Internet pornography: associations with sexual risk behaviour, sexual scripts use within relationships

摘要

Internet pornography may be an important influence upon sexual scripts, yet research into theudcognitive, behavioural and interpersonal outcomes of its use is inconsistent and limited, particularly inudadults, and until recently has been focused primarily upon potential harms. In the current research,udthree online surveys were conducted with Australian adult pornography consumers, and comparisonudgroups of non-users. A systematic review highlighting the lack of research examining the link betweenudpornography use and sexual risk behaviour in adults was the impetus for study one (N=620). Theudresults indicated that current internet pornography use was associated with higher sexual sensationudseeking, and higher sexual compulsivity in females only, but it was not linked with any other indicatorsudof sexual risk behaviour, including number of sexual partners, STI history, condom attitudes, intentionudto use a condom or unsafe casual sex. In study two (N=1016), a model of how internet pornographyudmay act as a form of sexual inspiration was tested. Partial support was demonstrated, asudconsumption was associated with more positive attitudes, greater engagement in a range of sexualudactivities, and higher sexual boredom. No evidence for a link with body or genital image wasuddemonstrated. Finally, use of internet pornography in individuals within relationships was investigatedudin study three (N= 812). Daily or greater use of internet pornography was associated with poorerudintimacy in males only. Sexual communication satisfaction was higher for females, but lower forudmales. Regardless of gender, sexual communication satisfaction was greater when internetudpornography was viewed with a partner. The findings were discussed in terms of the researchudimplications and theoretical perspectives; common antecedents, gender differences and feministudapproaches were considered. Possible clinical implications and avenues for future research wereudthen explored.