Consistently inconsistent: A systematic review of the measurement of pornography use

Abstract

Abstract Research indicates that pornography use is now practically ubiquitous among males and continually increasing among females. These statistics are concerning in light of decades of research signaling that pornography use may be associated with sexually coercive behavior. Though the relationship between pornography use and sexual coercion has been a focus of concern, the apparent inconsistency in methods used to assess pornography limits the field from approaching a consensus on the strength of this relationship, as well as developing a thorough understanding regarding which aspects of pornography use drive this relationship. The purpose of the current study is to systematically review the literature on pornography use over the last ten years. This review will provide an updated examination of the operationalization and assessment of pornography use in peer-reviewed studies, synthesize the assessment of pornography use from various disciplines, and provide suggestions for the assessment of pornography use moving forward. Results of this review will serve as a potential guideline for the improvement of methodologies used to assess pornography use, and to facilitate movement towards more consistent methodological approaches to strengthen research examining the relationship between pornography use and sexual coercion.