1
|
Yu K, Wu AMS, Feng C, Zhao W, Zuo G. Understanding Perceived Problematic Pornography Use with the Differential Susceptibility to Media Effects Model. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2023; 50:326-341. [PMID: 38018139 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2023.2287217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Problematic pornography use and its adverse consequences are prevalent, but little is known about its psychosocial contributors. Drawing on the Differential Susceptibility to Media Effects Model (DSMM), this study explores whether and how perceived problematic Internet pornography use is associated with psychological factors from three domains: social (i.e., family adaptability), dispositional (i.e., self-acceptance), and development factors (i.e., impulse control difficulties). Analysis of an anonymous survey of 1,483 Chinese emerging adults showed that family adaptability and self-acceptance were negatively correlated with perceived problematic pornography use, whereas impulse control difficulties were positively correlated with perceived problematic pornography use. Self-acceptance mediated the association between family adaptability and perceived problematic pornography use. Impulse control difficulties moderated such mediation effect, in which the protective effect of family adaptability on self-acceptance and that of self-acceptance on perceived problematic pornography use were attenuated by impulse control difficulties. These findings advance understanding of the complex underlying psychosocial mechanisms of perceived problematic pornography use by providing evidence to the applicability of DSMM on such problematic use and clarifying the direct, indirect, and/or moderating role(s) of family adaptability, self-acceptance, and impulse control difficulties in those mechanisms. They also provide insights for targeted approaches in future intervention programs among emerging adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Yu
- Law School, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Anise M S Wu
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao, China
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Institute of Collaborative Innovation, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao, China
| | - Chun Feng
- Law School, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Wen Zhao
- Law School, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Guoguo Zuo
- Law School, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Paquette MM, Bőthe B, Dion J, Girouard A, Bergeron S. Can I Love My Body Even if It Doesn't Look Like the Porn Stars'? Longitudinal Associations Between Pornography Use Frequency and Body Appreciation in a Diverse Sample of Adolescents. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:3471-3489. [PMID: 37644359 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02679-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Online technologies could play an important role in the sexual development of adolescents as they watch more pornography than before. Pornography may relate to adolescents' perceptions of their bodies, especially among those identifying as a sexual and/or gender minority (SGM) as they have an increased risk of body image concerns compared to their heterosexual, cisgender (HC) peers. The present study examined the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations over 3 years between adolescents' pornography use frequency and body appreciation, considering potential gender and sexual orientation-based differences. Results from linear univariate and parallel processes latent growth curve models with a multi-group approach among 2904 adolescents (MageT1 = 14.5 years, SD = 0.61; 51.4% girls, 16.3% sexual minority) demonstrated that HC and SGM girls' body appreciation slightly decreased over time. Moreover, HC boys, HC girls and SGM girls' pornography use frequency slightly increased over time. Cross-sectionally, greater pornography use frequency was associated with lower levels of body appreciation in HC girls and SGM boys, with a small effect size. However, longitudinally, pornography use frequency and body appreciation were not related to each other in either group. Our findings support that pornography use, in the short term, is negatively associated with adolescents' body appreciation, although these associations might not hold in the long term. Adolescents may be more critical of body ideals represented in pornography as they learn to think with more discernment about the pornographic depictions of bodies and sexuality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Michèle Paquette
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada.
| | - Beáta Bőthe
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
- Département de Psychologie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Jacinthe Dion
- Département des Sciences de la Santé, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi, QC, Canada
| | - Alice Girouard
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Sophie Bergeron
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mori C, Park J, Racine N, Ganshorn H, Hartwick C, Madigan S. Exposure to sexual content and problematic sexual behaviors in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 143:106255. [PMID: 37343427 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106255] [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: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to sexual content, such as online pornography or live sexual content, has been posited in the literature as a risk factor for problematic sexual behaviors (PSBs) in children and adolescents, and has been identified as an important avenue for research and intervention, particularly given the ubiquitous access to technology among children. OBJECTIVE To examine the association between live/violent and non-violent sexual content exposure and PSB among children and adolescents. Objectives also include informing future research on sexual content exposure as a risk factor for PSB, and providing clinical recommendations related to prevention and intervention. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Results are based on 16,200 participants (28.65 % female; Mage = 14.26; range = 4.74-17.92) and 27 studies conducted in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. METHODS A systematic review was conducted of available literature published up to September 2021. Abstract and full-text review were conducted to assess whether studies met inclusion criteria. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted on included studies. RESULTS Significant associations were found between exposure to non-violent sexual content and likelihood of engaging in PSB (OR = 1.82; p < .001; 95 % CI: 1.50-2.21), and between exposure to violent/live sexual content and PSB (OR = 2.52; p < .001; 95 % CI: 1.75-3.61). Sex emerged as a moderator of the association between exposure to non-violent sexual content and PSB, such that the association was stronger in studies with a greater proportion of females. CONCLUSIONS Results support the need for future research on risk factors and mechanisms implicated in PSB. Prevention and intervention programs for children with PSB and their families could benefit from incorporating education on sexual content exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camille Mori
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, 28 Oki Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 6A8, Canada.
| | - Julianna Park
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, 99 University Ave, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - Nicole Racine
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Vanier 4087, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada.
| | - Heather Ganshorn
- Libraries and Cultural Resources, Taylor Family Digital Library, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Cailey Hartwick
- Child Abuse Service, Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, 400-3820 24 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 2X9, Canada.
| | - Sheri Madigan
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, 28 Oki Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 6A8, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Srivastava S, Chauhan S, Patel R, Marbaniang SP, Kumar P, Dhillon P, Pandey N. Exposure to Pornographic Content Among Indian Adolescents and Young Adults and Its Associated Risks: Evidence from UDAYA Survey in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:361-372. [PMID: 36109450 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02411-7] [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: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Adolescence is period characterized by sexual development, increasing romantic relationships, and the initiation of sexual activity. To enhance the exploration of their sexuality, adolescents may look into sexual resources such as pornography. There has been little research in India to understand how much adolescents are exposed to Internet pornography and what are the associated risk factors. This study examined the level of exposure to pornography among adolescents and the associated factors which determine the exposure to pornography in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults (UDAYA) survey data collected in 2015-2016 was used for this study. The study was based on 3885 adolescent boys and 7766 adolescent girls aged 15-19 years. The mean age for adolescent boys was 16.66 years (SD: 1.3), and for girls it was 16.67 years (SD: 1.3). About 47% of adolescent boys but only 6% of girls were exposed to pornography. The likelihood of exposure to pornography was 1.69 times and 2.27 times more likely among adolescents and girls who had their own personal mobile phones, respectively, compared to those who did not have their own personal mobile phones. The odds of exposure to pornography were significantly higher among adolescent boys who had frequent media exposure than those who had no/rare exposure. Programs on life skills and comprehensive sexuality education need to be prioritize.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shobhit Srivastava
- Department of Survey Research & Data Analytics, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India
| | - Shekhar Chauhan
- Department of Family and Generations, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India
| | - Ratna Patel
- Department of Public Health and Mortality Studies, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India
| | | | - Pradeep Kumar
- Research & Data Analyst, Population Council, New Delhi, India.
| | - Preeti Dhillon
- Department of Mathematical Demography & Statistics, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Teen Pornography: An Emerging Mental Health Challenge. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOSEXUAL HEALTH 2023. [DOI: 10.1177/26318318231154230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to pornography is not an uncommon and unusual phenomenon in the digital era, with teens being no exception. Exposure to pornography among teens may happen accidentally, out of curiosity, or intentionally to derive sexual excitement. Many individuals exposed to pornography may later develop pornography addiction. Most parents who are aware that their children view pornography are often worried about such behavior and sometimes seek help from mental health professionals. So, it can be certainly said that exposure to pornography among teens may cause significant distress in them and their parents. As pornography is a major source of sex education for a large number of teens, lots of myth and misguided information are harbored from watching pornography. This article focuses on the mental health aspects of pornography exposure among teens and the possible remedial measures.
Collapse
|
6
|
Parenting Styles as a Moderator of the Association between Pubertal Timing and Chinese Adolescents' Drinking Behavior. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063340. [PMID: 35329024 PMCID: PMC8954819 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous work has indicated that pubertal timing and parenting styles are associated with adolescents' drinking behavior, but studies on the relationship between the above three variables are lacking. METHODS Participants were 1408 Chinese adolescents aged 11-16 years old (46.52% girls). The data emphasized pubertal timing, parenting styles, drinking behavior, and socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of the adolescent and his or her family. RESULTS Early pubertal timing was related to drinking behavior; however, parenting styles played a moderating role. For male adolescents, father emotional warmth, mother rejection, and mother emotional warmth moderated the relationship between early pubertal timing and drinking behavior. For female adolescents, mother rejection, mother emotional warmth, and mother over-protection moderated the relationship between pubertal timing and drinking behavior. CONCLUSIONS Parenting styles that include emotional warmth, rejection, and over-protection appear to influence the negative outcomes associated with early pubertal timing, and may be useful in reducing adolescents' drinking behavior.
Collapse
|
7
|
Maes C, Vandenbosch L. Adolescents' Use of Sexually Explicit Internet Material Over the Course of 2019-2020 in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Three-wave Panel Study. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:105-121. [PMID: 35001225 PMCID: PMC8743091 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02122-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Recently, sexual health scholars have expressed concerns regarding adolescents' use of sexually explicit internet materials (SEIM) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, using latent growth curve modeling, the current study explored adolescents' changes in the frequency of SEIM use before, during, and after a strict lockdown period was established in Belgium. Attention was given to individual differences (i.e., gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, pubertal timing, and sensation seeking). A three-wave panel study over a 15-month period among 522 adolescents was used (Mage = 15.36, SD = 1.51, 67.1% girls). In general, SEIM use did not significantly increase over a 15-month period in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Only gender predicted a change in SEIM use frequencies with girls showing a greater, increasing change of SEIM use than boys. When addressing why adolescents used SEIM during a strict lockdown period, sexual arousal, stress, and boredom regulation motivations emerged as the most prevalent motivations. Loneliness regulation was the least prominent motivation. Individual differences were found regarding the gratifications sought according to adolescents' gender, pubertal timing, and sensation seeking. The findings offer a response to sexual scholars' worries in terms of adolescents' SEIM use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chelly Maes
- School for Mass Communication Research, Faculty of Social Sciences, KU Leuven, Parkstraat 45, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Vandenbosch
- School for Mass Communication Research, Faculty of Social Sciences, KU Leuven, Parkstraat 45, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Andrie EK, Sakou II, Tzavela EC, Richardson C, Tsitsika AK. Adolescents' Online Pornography Exposure and Its Relationship to Sociodemographic and Psychopathological Correlates: A Cross-Sectional Study in Six European Countries. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 8:children8100925. [PMID: 34682190 PMCID: PMC8534324 DOI: 10.3390/children8100925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of online exposure to pornography in European adolescents and its relationship to sociodemographic and psychopathological correlates. A cross-sectional school-based survey of 10,930 adolescents (5211 males/5719 females), aged 14-17 years old (mean age 15.8 ± 0.7) was carried out in six European countries (Greece, Spain, Poland, Romania, the Netherlands, and Iceland). Anonymous self-completed questionnaires covered exposure to pornography, internet use and dysfunctional internet behavior, and psychopathological syndromes (measured by Achenbach's Youth Self-Report). The prevalence of any online exposure to pornography was 59% overall and 24% for exposure at least once a week. The likelihood of online exposure to pornography was greater in male adolescents, heavier internet users, and those who displayed dysfunctional internet behavior. Country-specific analyses confirmed that the gender effect existed in every country, although its strength varied, from an odds ratio of 1.88 in Poland to 14.9 in Greece. Online exposure to pornography was shown to be associated with externalizing problem scale scores, especially rule-breaking and aggressive behavior, but also associated with higher scores in competences, namely activities and social competence. Exposure to pornography is ubiquitous, more relevant to boys, and is associated with both positive qualities/competences and externalizing behavioral problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth K. Andrie
- Adolescent Health Unit, Second Department of Pediatrics, P. & A. Kyriakou Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (I.I.S.); (E.C.T.); (A.K.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-210-771-0824
| | - Irene Ikbale Sakou
- Adolescent Health Unit, Second Department of Pediatrics, P. & A. Kyriakou Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (I.I.S.); (E.C.T.); (A.K.T.)
| | - Eleni C. Tzavela
- Adolescent Health Unit, Second Department of Pediatrics, P. & A. Kyriakou Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (I.I.S.); (E.C.T.); (A.K.T.)
| | - Clive Richardson
- Department of Economic and Regional Development, Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, 17671 Athens, Greece;
| | - Artemis K. Tsitsika
- Adolescent Health Unit, Second Department of Pediatrics, P. & A. Kyriakou Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (I.I.S.); (E.C.T.); (A.K.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pornography Use in Adolescents and Its Clinical Implications. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9113625. [PMID: 33187153 PMCID: PMC7698108 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9113625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The Differential Susceptibility to Media Effects Model (DSMM) suggests that pornography use effects are conditional and they depend on dispositional, developmental, and social differential susceptibility variables. This framework also highlights that the differential susceptibility variables act as predictors of pornography use and as moderators of the effect of pornography on criterion variables. (2) Methods: By administering a survey to n = 1500 adolescents, we tested whether these assumptions were met. (3) Results: Pornography use was related to being male and older, having a bisexual or undefined sexual orientation, higher substance use, being non-Muslim, and reporting sexual interest and the use of the media to obtain sexual information. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) showed that higher levels in the criterion variables were directly related to pornography use, older age, substance use, and being women. Some mediational links also emerged. Pornography use mediated between the age and criterion variables. Moreover, substance use mediated the association between age and gender with the criterion variables. (4) Conclusions: Our findings support the clinical applicability of the theoretical DSMM framework. Knowing adolescent pornography consumers’ profiles and the impact of pornography on this population would allow for the designing of more effective prevention and regulation proposals.
Collapse
|