A lack of association between online pornography exposure, sexual functioning, and mental well-being. Issue 2 (2nd April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Charig, Ruth; Moghaddam, Nima G.; Dawson, David L.; Merdian, Hannah L.; das Nair, Roshan
• Is Part Of: Sexual and relationship therapy. Volume 35:Issue 2(2020)
• Page Start: 258
• Page End: 281
• Publication Date: 2020-04-02
• Subjects: Pornography -- sexuality -- media effects -- perceived realism -- family communication -- online; Sex therapy -- Periodicals; Marital psychotherapy -- Periodicals; 616.6906
• DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2020.1727874
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1468-1994

Abstract

Abstract: To inform debate around potential influences of online pornography, we applied a contemporary media-effects model to examine the relationship between online sexually explicit material (oSEM) exposure and several psychosocial outcomes – including sexual satisfaction, body satisfaction, sexist attitudes, and mental well-being . Perceived realism of oSEM (the extent to which it is believed to be a realistic portrayal of sexual experience) was assessed as a potential mediator of exposure-outcome relationships. Furthermore, family communication about sex and gender were investigated as potential moderators of any indirect relationships (via perceived realism). Using a convenience sample of cisgender, heterosexual adults ( N = 252) and a cross-sectional questionnaire design, we found no significant direct or indirect relationships between oSEM-use and the psychosocial outcomes in question; equivalence testing demonstrated that (for all outcomes other than body satisfaction) we could reject effect sizes ( r s) > ±.20. Overall, findings do not favour a negative or positive relationship between oSEM and the psychosocial outcomes under examination – oSEM appeared to have a negligible role in individuals' current sexual functioning and mental well-being.