Exploring the way sexually explicit material informs sexual beliefs, understanding and practices of young men: A qualitative survey. (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Charles, Peter; Meyrick, Jane
• Is Part Of: Journal of health psychology. Volume 25:Number 13/14(2020)
• Page Start: 2211
• Page End: 2221
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: adolesecent males -- online pornography -- qualitative -- sexual health promotion -- sexually explicit material; Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; 613.019
• DOI: 10.1177/1359105318788736
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-1053

Abstract

Little research has examined how exposure to sexually explicit material may affect beliefs, attitudes and actions of young men. This study explored self-reported effects on young males. A 'snowballed' sample of males aged 18–25 years was recruited within one workplace (11/40 response rate). The qualitative survey data were analysed using thematic analysis. Key themes included increased levels of availability/extreme content of sexually explicit material, seen by young men having negative effects on sexual attitudes/behaviours. Participants reported confusion between real and sexually explicit material which informed expectations of a healthy sex life but may be mediated by potential 'buffers' of family openness or sex education.