Associations between pornography exposure, body image and sexual body image: A systematic review. (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Paslakis, Georgios; Chiclana Actis, Carlos; Mestre-Bach, Gemma
• Is Part Of: Journal of health psychology. Volume 27:Number 3(2022)
• Page Start: 743
• Page End: 760
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: body image -- genital self-image -- porn -- pornography -- sexual body image; Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; 613.019
• DOI: 10.1177/1359105320967085
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-1053

Abstract

There is evidence for associations between pornography exposure and sexual behaviors of adults and adolescents. Here, we review associations between pornography exposure and body image/sexual body image. Using a systematic search, we found 26 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Compelling evidence shows that frequency of pornography exposure is associated with negatively perceived body image and sexual body image; both heterosexual men and women appear to be affected. Due to scarcity of studies in adolescents and non-heterosexual samples, findings cannot be generalized to adolescents or individuals who identify as sexual minorities. Implications and future directions are discussed.