Pornography Consumption Research Articles

The Social Representations of Pornography Consumers Among Individuals in Romantic Relationships: Exploring the Roles of Gender, Relationship Satisfaction, and Sexual Satisfaction in a Romanian Sample.

Understanding the psychological conflicts associated with pornography consumption can help professionals tailor their interventions to address the mental health risks faced by individuals struggling with issues related to their pornography use. The main objective of this research was to investigate how pornography consumers are perceived from a social representation theoretical perspective and to examine variations in these perceptions-or social representations-according to gender, relationship satisfaction, and sexual satisfaction. All participants (N = 875 Romanians) were in a romantic relationship at the time of participation. Our results indicated that the social representation of pornography consumers varied significantly depending on gender, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction. Also, our findings showed a potential psychological conflict in the long run, which can put individuals at risk for self-stigma, guilt, and subsequent mental health consequences. We discuss conclusions from both a theoretical and practical perspective, with a focus on the utility of our conclusions in the clinical practice context of psychologists, psychotherapists, and mental health workers when dealing with issues related to pornography use.

The influence of dark personality and pornography on sexual aggression beliefs.

Violence against women, particularly sexual violence, poses a significant public health concern. Predispositions toward perpetrating such acts often stem from the acceptance of myths that justify or deny these behaviours. This study aimed to explore how dark personality traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism) and pornography consumption relate to the acceptance of these myths. Surveying 598 participants, the research employed Latent Profile Analyses (LPA) to identify distinct population profiles, Additionally, regression analyses were employed to further explore the relationships among variables. Three profiles emerged, showcasing varying degrees of acceptance of sexual aggression myths. The most concerning profile, encompassing 9.2% of participants, displayed the highest alignment with these myths, alongside elevated scores in dark personality traits and pornography consumption. Notwithstanding the three profiles showed significant differences in the acceptance of these myths. Interestingly, the regression analysis highlighted that Machiavellianism stood out as the primary predictor for accepting sexual aggression myths, overshadowing the influence of pornography consumption. This emphasizes the role of personality traits in influencing attitudes towards sexual aggression myths. Moreover, implications for tailored prevention strategies, focusing on high-risk profiles, are discussed, highlighting the potential for targeted interventions to address harmful beliefs and behaviours.

The Role of Positive and Negative Metacognitions About Sex in the Relationship Between Psychological Distress and Problematic Consumption of Pornography. A Mediation Model

Objective This study aims to examine how positive and negative metacognitions about sex (MSS) mediate the relationship between psychological distress and problematic consumption of pornography. Method 821 individuals from Romania, aged 18–70 (M = 27.21; SD = 8.74), 64.4% of whom were women. Results Both positive and negative MSS mediated the link between psychological distress and problematic consumption of pornography. Conclusion MSS plays a crucial role in understanding the dynamics between psychological distress and problematic consumption of pornography. The study contributes to filling a gap in the literature by exploring MSS in this context. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Parents' attitudes and response to their child's pornography consumption in Australia: cross-sectional survey.

Background Parents play an important role in monitoring children's internet use, shaping their child's understanding of sex, and are key stakeholders in the development of sexual health education policies. Therefore, we investigated parents' awareness of and responses to children's pornography exposure. Methods We invited parents with children aged from 8 to 20years (n =1029) to complete an observational cross-sectional online survey about pornography and young people. Results A total of 48% of parents thought that young people view pornography rarely or never, and 21% agreed that watching pornography could be part of a healthy relationship for young people. Some parents (27%) were aware that their child had ever viewed pornography. Most parents (56%) acted on this by talking to their child, while others (10%) took no action, or restricted access to devices (6%). Discussing pornography was found to be strongly associated (P Conclusions These findings provide new insights for policy responses and can guide the development of tools to support parents to respond to their children's pornography exposure.

Examining Relations Between Sexualizing Media Exposure and Sexting Attitudes and Behaviors among U.S. Adolescents.

Based on social cognitive processes (Bandura, 2009), sexualizing media likely provide adolescents with credible role models for their own sexualized self-presentation in other mediated contexts, such as sexting. A survey of 6,093 US adolescents was conducted (Mage = 15.27 years, SD = 1.37; 69.1% cisgender girls; 26.8% cisgender boys, 4.2% gender-minority participants) to examine relations between three types of sexualizing media exposure (reality television, music videos, pornography) and active sexting behaviors (i.e., requesting and sending). Among cisgender boys, exposure to sexually oriented reality television was positively related to active sexting behaviors, but this link was not found for cisgender girls or gender-minority participants. Music video exposure was related to active sexting behaviors only among cisgender boys and pornography consumption was positively related to active sexting behaviors among all gender groups. A positive outcome expectancy (i.e., sexting is fun) consistently mediated these relations. A negative outcome expectancy (i.e., sexting is risky) only mediated the relations between pornography consumption and active sexting behaviors among cisgender girls. Results are discussed in light of social cognitive theory (Bandura, 2009) and the 3AM Model (Wright, 2011).

Correlates of Sexting Coercion Victimization

In an online sample of adults aged 18 to 30 (n = 2,828), we examined if experiencing sexting coercion victimization was correlated with demographic (e.g., sexual orientation), relationship domain variables (e.g., number and length of relationships), prior victimization, sexuality domain variables (e.g., pornography use), and sexting behaviour (e.g., frequency). Approximately 1 in 5 participants reported being pressured (22%; 620/2,828; Nmen = 125, Nwomen = 495), threatened (5%; 144/2,828; Nmen = 19, Nwomen = 125), or coerced (22%; 629/2,828; Nmen = 127, Nwomen = 502) into sending a sext. Prior victimization, greater mating effort (e.g., multiple partners, infidelity) were unique correlates of experiencing sexting coercion victimization. Alternatively, greater pornography consumption among females was associated with a reduction in the likelihood of experiencing sexting coercion victimization. The study highlights correlates that increase an individual’s susceptibility to coercive sexting. Our findings can inform interventions and future research directions.

Affective-Sexual Behaviors in Youth: Analysis of a Public Health Survey in the School Setting.

Adolescence is a critical period for the development of affectivity and sexuality. Adolescents begin to explore their sexual identities, form intimate relationships, and learn to manage their emotions in new and complex contexts. This study aims to analyze the prevalence of habits and behaviors related to the affective-sexual health of adolescents in the fourth year of ESO, identifying risk factors, comparing their behaviors and risks, monitoring these behaviors, analyzing their pornography consumption, and evaluating the use of the internet as a source of sexual information. Descriptive cross-sectional study using questionnaires. Participants are fourth-year ESO students from a school in the Baix Llobregat province (Catalonia), aged between 14 and 18 years. Descriptive and bivariate statistical analyses are conducted using the chi-square test and p-value calculations with the R Project software. Frequency and percentage analyses are also used to describe the health behaviors of the participants. The study reveals that girls have better knowledge of the contraceptive pill and male condom than boys. Sexual initiation and condom use management vary between the genders, with girls being more capable of persuading their partners to use them. Pornography consumption also shows significant differences in terms of the age of initiation and frequency between boys and girls. This study on adolescent affectivity and sexuality reveals knowledge about contraceptives, early sexual initiation, and high pornography consumption, highlighting the need for early and diverse affective-sexual education, youth empowerment, and media misinformation management to promote safer and healthier behaviors within municipal public health.

Pornography consumption and its effect on sexual performance in young men: Urology point of view

AbstractChronic pornography use is a public health problem that has considerable effects on men's health, especially on their sexual performance, having effects that can be encompassed from a biological, social, and psychological approach. Our objective was to conduct a literature review to evaluate the consequences in terms of sexual performance of young men who have chronic consumption of pornography. Chronic pornography consumption was related to erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and alterations in genital anatomy and physiology. Social and psychological effects were also found, such as increased rates of violence towards women, problems with partners, and intimacy. However, benefits of controlled consumption of pornography have also been identified, such as reaffirmation of sexual orientation, stimulation of self‐discovery of the body, and improved communication with partners. Chronic consumption of pornography has direct effects on the sexual performance of young people and should be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team that includes physiological, social, and psychological elements. However, its use may be recommended for people with psychological problems, urological problems, and urological cancer.

아동청소년 음란물 접근성이 자발적 이용에 미치는 영향: 사회적 유해성 인식 조절효과를 중심으로

Child and youth pornography has emerged as a serious social problem. However, empirical research aimed at assessing the current state of the issue and developing countermeasures remains insufficient. To address this gap, this study utilized data from the “National Awareness and Effective Regulatory Measures for Child and Youth Pornography” survey conducted by the Korean Institute of Criminology, involving 5,000 people nationwide. The study examined the impact of accessibility to child and youth pornography on voluntary consumption and verified the moderating effect of perceived social harm on this relationship. The results revealed that higher accessibility to child and youth pornography significantly increased the likelihood of voluntary consumption. Furthermore, a moderating effect was observed, whereby higher levels of perceived social harm reduced the influence of accessibility on the consumption of child and youth pornography. These findings suggest that physical access control measures for child and youth pornography should be implemented in conjunction with efforts to raise awareness of its harmfulness among members of society. The study derives policy and practical implications based on these results.

Pornography, sexual privacy and copyright

This article proposes a new paradigm in the consideration of privacy in pornographic works in copyright enforcement actions. It focuses particularly on attempts to threaten individuals with copyright infringement action based on a speculative invoicing model. We approach this issue from the perspective of the right to sexual privacy of alleged infringers, which, as we argue, is particularly pertinent for pornographic works. The courts in England and Wales have broadly recognised the role of individual privacy and embarrassment caused to alleged infringers in the leading cases of Golden Eye and subsequently in Mircom, but the law remains unclear with no real recognition of, or meaningful mechanisms in place to address, the underlying issues. The article points out that this is due to a fundamental lack of appreciation of sexual privacy at a conceptual level in the context of consumption of pornography in the internet age, and consequent failure to consider this in copyright enforcement proceedings. We argue that the law should achieve a balance between the right holder's interest and the sexual privacy of alleged infringers, and copyright enforcement actions need to be approached with this in mind. This calls for a fundamental reconceptualisation of the right to privacy, and we call upon the courts to recognise and balance the sexual privacy rights of the alleged infringers of copyright in pornographic works with the interests of the right holders in certain copyright enforcement actions to achieve fair and equitable outcomes.

Pornography consumption in pre-/early adolescents: a study on the links with emotion regulation and internalizing/externalizing symptoms

Pornography consumption in pre-/early adolescents: a study on the links with emotion regulation and internalizing/externalizing symptoms

The Problematic Pornography Consumption and Paraphilic Fantasies among Chinese Undergraduates’ Student

The Problematic Pornography Consumption and Paraphilic Fantasies among Chinese Undergraduates’ Student

Prevalence, Causes, and Impacts of Pornography Consumption Among Adolescents in Wamakko Local Government Area, Sokoto State, Nigeria

This paper aims to study the prevalence, causes, and impacts of pornography consumption (PC) among adolescents in Wamakko Local Government Area (WLGA), Sokoto State, Nigeria. A mixed-methods approach was used to gather data for this study. A randomized sampling technique was used to select a total of 550 respondents from the 11 political wards in WLGA, comprising 330 males and 220 females. Microsoft Word and Excel (2016 version) were used for data entry, editing, and cleaning. Furthermore, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS Version 20) software was used to analyze the quantitative data. The results show that 63.3% of the sampled respondents reported being exposed to pornographic content on the internet, primarily through websites and social media platforms. Additionally, the study found that factors like peer influence, the lack of comprehensive sex education, and adolescents’ natural curiosity contribute to adolescent engagement in PC. In conclusion, the study recommends implementing comprehensive sex education in schools, promoting open communication between parents and their children, and raising awareness about the potential consequences of PC.

Statistical predictors of the co-occurrence between gambling disorder and problematic pornography use

Co-occurrence between gambling disorder (GD) and other mental disorders is common, but its association with problematic pornography use (PPU) remains unexplored. This study aimed to investigate relationships between sociodemographic variables, personality measures, psychopathology, emotional regulation, and impulsivity and the co-occurrence of GD and PPU using structural equation modeling (SEM). The sample consisted of 359 adults seeking treatment for GD. The short version of the Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale (PPCS-6) identified patients with GD + PPU. Psychopathology, impulsivity, emotional regulation, and personality were also assessed. Higher impulsivity levels statistically predicted co-occurrence between GD and PPU. Impulsivity mediated the relationship between younger age, maladaptive personality features, and emotional dysregulation and co-occurrence. Psychopathological distress did not directly associate with GD + PPU co-occurrence. Impulsivity relates importantly to the co-occurrence of GD and PPU. Younger age, maladaptive personality, and emotional dysregulation contribute to increased impulsivity levels and co-occurrence. The findings highlight the importance of addressing impulsivity in understanding and treating co-occurring GD and PPU.

Relation between attitudes towards pornography consumption, peer sexual behaviors and attitudes towards premarital sex among the college students in Guangdong province, China

Limited research exists on college students’ attitudes towards premarital sex in China, despite its increasing prevalence among youth. This study examines the correlation between attitudes towards pornography consumption, peer sexual behaviors, and college students’ attitudes towards premarital sex in Guangdong province, China. Using convenient and snowball sampling, 326 participants completed a questionnaire. Results reveal significant correlations between attitudes towards pornography consumption, peer sexual behaviors, and attitudes towards premarital sex. The study discusses implications for practice and policy. These findings offer practical insights for future research on love and marriage in Chinese society.

The Highs and Lows of Pornography Use: Does Motivation Affect Users’ Life Satisfaction?

"The negative outcomes of problematic pornography use (PPU) have been well documented, but there is a gap in the literature on the underlying mechanisms that influence the life satisfaction and mental health of pornography users. In the current study we have used a cross-sectional, person-centered approach in order to reveal the motivational and life satisfaction profile of problematic and non-problematic pornography users based on the theoretical framework of Self-determination Theory (SDT). We also wished to determine the role of self-determination in the life satisfaction of pornography users, as this variable is considered to be relevant for the life satisfaction and mental health of online pornography consumers. Our participants (N = 4302) were Hungarian speaking adults from Romania and Hungary (age M=27,91; SD=9,50), selected through sampling on social networking sites related to pornography, sexual dysfunction and addiction. Individuals were assigned to one of 3 groups (i.e., no symptoms, few symptoms, problematic use), based on the presence of symptoms related to pornography use. Demographic data was gathered, self-determination, life satisfaction and pornography use were assessed using the online version of validated instruments. Results indicated that SDT-based motivation and life satisfaction have a significant role in shaping the profile of pornography users. Participants with PPU felt less satisfied with their life, were less self-aware and experienced lower levels of perceived choice than both no symptom and few symptom groups. Although self-determination significantly predicted life satisfaction, this effect was not influenced by the problematic character of pornography use. Keywords: self-determined motives; life satisfaction; online sexual activities; problematic pornography use."

Erectile Dysfunction in Adolescents and Young Adults.

The goal of this paper is to provide a summary of the recent research, evaluation, work-up, and treatment recommendations regarding erectile dysfunction in adolescents and young adults to better equip pediatric urologists to manage patients with this condition. The latest research regarding erectile dysfunction in this population includes organic and psychogenic etiologies, correlations between the COVID-19 pandemic, and online pornography consumption. In our large pediatric urology practice, we found an 31x increase of adolescent males presenting with erectile dysfunction since 2014. The majority of cases are attributed to a psychogenic etiology such as anxiety or depression. It is likely that with stress from anxiety and depression, cortisol levels rise, increasing vascular resistance and leading erectile dysfunction in this population. Most patients want to be reassured of normal testosterone levels, offered cognitive behavioral therapy, and be rehabilitated with tadalafil starting at 5mg p.o. daily until tapered.

Paraphilic Interests in the Swiss Population: Results of a Representative Survey in the Canton of Zurich

This article presents results of the prevalence and correlates of paraphilic interests. A representative survey conducted in the largest canton of Switzerland among 18- to 50-year-olds ( n = 1,236) shows that masochism and sexual sadism are the most widespread paraphilic interests. At least 1 of 13 paraphilic interests was reported by 46.4% of the respondents. Only a small proportion said they suffered at least slightly from the interest. Among male respondents and younger respondents, various paraphilic interests are significantly more common. In addition, there are significant correlations between paraphilic interests and pornography consumption, on the one hand, and life satisfaction and mental health, on the other.

Holier Than Thou? No Large Partisan Gaps in the Consumption of Pornography Online

Consumption of pornography has been blamed for a variety of societal ills, including the rise in misogyny, sex crimes, and the coarsening of the culture. Using passively collected browsing data from YouGov, we investigate how much pornography Americans consume online. We find that there is a sharp positive skew in the consumption of pornography, with a small number of users consuming lots of pornography and most consuming small amounts. Only about 32 percent of respondents consumed pornography online during the month-long observation period. Of the people who consumed pornography, the median consumer spent about three-quarters of an hour consuming pornography and 95 percent of the consumers spent less than five and a half hours. Lastly, in line with previous research (MacInnis and Hodson, 2015; Edelman, 2009), which was based on aggregated data, we find that Republicans consume slightly more pornography online than Democrats. Adjusting for immutable characteristics like age and gender makes the differences go away.

Differentiating anticipatory and consummatory reward processing in problematic pornography use: An event-related potential analysis of reward dynamics

Problematic pornography use (PPU) is characterized by compulsive and uncontrolled pornography consumption due to a disordered reward processing system. Past studies have shown that reward involves multiple stages, but the connection between these specific stages and PPU remains unclear. In this research, an electrophysiological incentive delay task (IDT) was employed, using both erotic and monetary incentives as rewards, to decompose the distinct phases of both anticipatory and consummatory aspects of reward processing. ERP components linked to reward anticipation (cue-P3 and contingent negative variation, CNV), as well as reward feedback (reward positivity; RewP and feedback-P3; fb-P3), were investigated in a group of 31 individuals with PPU and 33 control participants. In contrast to the control group, who reacted faster to monetary cues, individuals with PPU responded more quickly to erotic cues. RT differences between erotic and monetary cues correlated with CNV amplitudes during anticipation, although no significant CNV differences across groups. In the consummatory phase, controls had higher RewP for large-monetary than large-erotic rewards, not seen in the PPU group. Conversely, the PPU group had increased fb-P3 for large-erotic over large-monetary rewards, a trend absents in controls. Our findings indicate an imbalanced sensitivity in PPU to erotic versus non-erotic rewards, evident in both the anticipatory and consummatory aspects of reward processing. This imbalance could lead to a preference for erotic rewards, possibly fostering addictive sexual behaviors.