Internet pornography: associations with sexual risk behaviour, sexual scripts & use within relationships
Access status:
Open Access
Type
ThesisThesis type
Masters by ResearchAuthor/s
Harkness, EmilyAbstract
Internet pornography may be an important influence upon sexual scripts, yet research into the cognitive, behavioural and interpersonal outcomes of its use is inconsistent and limited, particularly in adults, and until recently has been focused primarily upon potential harms. In the ...
See moreInternet pornography may be an important influence upon sexual scripts, yet research into the cognitive, behavioural and interpersonal outcomes of its use is inconsistent and limited, particularly in adults, and until recently has been focused primarily upon potential harms. In the current research, three online surveys were conducted with Australian adult pornography consumers, and comparison groups of non-users. A systematic review highlighting the lack of research examining the link between pornography use and sexual risk behaviour in adults was the impetus for study one (N=620). The results indicated that current internet pornography use was associated with higher sexual sensation seeking, and higher sexual compulsivity in females only, but it was not linked with any other indicators of sexual risk behaviour, including number of sexual partners, STI history, condom attitudes, intention to use a condom or unsafe casual sex. In study two (N=1016), a model of how internet pornography may act as a form of sexual inspiration was tested. Partial support was demonstrated, as consumption was associated with more positive attitudes, greater engagement in a range of sexual activities, and higher sexual boredom. No evidence for a link with body or genital image was demonstrated. Finally, use of internet pornography in individuals within relationships was investigated in study three (N= 812). Daily or greater use of internet pornography was associated with poorer intimacy in males only. Sexual communication satisfaction was higher for females, but lower for males. Regardless of gender, sexual communication satisfaction was greater when internet pornography was viewed with a partner. The findings were discussed in terms of the research implications and theoretical perspectives; common antecedents, gender differences and feminist approaches were considered. Possible clinical implications and avenues for future research were then explored.
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See moreInternet pornography may be an important influence upon sexual scripts, yet research into the cognitive, behavioural and interpersonal outcomes of its use is inconsistent and limited, particularly in adults, and until recently has been focused primarily upon potential harms. In the current research, three online surveys were conducted with Australian adult pornography consumers, and comparison groups of non-users. A systematic review highlighting the lack of research examining the link between pornography use and sexual risk behaviour in adults was the impetus for study one (N=620). The results indicated that current internet pornography use was associated with higher sexual sensation seeking, and higher sexual compulsivity in females only, but it was not linked with any other indicators of sexual risk behaviour, including number of sexual partners, STI history, condom attitudes, intention to use a condom or unsafe casual sex. In study two (N=1016), a model of how internet pornography may act as a form of sexual inspiration was tested. Partial support was demonstrated, as consumption was associated with more positive attitudes, greater engagement in a range of sexual activities, and higher sexual boredom. No evidence for a link with body or genital image was demonstrated. Finally, use of internet pornography in individuals within relationships was investigated in study three (N= 812). Daily or greater use of internet pornography was associated with poorer intimacy in males only. Sexual communication satisfaction was higher for females, but lower for males. Regardless of gender, sexual communication satisfaction was greater when internet pornography was viewed with a partner. The findings were discussed in terms of the research implications and theoretical perspectives; common antecedents, gender differences and feminist approaches were considered. Possible clinical implications and avenues for future research were then explored.
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Date
2014-08-01Faculty/School
Faculty of Science, School of PsychologyAwarding institution
The University of SydneyShare