Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 5, 2026

Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
Internet Pornography Use, Body Ideals, and Sexual Self-Esteem in Norwegian Gay and Bisexual Men
Ingela Lundin Kvalem1, Bente Træen1, Alex Iantaffi2
1a Department of Psychology , University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between perception of own appearance, Internet pornography consumption, preferences for pornographic actors' appearance, and sexual self-esteem in gay and bisexual men in Norway. An online survey of 477 gay and bisexual men showed that, despite the prevailing muscular and lean gay body ideal, many men with less ideal bodies also preferred to watch pornographic actors with body types similar to their own. Self-perceived attractiveness, having an ideal body type, and viewing Internet pornography in longer sessions each made a unique contribution to higher self-esteem as a sexual partner. Preferring to watch pornographic actors with ideal bodies was not related to sexual self-esteem. The findings underscore the importance for gay or bisexual men of both self-perceived attractiveness and being athletic or young and fit, for a positive self-evaluation of sexual performance and competence.
Related Concept Videos
Sources of Self-Esteem I: Family Experience
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Factors Influencing Attraction II: Physical Attraction
Social Foundations of Self IV: Self in Digital Communication
Sources of Self-Esteem III: Social Comparison
Self-Presentation: Self-Monitoring and Self-Handicapping

