The Effects of Pornography on Youth

2021 ◽  
pp. 128-146
Author(s):  
Emily F. Rothman
Keyword(s):  
Sex Education ◽  
Moral Panics ◽  
Online Pornography ◽  
Public Health Professionals ◽  
Sexual Media ◽  
Sexually Explicit ◽  
Pornography Use ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Positive Perspective ◽  
Sex Positive

Historically, moral panics have often centered the possible impact of media on youth. It is not easy to disentangle the effects of sexual media in general from the effects of sexually explicit media on youth. However, this chapter argues that the bulk of the evidence on the influence of mainstream online pornography on youth suggests that there is, on average, a negative effect and that there may be particular reasons for concern in the absence of comprehensive sex education. The chapter provides statistical information on the prevalence of pornography use by youth, the age of first exposure, and sexting, as well as evidence-based information about risk factors for, and consequences of, use. The chapter argues that public health professionals need to safeguard underage youth from the potential harms of pornography while pushing back on nonscientific claims about its effects and promoting a sex-positive perspective on sex simultaneously.

Internet Sexuality

2012 ◽  
pp. 807-827 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola M. Döring
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sex Work ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Sexually Explicit Material ◽  
Online Pornography ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Explicit Material ◽  
Sexually Explicit ◽  
Sexual Contacts

“Internet sexuality” is an umbrella term that refers to all sex-related content and activities observable on the internet. Six main categories of internet sexuality can be identified: (1) sexually explicit material (erotica and pornography), (2) sex education, (3) sexual contacts, (4) sexual subcultures, (5) sex shops, and (6) sex work. While online pornography is the most investigated and most controversial form of internet sexuality, online sex education is the most widely sought out type of sex-related content. All six areas of internet sexuality are associated with both opportunities and challenges for the sexual health of different groups of internet users.

scholarly journals The Pornography “Rebooting” Experience: A Qualitative Analysis of Abstinence Journals on an Online Pornography Abstinence Forum

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
David P. Fernandez ◽  
Daria J. Kuss ◽  
Mark D. Griffiths
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Strategies ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Online Pornography ◽  
Support Resources ◽  
Pornography Use ◽  
Perceived Effects ◽  
The Right ◽  
Number Of Individuals ◽  
Rule Out

AbstractA growing number of individuals using online forums are attempting to abstain from pornography (colloquially termed “rebooting”) due to self-perceived pornography-related problems. The present qualitative study explored phenomenological experiences of abstinence among members of an online “rebooting” forum. A total of 104 abstinence journals by male forum members were systematically analyzed using thematic analysis. A total of four themes (with a total of nine subthemes) emerged from the data: (1) abstinence is the solution to pornography-related problems, (2) sometimes abstinence seems impossible, (3) abstinence is achievable with the right resources, and (4) abstinence is rewarding if persisted with. Members’ primary reasons for initiating “rebooting” involved desiring to overcome a perceived addiction to pornography and/or alleviate perceived negative consequences attributed to pornography use, especially sexual difficulties. Successfully achieving and maintaining abstinence was typically experienced to be very challenging due to habitual behavior patterns and/or cravings triggered by a multiplicity of cues for pornography use, but a combination of internal (e.g., cognitive-behavioral strategies) and external (e.g., social support) resources made abstinence attainable for many members. A range of benefits attributed to abstinence by members suggest that abstaining from pornography could potentially be a beneficial intervention for problematic pornography use, although future prospective studies are needed to rule out possible third variable explanations for these perceived effects and to rigorously evaluate abstinence as an intervention. The present findings shed light on what the “rebooting” experience is like from members’ own perspectives and provide insights into abstinence as an approach for addressing problematic pornography use.

Does size matter? Genital self-image, genital size, pornography use and openness towards cosmetic genital surgery in 3662 Swedish men and women

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingvill Bagøien Hustad ◽  
Karin Malmqvist ◽  
Ekaterina Ivanova ◽  
Christian Ruck ◽  
Jesper Enander
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sexually Explicit Material ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Genital Surgery ◽  
Labia Minora ◽  
Self Image ◽  
Explicit Material ◽  
Sexually Explicit ◽  
Pornography Use ◽  
Size Matter

This cross-sectional study investigated the distribution and characteristics of genial self-image in a large sample of males and females, and whether factors such as actual genial size (length of penis or protrusion of labia minora), consumption of sexually explicit material (SEM) or avoidance and safety seeking behaviors were associated with genital self-image. Overall, 3.6% of females and 5.5% of males suffered from a severely low genital self-image and 33.8% of all individuals reported dissatisfaction with the appearance of their genitalia, with 13.7% of females and 11.3% of males being positive towards undergoing cosmetic genital surgery. Mean protrusion of labia minora and stretched flaccid penis length in the population was estimated to 0.76 cm (95% CI 0.63-0.89 cm) and 12.5 cm (95% CI 12.33-12.76 cm), respectively. A better genital self-image was associated with having a larger penis or less protruding labia minora, but not associated with the degree of SEM consumption, although 93.6% of males and 57.5% of females had consumed SEM in the past three months. Avoidance and safety seeking behaviors were strongly correlated with a negative genital self-image. Considering this relationship, more research is warranted in the development of potential psychological interventions in order to alleviate genital dissatisfaction in individuals.

scholarly journals Studying Sex: A Content Analysis of Sexuality Research in Counseling Psychology

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 528-546 ◽  
Author(s):  
Candice Hargons ◽  
Della V. Mosley ◽  
Danelle Stevens-Watkins
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Counseling Psychology ◽  
Human Sexuality ◽  
People Of Color ◽  
Sexuality Research ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Racial Groups ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
Positive Perspective ◽  
Sex Positive

Using a sex-positive framework, we conducted a 61-year (1954–2015) content analysis of sexuality research featured in The Counseling Psychologist and the Journal of Counseling Psychology. We aimed to uncover (a) which human sexuality topics were published most, (b) whether the publications aligned with sex-positive, neutral, or negative discourse, (c) what methodologies were used, and (d) differences in how populations were investigated across racial groups. We used an integrative approach to the content analysis and human coding. Results highlighted in 188 articles meeting criteria, the largest focus (38%) was on sexual orientation, sexual identity, and sexual minorities; only 5% utilized a sex-positive perspective. Quantitative and conceptual articles were the most published methods, and publications disproportionately focused on non-Latino White populations. When people of color were included, the discourse was sex negative. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

The Impacts of Sexual Media Exposure on Adolescent and Emerging Adults’ Dating and Sexual Violence Attitudes and Behaviors: A Critical Review of the Literature

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 439-452 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kara Anne E. Rodenhizer ◽  
Katie M. Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Attitudes And Behaviors ◽  
Sexual Media ◽  
Sexually Violent ◽  
Sexually Explicit ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
Media Preferences ◽  
Violence Attitudes ◽  
The Impact

Dating violence (DV) and sexual violence (SV) are widespread problems among adolescents and emerging adults. A growing body of literature demonstrates that exposure to sexually explicit media (SEM) and sexually violent media (SVM) may be risk factors for DV and SV. The purpose of this article is to provide a systematic and comprehensive literature review on the impact of exposure to SEM and SVM on DV and SV attitudes and behaviors. A total of 43 studies utilizing adolescent and emerging adult samples were reviewed, and collectively the findings suggest that (1) exposure to SEM and SVM is positively related to DV and SV myths and more accepting attitudes toward DV and SV; (2) exposure to SEM and SVM is positively related to actual and anticipated DV and SV victimization, perpetration, and bystander nonintervention; (3) SEM and SVM more strongly impact men’s DV and SV attitudes and behaviors than women’s DV and SV attitudes and behaviors; and (4) preexisting attitudes related to DV and SV and media preferences moderate the relationship between SEM and SVM exposure and DV and SV attitudes and behaviors. Future studies should strive to employ longitudinal and experimental designs, more closely examine the mediators and moderators of SEM and SVM exposure on DV and SV outcomes, focus on the impacts of SEM and SVM that extend beyond men’s use of violence against women, and examine the extent to which media literacy programs could be used independently or in conjunction with existing DV and SV prevention programs to enhance effectiveness of these programming efforts.

“Be proactive not reactive”: Understanding gaps in student sexual consent education

2021 ◽  
pp. e20210003
Author(s):  
Brittany Thiessen ◽  
Linzi Williamson ◽  
Carie M. Buchanan
Keyword(s):  
Health Education ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Sexual Consent ◽  
Sexual Health Education ◽  
Healthy Sexuality ◽  
Wholistic Education ◽  
Sex Positive ◽  
Violence Prevention Programs

A growing number of universities are providing sexual violence prevention programs to students in recognizing the need for this programming. While universities favour programs on singular topics aimed at preventing sexual violence, scholars have argued that comprehensive sexual health education should begin prior to entering university to better ensure safer campus communities. Further, students have expressed unmet needs regarding the sexual health education they received prior to attending university. Therefore, the current study sought to explore gaps in sexual health education as identified by university students. Participants ( N = 444) were asked to describe the consent definition they were taught in high school and from their parents, and how the sexual health education they received could have been improved. An inductive thematic analysis was used to identify six themes from the data: back to consent education basics, you have the power to set boundaries, staying safe in sexual situations, take a sex-positive approach with sex education, wholistic education on consent-based relations, and practical recommendations for providing sex education. Findings highlight that participants desired a more wholistic approach to their sexual health education that included practical components on healthy sexuality. Notably, participants relayed how proper sexual health education may have prevented experiences of sexual violence they had. Thus, it is essential to continue exploring how best to provide comprehensive sexual health education to adolescents.

Let's Talk about Sex

2017 ◽  
pp. 47-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabrina Monique Nuno
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Sexual Satisfaction ◽  
Education Programs ◽  
Healthy Relationships ◽  
Radical Reform ◽  
Communication About Sex ◽  
Sexual Health Communication ◽  
Emotional Aspects ◽  
Sex Positive

Developing comfort in having an open and honest conversation about sex is essential to better our community's sexual health and to assist individuals in developing happy and healthy relationships. Discourse about sex commonly begins in schools' sex education programs, but these programs need radical reform. The current mandated sex education programs only cover the basic anatomy of sex with the emphasis of abstinence. However, reformation to a sex positive approach within sex education would educate individuals on the physiological, psychological and emotional aspects of sex, and could promote safe sex practices for both mental and sexual health. Communication is extremely important for all types of sex relationships; communication in general about sex is correlated with higher rates of overall relationship satisfaction. Communication about one's sexual needs and desires leads to higher levels of sexual satisfaction. Higher levels of satisfaction lead to higher levels of overall relational satisfaction, emphasizing importance of communication about sex.

The Use of Online Pornography as Compensation for Loneliness and Lack of Social Ties Among Israeli Adolescents

2018 ◽  
Vol 122 (5) ◽  
pp. 1865-1882 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaniv Efrati ◽  
Yair Amichai-Hamburger
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Activity ◽  
Psychological Factors ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Sexual Activities ◽  
Attachment Orientations ◽  
Online Pornography ◽  
Ability To Act ◽  
Pornography Use ◽  
The Impact

The Internet provides people with the ability to act anonymously, which may lead them to feel secure and to release them from many of their inhibitions. In many cases, this leads them to participate in cybersex activities and online pornography. This study examined the psychological factors behind young people’s sexual behavior online. Participants comprised 713 Israeli adolescents (383 boys and 330 girls) aged 14 to 18 years. Our results indicated that the impact of loneliness on online sexual activity and frequency of pornography use was dependent on participants’ attachment orientations. Engagement in online sexual activities and use of pornography were high among anxiously attached individuals regardless of the extent of their loneliness. Loneliness was found to increase the use of online sexual activities and pornography, only among secure and anxiously avoidant individuals. Online sexual activity and pornography were also found to be related to offline sexual activity. The results are described and discussed.

scholarly journals Use of Sexually Explicit Materials as Sex Education Tools to Reduce the Number of Recurrences of Urinary Tract Infection in Sexually Active Women

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 146-151
Author(s):  
Gajanan Shripad Bhat ◽  
Anuradha Shastry
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Tract Infection ◽  
Urinary Tract ◽  
Tract Infection ◽  
Sexual Intercourse ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
The Other ◽  
Sexual Practices ◽  
Sexually Active ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Sexually Explicit

Context: As sexual intercourse is a known risk factor for recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) in women, we decided to evaluate a novel method of sex education using sexually explicit materials (SEM) to reduce the number of recurrences of UTI in sexually active women, when the other preventive measures fail to reduce the number of recurrences of UTI in these women. Methods: After obtaining written informed consent and ethical committee approval, sexually active women with a single sexual partner, who presented for recurrent symptomatic UTI following sexual intercourse, were included in this study. The absence of recurrence for 6 months, successful postcoital drug prophylaxis, the presence of comorbidities, anatomical abnormalities of the genitourinary tract (GUT), history of instrumentation of GUT, and use of contraception were exclusion criteria. Their demographic profile, socioeconomic status, imaging studies, pre- and post-intervention urine culture profile and pre- and post-intervention sexual practices were recorded. During every visit, all these women along with their male partners were given sex education sessions about healthy sexual practices using SEM. Data is analyzed. Results: Study period was January 2012 to June 2018. A total of 107 women with the mean age of 30.11 years were included in the study. A total of 82% of UTI were due to Escherichia coli, whereas the other cases were attributable to Klebsiella, Proteus, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. Their preintervention yearly incidence of documented UTI was 4.04 episodes which reduced to 1.91 episodes post intervention. Conclusions: Sex education with SEM can be an option to treat recurrent UTI in sexually active women.

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