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Published on: February 29, 2020
Self-perceived effects of pornography consumption
Gert Martin Hald1, Neil M Malamuth
1The Clinic of Sexology, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark. gertmartinhald@gmail.com
Archives of Sexual Behavior
|September 14, 2007
Summary
Young adults in Denmark perceive pornography consumption as having mostly positive effects on their sexual lives and overall well-being. While negative impacts were minimal, men reported more positive effects than women.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Media Studies
Background:
- Pornography consumption is widespread among young adults.
- Understanding its perceived effects is crucial for public health and policy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the self-perceived effects of hardcore pornography consumption.
- To examine these effects across various life domains in young Danish adults.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to a large, representative sample of Danish men and women aged 18-30.
- The newly developed Pornography Consumption Effect Scale was used to assess perceived impacts.
Main Results:
- Participants reported minimal negative effects from pornography use, with men reporting slightly more than women.
- Moderate positive effects were widely reported, particularly by men, across sexual knowledge, attitudes, and quality of life.
- Sexual background factors significantly predicted both positive and negative perceived effects.
Conclusions:
- Young Danish adults largely perceive pornography consumption as beneficial.
- Findings highlight the importance of self-perception in evaluating media effects.
- Results suggest a complex interplay between individual factors and media consumption impacts.
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