [PMID: 36361005 PMCID: PMC9659043 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Previous research that has examined the use of sexually explicit material (SEM) in the Spanish population and its relationship with sociodemographic variables, sexual satisfaction, and satisfaction with the relationship are practically non-existent. Therefore, the main goal was to analyze the pattern of use of SEM (frequency, format, context, content, and purpose of its use) and its relationship with sociodemographic variables (sex, age, sexual orientation, educational level, religiosity, status of partner, number of sexual partners, and age of first exposure to SEM), sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction. The sample consisted of 221 participants, with an average age equal to 29.88 years (SD = 9.73) and of Spanish nationality. All participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, as well as the Spanish adaptations of the Sexual Media Questionnaire, Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction, and Global Measure of Relationship Satisfaction. Based on the results, it was found that men use SEM more frequently than women, that the age of first exposure is 14 years old, the most used pattern of SEM is internet websites with sexual content in which adult men and women appear, and the way to visualize it is alone as private stimulation. In addition, it was shown that a higher frequency of SEM use implies a decrease in sexual satisfaction and vice versa, while there is no association between the frequency of SEM use and satisfaction with the relationship. The importance of considering the use of SEM, both in research on sexual satisfaction and in clinical practice, is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Sánchez-Lamadrid
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 44003 Teruel, Spain
| | - María del Mar Sánchez-Fuentes
- Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain
- Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University of La Costa, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia
| | - Nieves Moyano
- Faculty of Humanities and Science Education, University of Jaén, 23009 Jaén, Spain
| | - Reina Granados
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
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19
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Miller B. Exploring the Posting of Nude Photographs on Reddit in Relation to Self-Esteem, Perceived Attractiveness, Narcissism, and Sensation Seeking. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:3083-3092. [PMID: 35790611 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02301-y] [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: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
While many scholars have explored the sharing of nude photographs one-to-one (i.e., sexting), few have examined the sharing of nudity in a one-to-many context. The current study examined the sharing of nude photographs on Reddit, framing the practice as an act of disinhibited online behavior. A survey (n = 628) was conducted to assess whether Redditors levels of sensation seeking, self-esteem, perceived attractiveness, and narcissism would be related to whether or not they posted nude photographs on the site. Results indicated that posting nudity on Reddit was significantly associated with higher perceived attractiveness and narcissism, but not sensation seeking or self-esteem. The role of gender and sexual orientation in the posting of nudity online was also assessed, and an overrepresentation of nude content produced by females and bisexual persons, as well as an underrepresentation of nude content produced by males and heterosexuals, was found. Findings are discussed in relation to self-concept, sexual health, and the online disinhibition effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Miller
- Department of Communication, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA.
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20
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Hollett RC, Rogers SL, Florido P, Mosdell B. Body Gaze as a Marker of Sexual Objectification: A New Scale for Pervasive Gaze and Gaze Provocation Behaviors in Heterosexual Women and Men. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:2759-2780. [PMID: 35348918 PMCID: PMC9363378 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02290-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Body gaze behavior is assumed to be a key feature of sexual objectification. However, there are few self-report gaze measures available and none capturing behavior which seeks to invite body gaze from others. Across two studies, we used existing self-report instruments and measurement of eye movements to validate a new self-report scale to measure pervasive body gaze behavior and body gaze provocation behavior in heterosexual women and men. In Study 1, participants (N = 1021) completed a survey with newly created items related to pervasive body gaze and body gaze provocation behavior. Participants also completed preexisting measures of body attitudes, sexual assault attitudes, pornography use, and relationship status. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses across independent samples suggested a 12-item scale for men and women to separately measure pervasive body gaze (5 items) and body gaze provocation (7 items) toward the opposite sex. The two scales yielded excellent internal consistency estimates (.86-.89) and promising convergent validity via positive correlations with body and sexual attitudes. In Study 2, a subsample (N = 167) of participants from Study 1 completed an eye-tracking task to capture their gaze behavior toward matched images of partially and fully dressed female and male subjects. Men exhibited body-biased gaze behavior toward all the female imagery, whereas women exhibited head-biased gaze behavior toward fully clothed male imagery. Importantly, self-reported body gaze correlated positively with some aspects of objectively measured body gaze behavior. Both scales showed good test-retest reliability and were positively correlated with sexual assault attitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross C Hollett
- Cognition Research Group, Psychology and Criminology, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia.
| | - Shane L Rogers
- Cognition Research Group, Psychology and Criminology, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - Prudence Florido
- Cognition Research Group, Psychology and Criminology, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - Belinda Mosdell
- Cognition Research Group, Psychology and Criminology, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
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21
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Maas MK, Gal T, Cary KM, Greer K. Popular Culture and Pornography Education to Improve the Efficacy of Secondary School Staff Response to Student Sexual Harassment. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SEXUALITY EDUCATION 2022; 17:435-457. [PMID: 37274148 PMCID: PMC10237037 DOI: 10.1080/15546128.2022.2076757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
As middle and high school students consume and create their own pornography or use it as a form of violence perpetration known as image-based sexual abuse, school staff struggle to find appropriate responses to these issues. As pornography use becomes more prevalent, and discourse on sexual violence more public, pornography education could become a tool for preventing sexual violence and promoting sexual health. In response, we explored the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of PopPorn, a 4-module pornography and IBSA professional development training program in a sample of staff who work for Midwestern public schools (i.e., schools providing free public education funded by tax dollars and maintained by local government). Results indicate that the majority of staff perceive student pornography use and IBSA perpetration to be critical problems that negatively impact school climate. Results also indicate that the PopPorn brief intervention increases staff knowledge of and efficacy in addressing pornography and IBSA-related problems and reduces harmful sexual double standard attitudes that have been linked to victim blaming in instances of sexual violence. This promising program adds to a growing number of media and pornography literacy interventions aimed at improving sexual violence prevention and response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan K Maas
- 13D Human Ecology Building, 552 West Circle Drive, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823
| | - Taryn Gal
- Michigan Organization of Adolescent Sexual Health, University of Washington
| | - Kyla M Cary
- 13D Human Ecology Building, 552 West Circle Drive, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823
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22
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Oviedo-Trespalacios O, Newton JDA, Demant D, Phillips JG, Struckman-Johnson C. Understanding sexual activity while driving as a form of distracted driving. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2022; 169:106621. [PMID: 35276568 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2022.106621] [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: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Sexual activity while driving has been reported in emerging research. Sexual activity while driving is a form of distracted driving because it includes an individual (the driver) who deviates resources from the primary task (driving) towards a secondary task (sexual activity). However, most of our current knowledge about the range of sexual activities while driving is based on self-reported data or media reports. Thus, an in-depth understanding of sexual activities while driving and their interactions with non-sexual driving behaviours and vehicle control is missing. Additionally, there is limited information on the context of where sexual activities while driving occurs and the influence of factors such as the environment, the vehicle, interactions with other road users, and other in-vehicle distractions. To cover this gap, a content analysis of sexually explicit media (SEM) was conducted on a sample of 270 videos depicting real driving. We conducted descriptive analyses and used decision tree analysis to explore the association between sexual activities while driving and their interactions with non-sexual driving behaviours and vehicle control. The videos portrayed a naturalistic driving situation of a driver of a moving vehicle engaging in sexual activity. The results show that when engaging in sexual activity, drivers do not present safe vehicle control. Sexual activity imposes additional cognitive, physical, and visual demands on the driver, thereby decreasing safety. Similar to other distractions, drivers engaging in sexual activity while driving appear to mitigate risks. Concerning the potential for legal sanctions, it appears that drivers may attempt to conceal sexual activity by reducing their visible nudity and minimising interactions with other road users. Finally, mobile phones and cameras appear to interact with sexual activities while driving, by imposing potential restrictions on the range of sexual activities. Implications for policymakers and practitioners are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Oviedo-Trespalacios
- Centre for Accident Research & Road Safety-Queensland (CARRS-Q), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia; Centre for Future Mobility, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia.
| | | | - Daniel Demant
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia; School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - James G Phillips
- Psychology Department, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
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23
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Andrejek N, Fetner T, Heath M. Climax as Work: Heteronormativity, Gender Labor, and the Gender Gap in Orgasms. GENDER & SOCIETY : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF SOCIOLOGISTS FOR WOMEN IN SOCIETY 2022; 36:189-213. [PMID: 35185280 PMCID: PMC8847982 DOI: 10.1177/08912432211073062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Gender scholars have addressed a variety of gender gaps between men and women, including a gender gap in orgasms. In this mixed-methods study of heterosexual Canadians, we examine how men and women engage in gender labor that limits women's orgasms relative to men. With representative survey data, we test existing hypotheses that sexual behaviors and relationship contexts contribute to the gender gap in orgasms. We confirm previous research that sexual practices focusing on clitoral stimulation are associated with women's orgasms. With in-depth interview data from a subsample of 40 survey participants, we extend this research to show that both men and women engage in gender labor to explain and justify the gender gap in orgasms. Relying on an essentialist view of gender, a narrow understanding of what counts as sex, and moralistic language that recalls the sexual double standard, our participants craft a narrative of women's orgasms as work and men's orgasms as natural. The work to produce this gendered narrative of sexuality mirrors the gender labor that takes place in the bedroom, where both women and men engage in sexual behaviors that emphasize men's pleasure to a greater extent than women's.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Andrejek
- Nicole Andrejek, Department of Sociology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4M4, Canada; e-mail:
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24
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Pirrone D, Zondervan-Zwijnenburg M, Reitz E, van den Eijnden RJJM, Ter Bogt TFM. Pornography Use Profiles and the Emergence of Sexual Behaviors in Adolescence. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:1141-1156. [PMID: 34811657 PMCID: PMC8888502 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02140-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
This research longitudinally explored adolescent pornography (porn) consumption and its association with sexual development in early and middle adolescence. A four-wave design with half-year intervals investigated pornography consumption and different (sexual) activities, such as masturbation, French kissing, petting, giving/receiving manual and oral sex, and intercourse, among 630 respondents (47.9% female, mean age 13.7 years; SD = 0.48) years at T1). A latent growth mixture analysis of pornography consumption revealed two groups with relatively low pornography (LP; 51.8% of the boys, 91.4% of the girls) versus high pornography (HP; 48.2% of the boys; 8.6% of the girls) consumption across time. At T1, HP boys on average watched pornography less than once a month, but more than once a year at T1. At T4, their average pornography use had increased to almost one to two times a week. LP boys never watched pornography at T1. At T4, their average pornography use was still less than once a year. At T1, HP girls never watched pornography, but consumption increased to almost one to three times a month at T4. Across waves of the study, LP girls (almost) never watched pornography. A discrete-time survival mixture analysis of sexual developmental patterning indicated that, compared to their LP peers, both girls and boys in the HP groups showed accelerated development of masturbation, petting, and receiving manual sex. Girls in the HP group were also more inclined to receive oral sex, whereas boys in the HP group also showed earlier and more frequent manual sex and intercourse. Thus, whereas the HP group of boys was substantially larger compared to that of girls, pornography consumption was related to accelerated development of sexual activities for both genders across early and middle adolescence. The discussion deliberates on pornography as a driving force in adolescent sexual development versus pornography as a medium of choice for sexually advanced adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Pirrone
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 14, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Ellen Reitz
- Department of Clinical Child and Family Studies, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Regina J J M van den Eijnden
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 14, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tom F M Ter Bogt
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 14, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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25
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Wu T, Zheng Y. Perceptions of Pornography and Attitudes Toward Condom Use in Heterosexual Chinese Adults: The Effect of Sexual Pleasure, Safer Sex Communication Apprehension, and Shared Pornography Use During Sex. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:1337-1350. [PMID: 34796423 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02134-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Chinese people's pornography use is increasing and condomless sex is prevalent in pornography. However, both the relationship between pornography and condom use among Chinese adults and the mechanisms underlying this relationship are underexplored. This study examined how perceptions of pornography were associated with attitudes toward condom use through the mediating effect of gratification of sexual pleasure and safer sex communication apprehension, and how shared pornography use with a partner during sex moderated these relationships. A total of 658 participants (391 women and 267 men) aged 18-65 years and involved in a romantic relationship completed an online survey assessing pornography consumption, condom use, gratification of sexual pleasure, and safer sex communication apprehension. Results showed that expressive/erotic perceptions of pornography were associated with higher levels of gratification of sexual pleasure, which were, in turn, associated with more negative attitudes toward condom use. Expressive/erotic perceptions of pornography were also associated with lower levels of safer sex communication apprehension and lower levels of negative attitudes toward condom use. Higher levels of shared pornography use with a partner during sex strengthened the direct positive relationship between expressive/erotic perceptions of pornography and negative attitudes toward condom use. Higher levels of shared pornography use during sex also strengthened the positive relationship between expressive/erotic perceptions of pornography and gratification of sexual pleasure, and the negative relationship between expressive/erotic perceptions of pornography and safer sex communication apprehension, which in turn, were significantly associated with attitudes toward condom use. Implications for sexual health education and limitations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wu
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yong Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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26
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Noll LK, Harsey SJ, Freyd JJ. Assessment of attitudes toward internet pornography in emerging adults using the Internet Pornography Questionnaire. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2022.107231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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27
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Komlenac N, Hochleitner M. Associations Between Pornography Consumption, Sexual Flexibility, and Sexual Functioning Among Austrian Adults. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:1323-1336. [PMID: 34984569 PMCID: PMC8888391 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02201-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
To date, only a few studies have examined the associations between pornography consumption and sexual functioning. The Acquisition, Activation, Application Model (3AM) indicates that the frequency of pornography consumption and the perceived realism of pornography may influence whether sexual scripts are acquired from viewed pornography. Having sexual scripts that are alternative to their preferred sexual behaviors may help people switch to alternative sexual behavior when sexual problems arise. The current study analyzed whether frequent pornography consumption was associated with greater sexual flexibility and greater sexual functioning. Additionally, the perceived realism of pornography consumption was tested as a moderator of those associations. At an Austrian medical university, an online cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among 644 medical students (54% women and 46% men; Mage = 24.1 years, SD = 3.8). The participants were asked about their pornography consumption, partnered sexual activity, sexual flexibility, perceived realism of pornography, and sexual functioning. Manifest path analyses revealed direct and indirect associations between frequent pornography consumption and greater sexual functioning through greater sexual flexibility in women but not in men. Perceived realism did not moderate those associations. In conclusion, our study was in line with previous studies that found no significant associations between men's pornography consumption and sexual functioning in men. However, some women may expand their sexual scripts and learn new sexual behaviors from pornography consumption, which may help with their sexual functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Komlenac
- Gender Medicine Unit, Medical University of Innsbruck, Fritz-Pregl Strasse 3, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Margarethe Hochleitner
- Gender Medicine Unit, Medical University of Innsbruck, Fritz-Pregl Strasse 3, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
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28
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Fritz N, Malic V, Fu TC, Paul B, Zhou Y, Dodge B, Fortenberry JD, Herbenick D. Porn Sex versus Real Sex: Sexual Behaviors Reported by a U.S. Probability Survey Compared to Depictions of Sex in Mainstream Internet-Based Male-Female Pornography. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:1187-1200. [PMID: 35165802 PMCID: PMC8853281 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02175-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Using data from a 2014 U.S. nationally representative probability survey and a 2014 content analysis of 2562 male-female videos from two popular pornographic websites, this study aimed to: (1) compare the prevalence of survey respondents' event-level sexual behaviors with those depicted in mainstream pornography online videos; (2) compare event-level condom use with condom use prevalence in pornographic videos; (3) compare event-level orgasm with prevalence of orgasms in pornographic videos; and (4) assess whether respondents' partnered use of pornography was associated with the sexual behaviors in which they report engaging. We found that kissing, male orgasm, female orgasm, and condom use were significantly less prevalent in the pornographic videos than in survey respondents' most recent sexual experiences. Conversely, penile-anal intercourse and fellatio were significantly more prevalent in the pornographic videos than in participants' reports of their most recent sexual experience. There were no significant differences between the prevalence of cunnilingus or sex toy use represented in the videos as compared to survey respondents' reports. Finally, we found that individuals who reported partnered pornography use during their most recent sexual experience were more likely to report having engaged in oral sex, penile-anal intercourse, and sex toy use and were also more likely to report female orgasm during their most recent sexual experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Fritz
- The Media School, Indiana University-Bloomington, 601 E Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
| | - Vinny Malic
- School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, Indiana University-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Tsung-Chieh Fu
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Bryant Paul
- The Media School, Indiana University-Bloomington, 601 E Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Yanyan Zhou
- The Media School, Indiana University-Bloomington, 601 E Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Brian Dodge
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - J Dennis Fortenberry
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Debby Herbenick
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN, USA
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29
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Shor E. Who Seeks Aggression in Pornography? Findings from Interviews with Viewers. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:1237-1255. [PMID: 34750772 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02053-1] [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: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite the recent proliferation of research on aggression in pornography, we still know relatively little about the preferences and perceptions of viewers themselves. In particular, very little research has examined how women who watch pornography feel when encountering aggression toward women. To explore this question, we conducted interviews with 122 regular pornography viewers (61 women, 60 men, and 1 gender-diverse). Quantitative and qualitative analyses of the data show that the majority of both men and women reported that they did not enjoy aggressive content. However, in contrast to common conceptions among most scholars and pundits, it was women, not men, who were more likely to report being aroused by aggression, mainly consensual aggression toward women, which was perceived as pleasurable. Women were also more likely to report actively seeking for aggression and wanting to see more aggression in mainstream pornography. These findings challenge long-held radical feminist views regarding the preferences of both women and men and offer new insights on the relationship between gender and sexual fantasies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eran Shor
- McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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30
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Dawson K, Nic Gabhainn S, Willis M, MacNeela P. Development of a Measure to Assess What Young Heterosexual Adults Say They Learn About Sex from Pornography. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:1257-1269. [PMID: 34761345 PMCID: PMC8888499 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02059-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study involved the development of two new measures to assess what some young heterosexual-identifying adults report learning about sex from pornography. Inventory items were generated from an extensive literature review and six qualitative focus group sessions with young adults (N = 54) aged 18-29 which explored how pornography could be used as a source of sexual information. A total of 135 items pertaining to sexual learning from pornography were produced, reviewed and categorized by a sample of young adults (n = 9), and finally reviewed for item and construct relevance by a panel of pornography, sex education and scale development experts (n = 6). Inventory items were administered to a sample of young adult university students (n = 1306). Two separate exploratory factor analyses were conducted for the female and male datasets. The final factors were reviewed by a panel of young adults = 8) to identify the theme of each factor. Both the SIPI-F and SIPI-M yielded three factors: (1) How to be a good sexual partner, (2) Body aesthetic, and (3) Sexual exploration. Results show that pornography provides information about a range of sex-related topics. Findings also show that more frequent female pornography users reported learning more about how to be a good sexual partner and body aesthetic than less frequent pornography users. The SIPI-F and SIPI-M can be useful for examining a variety of questions regarding the use of pornography as an informal source of sexual information and its correlates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Dawson
- School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
| | | | - Malachi Willis
- Social and Public Health Sciences Unit Institute of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Pádraig MacNeela
- School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
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31
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Beyond the Screen: Violence and Aggression towards Women within an Excepted Online Space. SEXES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/sexes3010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This theoretical review explores the possibility that the consumption of internet pornography (IP) represents a credible risk factor in the perpetration of aggression and violence against women. Sexual violence, abuse, and degradation of women is commonly depicted in mainstream heterosexual IP. Despite the violent tenor, the effect this material may have on beliefs, attitudes and behaviors is understudied, as are the reasons why violent and degrading IP is so widely viewed, enjoyed, and accepted. Both theory and empirical findings support the contention that depictions of violence in IP may contribute to real world aggression and violence against women, with two relevant spheres of inquiry proposed in this theoretical review. The first considers IP as a ‘zone of cultural exception’, in which the perpetration of violent and degrading acts against women are eroticized and celebrated, despite such behaviors being considered antisocial in wider society. It is suggested that this excepted status is enabled by the operation of the third person effect to negate the detrimental effects of IP. The second explores the objectification and dehumanization of women in IP and the use of moral disengagement by viewers to enable their disavowal of any harm in the depicted violence.
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Tseng YH, Hou WL, Kuo SH, Liu YH, Wang HL, Hsiao RC, Chou FH, Yen CF. Gender Differences in How Parents, Peers, and Exposure to Sexually Explicit Materials Influence the Intention to Engage in Casual Sex among Adolescents and Young Adults in Taiwan: Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182413089. [PMID: 34948697 PMCID: PMC8701317 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this study were to examine gender differences in how parent-child discussions on sex issues, peer interactions around sexual issues, and exposure to sexually explicit materials affect the intention to engage in casual sex among adolescents and young adults in Taiwan. This cross-sectional survey study recruited 767 participants (348 men and 419 women) aged 15-24 years. The survey collected data on participants' intention to engage in casual sex, their attitude toward and perception of casual sex based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) (favorable attitude, perceiving positive social norms toward casual sex, and perceived control over involvement), parent-child and peer discussions about sexual issues, and exposure to sexually explicit materials. The results of multiple regression analysis revealed that parent-child discussions on sex issues, peer interactions around sexual issues, and exposure to sexually explicit materials were significantly associated with the intention to engage in casual sex. The results of structural equation modeling (SEM) further supported that favorable attitude, perceiving positive social norms toward casual sex, and control over involvement mediated the associations. For men, decreased favorable attitude mediated the negative association between parent-child discussions and casual sex intention; increased favorable attitudes and decreased control over involvement mediated the positive associations between peer interactions and casual sex intention. For women, decreased control over involvement mediated the positive association between exposure to sexually explicit materials and casual sex intention. The associations between peer interaction and subjective norms of acceptance, perceived control over involvement, and casual sex intention were stronger in men than in women; the association of favorable attitudes with casual sex intention was also stronger in men than in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Hua Tseng
- College of Nursing, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (Y.-H.T.); (W.-L.H.)
| | - Wen-Li Hou
- College of Nursing, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (Y.-H.T.); (W.-L.H.)
| | - Shih-Hsien Kuo
- School of Nursing, Fooyin University, Kaohsiung 83102, Taiwan; (S.-H.K.); (Y.-H.L.); (H.-L.W.)
| | - Yu-Hsiang Liu
- School of Nursing, Fooyin University, Kaohsiung 83102, Taiwan; (S.-H.K.); (Y.-H.L.); (H.-L.W.)
| | - Hui-Ling Wang
- School of Nursing, Fooyin University, Kaohsiung 83102, Taiwan; (S.-H.K.); (Y.-H.L.); (H.-L.W.)
| | - Ray C. Hsiao
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry, Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Fan-Hao Chou
- College of Nursing, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (Y.-H.T.); (W.-L.H.)
- Correspondence: (F.-H.C.); (C.-F.Y.); Tel.: +886-7-3121101-2602 (F.-H.C.); +886-7-3121101-6822 (C.-F.Y.); Fax: +886-7-3218364 (F.-H.C.); +886-7-3134761 (C.-F.Y.)
| | - Cheng-Fang Yen
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- College of Professional Studies, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (F.-H.C.); (C.-F.Y.); Tel.: +886-7-3121101-2602 (F.-H.C.); +886-7-3121101-6822 (C.-F.Y.); Fax: +886-7-3218364 (F.-H.C.); +886-7-3134761 (C.-F.Y.)
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McKee A, Litsou K, Byron P, Ingham R. The relationship between consumption of pornography and consensual sexual practice: Results of a mixed method systematic review. THE CANADIAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN SEXUALITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3138/cjhs.2021-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
This article reports on the findings of a systematic review of literature on pornography use and sexual consent published between January 2000 and December 2017. The review found that there exists little research explicitly addressing consent. There exists an extensive literature on the relationship between the consumption of pornography and sexual aggression/violence; however, this work fails to distinguish between consensual (kink, spanking, BDSM) and nonconsensual acts (sexual harassment and rape). Our thematic analysis found that there is no agreement in the literature reviewed as to whether consumption of pornography is correlated with better or worse understandings or practices of sexual consent. The majority of articles that identified correlations between aspects of sexual health and pornography consumption incorrectly assigned causality to pornography consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan McKee
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katerina Litsou
- Centre for Sexual Health Research, School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Byron
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Roger Ingham
- Centre for Sexual Health Research, School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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Sex on the Screen: A Content Analysis of Free Internet Pornography Depicting Mixed-Sex Threesomes from 2012-2020. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2021; 11:1555-1570. [PMID: 34940388 PMCID: PMC8700214 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe11040110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Viewing online pornography is common among US adults, with mixed-sex threesome (MST) videos being one of the top 10 most popular categories of pornography for both men and women. The current content analysis applied sexual script theory to understand the themes present in these mixed-sex threesome videos. Independent coders viewed a total of 50 videos (25 MMF and 25 FFM) at each timepoint (2012, 2015, 2020) and coded for different sexual behaviors and themes in each video. By examining both same-sex (female–female, male–male) and other-sex (female–male) behaviors, as well as themes of aggression and sexual initiation in different videos and across three timepoints, it was determined that other-sex behaviors are more common in MST videos than same-sex behaviors. Same-sex behaviors between two female actors were more common than same-sex behaviors between two male actors. Aggression was a common theme in videos, with male actors being more aggressive on average than female actors. Most of these trends did not change across 8 years, suggesting that the impacts of traditional sexual scripts are pervasive in pornography, even in current online content. Important implications for both researchers and clinical professionals are discussed.
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Hedrick A. A Meta-analysis of Media Consumption and Rape Myth Acceptance. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2021; 26:645-656. [PMID: 34641769 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2021.1986609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of rape myths, or false beliefs about rape that blame victims of sexual violence and excuse perpetrators of sexual violence, has been documented throughout a wide range of media content. However, previous meta-analyses of media consumption and rape myth acceptance (RMA) have focused on pornography, and these studies are over ten years old. This research addresses this gap with a meta-analysis studying the relationship between the consumption of all types of media and RMA. Thirty-two studies (N = 12,016) met inclusion criteria. The overall weighted mean effect size was r = 0.09 (p < .001), indicating a small but statistically significant relationship, where media consumption is correlated with greater RMA. Sub-analyses indicated that a few media types, especially violent pornography and general pornography, drove this relationship. Results are discussed in terms of cultivation theory, social cognitive theory, and sexual scripting theory. The results highlight needs for: research exploring the relationship between diverse types of media consumption and RMA, pornography research distinguishing between violent and nonviolent pornographic content, and rape myth-focused media literacy interventions that target adolescents and young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Hedrick
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
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Maas MK, Cary KM, Clancy EM, Klettke B, McCauley HL, Temple JR. Slutpage Use Among U.S. College Students: The Secret and Social Platforms of Image-Based Sexual Abuse. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:2203-2214. [PMID: 33630205 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-01920-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The phenomenon of "slutpages," tied to high schools, fraternities, and the military, used to post, share, and comment on nude and semi-nude images of women, has emerged in mass media. To our knowledge, this is the first study to empirically investigate slutpage use behaviors including: visiting slutpages, posting nude images/videos online without consent, and using a vault app to store/share nude images. We conducted a survey of undergraduate college students attending a large Midwestern university in the U.S., with 1867 respondents (36.4% cis/transgender men, 63.6% cisgender women; 18-24 years old M = 20.39) to determine who is engaging in slutpage use behaviors. Our results showed that younger participants and men were more likely to engage in slutpage use behaviors than older participants and women, especially if they participated in Greek Life or played a team sport for their university. Men in a fraternity or on a team sport visited slutpages and posted nude images/video online without consent more frequently than men outside these groups, or women in general. Drinking alcohol and using pornography more frequently were also associated with slutpage use behaviors. This study provides a new understanding of slutpages as a social form of image-based sexual abuse and informs researchers, educators, and policy makers to expand their inquiry into online sexual experiences and exploitation to include this phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan K Maas
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Michigan State University, 552 West Circle Drive, 13D Human Ecology Building, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
| | - Kyla M Cary
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Michigan State University, 552 West Circle Drive, 13D Human Ecology Building, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | | | - Bianca Klettke
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Jeff R Temple
- Center for Violence Prevention, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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Murnen SK, Bullock PE, Tetreault EJ, Matteson SA, Redman L. Sexual Language Use in U.S. College Students Across Twenty Years. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:2189-2201. [PMID: 34184158 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02022-8] [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: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Study 1: Students (N = 256 women, 129 men, and 13 nonbinary individuals, 61.8% heterosexual) from the same college campus studied 20 years ago (Murnen, 2000) reported on terms they used to refer to male genitals, female genitals, and "having sex" either within the context of an intimate partnership, talking with friends of their gender, or talking with friends in a mixed-gender group. Terms for genitals were coded as degrading or not, and terms for sex as aggressive or not, based on the previous study. Whereas in the past almost three-quarters of men used a degrading term for female genitals, that amount decreased to about one-quarter in the present sample. On the other hand, among women there was a significant increase in the use of a degrading term for women's genitals in the intimate partner context, particularly among sexual minority women. Degrading and aggressive language use was predicted by pornography use and endorsement of gender stereotyped sexual attitudes. Study 2: Interpretations of sexual terms were studied among 29 sexual minority women, 81 heterosexual women, 16 sexual minority men, and 54 heterosexual men. We found that few terms were perceived as degrading or aggressive today (unlike 20 years ago) and that students believe that societal changes such as sexual education and the #MeToo movement were perceived as responsible for changes in sexual language use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Murnen
- Department of Psychology, Kenyon College, 203 N College Rd., Gambier, OH, 43022, USA.
| | - Paige E Bullock
- Department of Psychology, Kenyon College, 203 N College Rd., Gambier, OH, 43022, USA
| | - Eleanor J Tetreault
- Department of Psychology, Kenyon College, 203 N College Rd., Gambier, OH, 43022, USA
| | - Sydney A Matteson
- Department of Psychology, Kenyon College, 203 N College Rd., Gambier, OH, 43022, USA
| | - Lauren Redman
- Department of Psychology, Kenyon College, 203 N College Rd., Gambier, OH, 43022, USA
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Mirzaei Y, Zare S, Morrison TG. Hijab Pornography: A Content Analysis of Internet Pornographic Videos. Violence Against Women 2021; 28:1420-1440. [PMID: 34156884 PMCID: PMC8941712 DOI: 10.1177/10778012211021125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A content analysis was conducted to explore sexual indicators of aggression,
objectification, exploitation, and agency in 50 “hijab” pornographic videos. Our
findings suggest that women were the target of aggressive acts in all videos,
with gagging (42%) and spanking (38%) being the most common. Also, in comparison
with men, women were more likely to be objectified and exploited, and less
likely to possess agency. Limitations of the current study and directions for
future research are detailed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaser Mirzaei
- University of Saskatchewan,
Saskatoon, Canada
- Yaser Mirzaei, Department of Psychology,
University of Saskatchewan, 9 Campus Drive, ARST 76A, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan,
Canada S7N 5A5.
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Maheux AJ, Roberts SR, Evans R, Widman L, Choukas-Bradley S. Associations between adolescents' pornography consumption and self-objectification, body comparison, and body shame. Body Image 2021; 37:89-93. [PMID: 33582530 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Although prior work indicates an association between idealized media content and adolescents' body-related concerns, such as self-objectification, body comparison, and body shame, few prior studies have examined the role of pornography. Even fewer studies have included adolescent girls, limiting our understanding of potential gender differences. In this brief report, we investigate these associations in a diverse mixed-gender sample of high school students in the Southeastern U.S. (n = 223, ages 15-18, M age = 16.25, 59 % girls) who completed computerized self-report measures. Controlling for demographic covariates and frequency of social media use, we found an association between frequency of pornography consumption in the past year and higher self-objectification and body comparison, but not body shame. No evidence of differences by gender emerged. Results suggest that both boys and girls may be susceptible to pornography-related body concerns, yet these concerns may not include body shame. Future research should examine both risks and benefits of pornography use among adolescents using longitudinal designs, as well as how body-related concerns can be incorporated into pornography literacy interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne J Maheux
- University of Delaware, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, 105 The Green, Newark, DE, 19716, USA; University of Pittsburgh, Department of Psychology, 210 S. Bouquet St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, USA.
| | - Savannah R Roberts
- University of Delaware, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, 105 The Green, Newark, DE, 19716, USA; University of Pittsburgh, Department of Psychology, 210 S. Bouquet St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, USA
| | - Reina Evans
- North Carolina State University, Department of Psychology, 640 Poe Hall, Campus Box 7650, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7650, USA
| | - Laura Widman
- North Carolina State University, Department of Psychology, 640 Poe Hall, Campus Box 7650, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7650, USA
| | - Sophia Choukas-Bradley
- University of Delaware, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, 105 The Green, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
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Castro-Calvo J, Cervigón-Carrasco V, Ballester-Arnal R, Giménez-García C. Cognitive processes related to problematic pornography use (PPU): A systematic review of experimental studies. Addict Behav Rep 2021; 13:100345. [PMID: 33948482 PMCID: PMC8080450 DOI: 10.1016/j.abrep.2021.100345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Some people experience symptoms and negative outcomes derived from their persistent, excessive, and problematic engagement in pornography viewing (i.e., Problematic Pornography Use, PPU). Recent theoretical models have turned to different cognitive processes (e.g., inhibitory control, decision making, attentional bias, etc.) to explain the development and maintenance of PPU, but empirical evidence derived from experimental studies is still limited. In this context, the present systematic review aimed to review and compile the evidence around cognitive processes related to PPU. METHODS A systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines to compile evidence regarding cognitive processes related to PPU. We retained and analyzed 21 experimental studies addressing this topic. RESULTS Studies were focused on four cognitive processes: attentional bias, inhibitory control, working memory, and decision making. In brief, PPU is related to (a) attentional biases toward sexual stimuli, (b) deficient inhibitory control (in particular, to problems with motor response inhibition and to shift attention away from irrelevant stimuli), (c) worse performance in tasks assessing working memory, and (d) decision making impairments (in particular, to preferences for short-term small gains rather than long-term large gains, more impulsive choice patterns than non-erotica users, approach tendencies toward sexual stimuli, and inaccuracies when judging the probability and magnitude of potential outcomes under ambiguity). CONCLUSION This systematic review offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the cognitive features related to PPU, and points out new areas that warrants further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Castro-Calvo
- Department of Personality, Assessment, and Psychological Treatments, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - V. Cervigón-Carrasco
- Department of Basic and Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Universitat Jaume I, Spain
| | - R. Ballester-Arnal
- Department of Basic and Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Universitat Jaume I, Spain
| | - C. Giménez-García
- Department of Basic and Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Universitat Jaume I, Spain
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Zhou Y, Liu T, Yan HY, Paul B. Pornography Use, Two Forms of Dehumanization, and Sexual Aggression: Attitudes vs. Behaviors. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2021; 47:571-590. [PMID: 33988489 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2021.1923598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sexual objectification is a common pornographic theme. Research shows that sexual objectification leads to the expression of aggressive attitudes and behaviors toward women. Based on a survey study of 320 male participants, this study re-conceptualizes sexual objectification in terms of two forms of dehumanization. Evidence suggests men's pornography use is positively associated with both forms, but mechanistic dehumanization of women is more associated with aggressive attitudes while animalistic dehumanization is more associated with aggressive behaviors. Findings indicate how objectifying pornography use may relate to aggressive attitudes and behaviors and inform the future education campaigns and interventions to reduce sexual aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Zhou
- Media School, Indiana University-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Tuo Liu
- Department of Psychology, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Harry Yaojun Yan
- Media School, Indiana University-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Bryant Paul
- Media School, Indiana University-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA
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Taylor K. Eran Shor and Kimberly Seida, Aggression in pornography: Myths and realities. FEMINISM & PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/09593535211013636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Dewitte M, Reisman Y. Clinical use and implications of sexual devices and sexually explicit media. Nat Rev Urol 2021; 18:359-377. [PMID: 33948009 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-021-00456-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Given that sexual pleasure is a core component of sexual health, devices that are designed to enhance and diversify sexual pleasure are particularly useful in clinical practice. Despite their growing popularity and widespread use in various biopsychosocial circumstances, many taboos still seem to exist, as indicated by the paucity of scientific literature on the prevalence, application and effectiveness of sexual devices for therapeutic use. However, sex toys and sexual devices are commonly used and have a variety of indications to expand individual and partnered sexuality and to treat sexual difficulties. Different devices are associated with specific advantages and potential risks, opportunities, barriers and ethical challenges when used in a clinical context. Increased knowledge about the aim and functional possibilities of sexual devices might help health-care professionals overcome potential embarrassment, preconceptions and other barriers, learn which patients might benefit from which products, consider their use in treatment programmes, educate about correct use and safety issues, and facilitate open communication about sexual pleasure with their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke Dewitte
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.
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Oleksy T, Wnuk A. Do women perceive sex robots as threatening? The role of political views and presenting the robot as a female-vs male-friendly product. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2020.106664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Wright PJ, Herbenick D, Paul B, Tokunaga RS. Exploratory Findings on U.S. Adolescents' Pornography Use, Dominant Behavior, and Sexual Satisfaction. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2021; 33:222-228. [PMID: 38596752 PMCID: PMC10903642 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2021.1888170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Objectives: Sexual satisfaction is an important component of sexual health and wellbeing across the life course, including adolescence. While research on pornography use and sexual satisfaction has become increasingly common, the vast majority of studies have focused on adults. An additional limitation of studies to date is a lack of assessment of mediating mechanisms. Methods: To help address these gaps in the literature, this study used data from a population-based probability survey of U.S. adolescents to assess whether an increased likelihood of engaging in dominant sexual behaviors such as choking, spanking, and name calling was a possible mediator. Results: Path analytic results supported a conceptual model whereby youth with greater exposure to pornography are more likely to engage in sexually dominant behaviors, distancing them from their partners, and reducing their sense of sexual satisfaction. Conclusion: These results, while preliminary due to a small analytical sample and cross-sectional design, should serve as a springboard for larger-scale efforts in this important area of human sexuality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J. Wright
- Communication Science Unit, The Media School, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Debby Herbenick
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, The School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Bryant Paul
- Communication Science Unit, The Media School, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
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Mazandarani F. Between a Camera and a Hard Place: A Content Analysis of Performer Representation in Heterosexual Pornographic Content. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2021; 58:305-313. [PMID: 32348164 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2020.1754747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the physical representation of men and women in online pornography through a content analysis. A total of 123 popular pornographic Internet videos featuring a male-female dyad were gathered from the most visited pornographic website in the United States. Coders analyzed the screen time, visual, and audible presence of each actor within a sexual scene. Female performers were substantially more physically represented on screen, based on an operational definition of representation that included screen time, on-screen placement, camera blocking techniques, intelligible and unintelligible audibility, and participation with the camera. Female performers were found to be physically represented on screen over four times as much as male performers. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for understanding viewers' formation of sexual behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs, to the extent that these formations are influenced, at least in part, by the physical representation of characters within a pornography scene.
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47
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Seida K, Shor E. Aggression and Pleasure in Opposite-Sex and Same-Sex Mainstream Online Pornography: A Comparative Content Analysis of Dyadic Scenes. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2021; 58:292-304. [PMID: 31809207 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2019.1696275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Existing research on aggression in online pornography is almost exclusively based on pornography featuring heterosexual sex. Pornography featuring sex between two men or between two women has received comparatively little scholarly attention, despite its growing industry presence and revenue. To our knowledge, no study has focused on comparing the aggressive content of different-sex and same-sex mainstream online pornography. To address this gap, we utilized a sample of 210 popular videos uploaded to Pornhub over the last decade. This sample consisted of three major categories: "gay" (male/male; n = 70), "lesbian" (female/female; n = 70), and "most-watched of all time" (male/female; n = 70). Our findings show that there are both more displays of aggression and more displays of affection and pleasure in same-sex online pornographic videos, relative to different-sex videos. We discuss the relevance and limits of dominant sexual and gender scripts when analyzing across subgenres of mainstream online pornography.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eran Shor
- Department of Sociology, McGill University
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Seehuus M, Handy AB, Stanton AM. Change in the Popularity of Transgressive Content in Written Erotica between 2000 and 2016. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2021; 58:314-321. [PMID: 32011176 PMCID: PMC8936191 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2020.1716206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
There is a widely held belief that the amount and intensity of transgressive content in pornography have been rising. Reliably assessing for such an increase, however, is complicated by methodological factors including hand-coding content using conflicting a priori definitions of what constitutes transgressive content. In response to those limitations, the present study used the results of a published empirical content analysis of ~250,000 erotic stories written over 16 years to determine if the amount or popularity of transgressive content (stories high in the themes of violence, family (incest), or BDSM) has changed in that timeframe. Results from the present study indicated no meaningful increase in either the amount of content with those themes or popularity (as measured by story views per day) of any of the three transgressive themes within the erotic narratives over the 16-year period of analysis. These results, in addition to recent research presenting similar findings within pornographic video, do not support popular perceptions that erotic material is becoming increasingly transgressive. Rather, such content within internet-based erotic material, and particularly erotic narratives, appears to be relatively consistent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Seehuus
- Middlebury College, Psychology Department, Middlebury, Vermont
- University of Vermont, Department of Psychological Sciences, Vermont Psychological Services, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Ariel B. Handy
- The University of Texas at Austin, Psychology Department, Austin, Texas
| | - Amelia M. Stanton
- The University of Texas at Austin, Psychology Department, Austin, Texas
- Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, Massachusetts
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Wright PJ, Paul B, Herbenick D. Preliminary Insights from a U.S. Probability Sample on Adolescents' Pornography Exposure, Media Psychology, and Sexual Aggression. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2021; 26:39-46. [PMID: 33625313 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2021.1887980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sexual aggression is now widely recognized as a public health crisis. Using the sexual script acquisition, activation, application model (3AM) as a guide, this paper reports findings on U.S. teenagers' exposure to pornography, motivation for viewing pornography, perceptions of pornography's realism, identification with pornographic actors, and sexual aggression risk from the National Survey of Porn Use, Relationships, and Sexual Socialization (NSPRSS), a U.S. population-based probability study. Sexual aggression was operationalized as pressuring another person into having sex despite their explicit declaration of nonconsent. Having been exposed to pornography and perceiving pornography as realistic were associated with increased sexual aggression risk. A stronger level of identification with pornographic actors was associated with an increased probability of sexual aggression for males, but not females. A motivation to learn about others' sexual expectations from pornography was unrelated to sexual aggression. Results interpretation and discussion focus on the need for additional theoretical nuance and measurement specificity in the media psychology literature on pornography and sexual aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Wright
- The Media School, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Bryant Paul
- The Media School, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Debby Herbenick
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion in the School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
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Fritz N, Malic V, Paul B, Zhou Y. A Descriptive Analysis of the Types, Targets, and Relative Frequency of Aggression in Mainstream Pornography. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:3041-3053. [PMID: 32661813 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01773-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
For decades, scholars and public health officials have been concerned with the depictions of sexual aggression in pornography, especially when acts of aggression are depicted with no consequences. Social cognitive theory suggests behaviors that are rewarded are more likely to be learned by consumers while those punished are less likely to be learned. To date, however, there has not been a large-scale content analysis to provide researchers with the baseline knowledge of the amount of sexual aggression in online pornography nor have previous content analyses examined the reactions of the targets of sexual aggression. This study of 4009 heterosexual scenes from two major free pornographic tube sites (Pornhub and Xvideos) sought to provide this baseline. Overall, 45% of Pornhub scenes included at least one act of physical aggression, while 35% of scenes from Xvideos contained aggression. Spanking, gagging, slapping, hair pulling, and choking were the five most common forms of physical aggression. Women were the target of the aggression in 97% of the scenes, and their response to aggression was either neutral or positive and rarely negative. Men were the perpetrators of aggression against women in 76% of scenes. Finally, examining the 10 most populous categories, the Amateur and Teen categories in Xvideos and the Amateur category in Pornhub had significantly less aggression, while the Xvideos Hardcore category had significantly more physical aggression against women. This study suggests aggression is common against women in online pornography, while repercussions to this aggression are rarely portrayed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Fritz
- The Media School, Indiana University-Bloomington, 601 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
| | - Vinny Malic
- School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, Indiana University-Bloomington, 919 10th St, Bloomington, IN, 47408, USA
| | - Bryant Paul
- The Media School, Indiana University-Bloomington, 601 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Yanyan Zhou
- The Media School, Indiana University-Bloomington, 601 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
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