Aggressive Pornography, Hostility Toward Women, and Behavioral Activation System Traits are Differentially Associated...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Criminology
• Sociology

Background:

• Rape myth acceptance (RMA) and intimate partner violence (IPV) disproportionately affect women.
• Aggressive pornography use is linked to both RMA and IPV, though individual differences may mediate this association.
• Existing research on individual differences in the pornography-RMA-IPV link is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the associations between aggressive pornography use, behavioral activation system (BAS) personality traits, and RMA.
• To examine the associations between aggressive pornography use, BAS personality traits, and IPV perpetration.
• To understand the differential impact of personality traits and pornography use on harmful cognitions and behaviors.

Main Methods:

• The study analyzed data from a predominantly White sample (N=146).
• Participants' aggressive pornography use and BAS personality traits (impulsivity, goal-drive persistence, reward reactivity, reward interest) were assessed.
• Statistical models examined the relationships between these factors and RMA and IPV perpetration.

Main Results:

• Impulsivity and hostility toward women were positively associated with RMA.
• Impulsivity, reward interest, hostility toward women, and aggressive pornography use were positively associated with IPV perpetration.
• Goal-drive persistence was negatively associated with IPV perpetration.

Conclusions:

• Aggressive pornography use, hostility toward women, and specific BAS personality traits are differentially linked to RMA and IPV.
• Interventions focusing on impulsive behaviors may help prevent RMA and IPV.
• Understanding personality traits is crucial for addressing the complex relationship between pornography and violence against women.