Characteristics that predict exposure to and subsequent intentional viewing of child sexual abuse material among a community sample of Internet users.

BACKGROUND: An important element of reducing the sexual abuse and exploitation of children is to understand the behaviors of individuals who consume child sexual abuse material (CSAM), including the predictors of continued use. OBJECTIVE: To investigate predictors of 'ever viewing' CSAM and subsequent intentional use among individuals in the community. METHOD: This study used multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify significant predictors of ever viewing CSAM (n = 742) in an anonymous survey of 5512 Internet users in the community, and of subsequent intentional CSAM use among a subset of 459 CSAM viewers. RESULTS: The characteristics of respondents that were significantly associated with ever viewing CSAM were being male, older in age (25-34 and 55+ years cf. 18-24 years), residing in Australia, New Zealand, or Canada (cf. the United Kingdom), earlier exposure to adult pornography (<14 years), experiencing childhood physical abuse or neglect, viewing bestiality pornography featuring adults, viewing bondage/S&M (BDSM) pornography featuring adults, being likely (self-reported) to have sexual contact with a child, and visiting pedophilic chat forums online. In the subset sample, almost half (218, 47.5 %) viewed CSAM again intentionally after first exposure. Predictors of subsequent intentional viewing of CSAM after adjusting for age and country of residence were being male, ever experiencing loneliness, searching for CSAM intentionally at first exposure, being likely (self-reported) to have sexual contact with a child, and visiting pedophilic chat forums online. CONCLUSIONS: The findings have strong implications for prevention of first exposure to CSAM, and of continued CSAM use after exposure does occur.

"Your Photos, Your Fault": Masculine Honor Beliefs and Perceptions of Revenge Pornography.

We examined how individual differences in masculine honor beliefs (MHBs) related to third-person perceptions of revenge pornography (i.e., a man distributing nude photos of his ex-girlfriend) in response to a break-up. Consistent with our hypotheses, higher levels of MHBs were associated with higher ratings of the woman as negative, higher levels of victim-blaming the woman, and higher ratings of revenge pornography as justified. Furthermore, participants perceived the woman as more at fault, and the man's behavior as more justified, when she cheated on him prior to his revenge (compared to when she did not cheat). Overall, our results suggest that both higher levels of MHBs and instances of infidelity inspire beliefs that disempower women victims. Our research extends our understanding of how MHBs and situational factors relate to perceptions of revenge pornography, including its justification and the stigmatization of its victims.

Pornographic Video Consumption and Partner Preference Among Chinese Male Sexual Minorities: The Moderating Role of Perceived Realism.

A growing body of research documents that the use of pornography is becoming more frequent among male sexual minorities. According to the sexual script acquisition, activation, application model of mediated sexual socialization (3AM), pornography can be considered a potential factor influencing an individual's partner preference. In addition, perceived realism could moderate the link between pornography consumption and partner preferences. This study explored the relationship between pornographic video consumption and partner preference among male sexual minorities and the moderating role of perceived realism. A total of 595 male sexual minorities aged 18 to 47 years (M = 21.70, SD = 3.83), including 82.9% gay men and 17.1% bisexual men, were enrolled in the study. Our results revealed the following: (1) The frequency of pornographic video consumption and male sexual minorities' preferences for appearance and sexual ability in partner selection were positively correlated (r = .06/.07, ps < .05). (2) When perceived realism was low, pornographic video consumption was not significantly associated with appearance and sexual ability preference. (3) Conversely, when perceived realism was high, pornographic video consumption was positively associated with appearance and sexual ability preference (ß = .17/.16, ps < .01). Findings highlight the mechanisms behind pornographic video consumption and partner preference in sexual minority males.

Neural Correlates of the Attentional Bias Towards Subliminal Pornographic Cues in Individuals with Tendencies Toward Problematic Pornography Use: An ERP Study Using a Dot-Probe Task.

Attentional bias toward addiction-related stimuli has been implicated in the development and maintenance of addiction disorders. Several previous studies have reported an attentional bias toward pornographic cues in individuals with problematic pornography use (PPU). Since attentional bias can occur without conscious awareness, the purpose of this study was to use electroencephalography to examine whether individuals with a high tendency for PPU exhibit attentional bias at the level of the preconscious processing. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded while male participants with high (n = 24) and low (n = 23) levels of subclinical PPU performed a masked version of the dot-probe task measuring attentional bias toward subliminally presented pornographic stimuli. Behavioral data revealed that participants from both groups with high and low tendencies for PPU reacted faster to probes replacing pornographic images than to probes replacing neutral images. ERPs revealed that individuals with a high tendency for PPU exhibited larger probe-locked P1 amplitudes following masked pornographic images (valid condition) compared with masked neutral images (invalid condition). Additionally, PPU symptom severity correlated positively with the P1 amplitude difference between valid and invalid conditions. These results highlight the automaticity of attentional capture by pornographic stimuli and support the hypothesis of an addiction-related attentional bias during preconscious processes. The implication of these findings for understanding the clinical phenomenon of out-of-control addictive behavior are discussed.

Labels Are For Soup Cans: How Self-Labeling as "Addicted" to Pornography Is Associated with Negative Outcomes.

Pornography viewers often report being addicted to pornography even if their behavior does not indicate such addiction. In this study with 1099 participants (52% male), we explored how the specific belief in being addicted to pornography could predict both individual and relational outcomes beyond actual pornography use and reported compulsive pornography use (i.e., considering one's use to be out of control). Using a structural equation model, our results showed that higher agreement with the pornography addiction label, without accounting for compulsivity, was associated with higher depression, suicide ideation, communication discomfort about pornography, and higher odds of having a relationship end solely because of pornography. After accounting for compulsivity, higher agreement with the pornography addiction label was only associated with higher communication discomfort about pornography and higher odds of having a relationship end solely because of pornography. This study highlights that identifying as addicted to pornography may include a stigma that is particularly detrimental to relationship outcomes.

BDSM Safety in Pornography: Its Perceived Accuracy and Impact on Practitioners' Safe Word Practices.

As some BDSM activities can carry risk of temporary or permanent marks/injury, and even death, safety is a foundational principle to BDSM participation. Given the connection between BDSM and sex for some practitioners, pornography is a likely domain for learning about BDSM safety, given its easy accessibility online. However, it is unclear whether practitioners view BDSM safety depicted in pornography as accurate and whether it influences their own practices. Therefore, the current study surveyed self-identified BDSM practitioners' perceptions of pornography's accurate representation of communication, consent, safe words, negotiation, general safety, and how these perceptions relate to their use of safe words and safety training in their own activities. Results showed that (1) demographics nor BDSM-related attributes predicted perceived accuracy of BDSM safety depictions in pornography; (2) perceived accuracy of pornography's depiction of BDSM general safety and safe words did not predict practitioners' negotiation or use of safe words; however, years of BDSM experience did predict safe word usage; (3) submissive-related BDSM roles were more likely to use safe words than dominant-related BDSM roles; (4) those who participated in BDSM only in private were less likely to have CPR and/or first-aid training and more likely to have no other safety training; (5) those who believed pornography depicted BDSM safety mostly/very accurately were more likely to have no safety training; and (6) years of BDSM experience did not predict safety training. The impact of these findings on how we understand the influence of pornography on real-world BDSM practices are discussed.

The effect of therapeutic and deterrent messages on Internet users attempting to access 'barely legal' pornography.

Online child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is a growing problem. Prevention charities, such as Stop It Now! UK, use online messaging to dissuade users from viewing CSAM and to encourage them to consider anonymous therapeutic interventions. This experiment used a honeypot website that purported to contain barely legal pornography, which we treated as a proxy for CSAM. We examined whether warnings would dissuade males (18-30 years) from visiting the website. Participants (n = 474) who attempted to access the site were randomly allocated to one of four conditions. The control group went straight to the landing page (control; n = 100). The experimental groups encountered different warning messages: deterrence-themed with an image (D3; n = 117); therapeutic-themed (T1; n = 120); and therapeutic-themed with an image (T3; n = 137). We measured the click through to the site. Three quarters of the control group attempted to enter the pornography site, compared with 35 % to 47 % of the experimental groups. All messages were effective: D3 (odds ratio [OR] = 5.02), T1 (OR = 4.06) and T2 (OR = 3.05). Images did not enhance warning effectiveness. We argue that therapeutic and deterrent warnings are useful for CSAM-prevention.

Statistical predictors of the co-occurrence between gambling disorder and problematic pornography use.

Co-occurrence between gambling disorder (GD) and other mental disorders is common, but its association with problematic pornography use (PPU) remains unexplored. This study aimed to investigate relationships between sociodemographic variables, personality measures, psychopathology, emotional regulation, and impulsivity and the co-occurrence of GD and PPU using structural equation modeling (SEM). The sample consisted of 359 adults seeking treatment for GD. The short version of the Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale (PPCS-6) identified patients with GD + PPU. Psychopathology, impulsivity, emotional regulation, and personality were also assessed. Higher impulsivity levels statistically predicted co-occurrence between GD and PPU. Impulsivity mediated the relationship between younger age, maladaptive personality features, and emotional dysregulation and co-occurrence. Psychopathological distress did not directly associate with GD + PPU co-occurrence. Impulsivity relates importantly to the co-occurrence of GD and PPU. Younger age, maladaptive personality, and emotional dysregulation contribute to increased impulsivity levels and co-occurrence. The findings highlight the importance of addressing impulsivity in understanding and treating co-occurring GD and PPU.

Porn or Partner Arousal? When It Comes to Romantic Relationships, Not All Sexual Arousal Is Equal: A Prospective Study.

Little is known about the role of subjective sexual arousal within romantic relationships. The current paper addresses this limitation using a prospective study design that investigates the direct associations between subjective sexual arousal induced by a romantic partner (partner arousal) and arousal induced by pornography (porn arousal) on changes in relational outcomes. A total of 309 participants who were in a current romantic relationship completed measures of partner and porn arousal as well as relational outcomes (i.e., sexual satisfaction and relationship quality and stability) at baseline (T1) and completed a second assessment of relational outcomes 2 months later (T2). Partner arousal was found to have no significant associations with changes in relational outcomes; however, porn arousal was associated with significant declines in sexual satisfaction and relationship quality and stability over a 2-month period. This paper is the first to examine how feeling sexually aroused by porn may impact relational outcomes for those in romantic relationships.

The Associations of Pornography Use and Body Image Among Heterosexual and Sexual Minority Men.

This study investigated the relationship between pornography use and men's body image, utilizing the social comparison theory as the theoretical framework. The research focused on a moderated mediation model, examining the role of social body comparison as a mediator between pornography use (frequency and problematic use) and men's body image. The sample consisted of 726 men aged 18-68, with 223 (30.7%) identifying as sexual minorities. Sexual minority men reported higher levels of pornography use frequency, problematic use, perceived realism, social body comparison, negative body image, and psychological distress compared to heterosexual men. Findings revealed that problematic pornography use (but not frequency of use) was related to higher levels of social body comparison, which, in turn, were related to higher levels of negative body image. The perceived realism in pornography did not moderate the examined associations. Clinicians should consider the impact of the relationship between pornography and body image among men.

Accessing child sexual abuse material: Pathways to offending and online behaviour.

BACKGROUND: Most research examining the consumption of online child sexual abuse material (CSAM) has focused on offenders' demographic and psychological characteristics. While such research may assist in the development of therapeutic interventions with known offenders, it has little to offer the development of interventions for the vast majority of offenders who are never caught. OBJECTIVE: To learn more about the offending strategies of CSAM offenders, in order to inform prevention efforts to deter, disrupt, and divert individuals from their pursuit of CSAM. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: Seventy-five male CSAM offenders, who were living in the community and were voluntarily participating in a treatment programme. METHODS: Participants completed a detailed self-report questionnaire focussing on their pathways to offending and their online behaviour. RESULTS: Most participants reported that they did not initially seek out CSAM but that they first encountered it inadvertently or became curious after viewing legal pornography. Their involvement in CSAM subsequently progressed over time and their offending generally became more serious. The most notable feature of participants' online behaviour was the relative lack of sophisticated technical expertise. Opportunity and other situational factors emerged as mediators of offending frequency. Offending patterns were affected by participants' psychological states (e.g., depression, anger, stress), offline relationships and commitments (e.g., arguments with spouse, loss of job), and online experiences (e.g., blocked sites, viruses, warning messages). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that many offenders are receptive to change and may be potentially diverted from their offending pathway.

Who Finds Pornography Stressful? A Latent Profile Analysis.

This study explores the connection between pornography use, sexual functioning, and mental health using latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify distinct profiles among pornography users and assess variations in mental health, including anxiety, depression, and emotion regulation. The aim of this study was to identify profiles among pornography users, specifically distinguishing those with sexual distress and sexual function problems, characterize these profiles, and assess variations in mental health. Data were collected from 463 participants through an anonymous online survey. Three distinct pornography user profiles were identified based on their consumption and sexual problems: high-frequency problematic pornography use (PPU, which is defined as uncontrollable patterns of pornography use resulting in adverse consequences and significant distress) with sexual problems, high-frequency non-PPU without/with low sexual problems, and no/low-frequency non-PPU without sexual problems. Differences among the profiles emerged in anxiety and depressive symptoms as well as emotion regulation capabilities. The high-frequency PPU with sexual problems group exhibited lower emotion regulation capabilities, while the no/low-frequency non-PPU without sexual problems group reported significantly lower depressive symptoms. This study emphasizes the multifaceted nature of pornography use, revealing that certain patterns may be more problematic. The findings highlight the interplay between emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, problematic pornography use, and sexual problems and distress. Recognizing these distinct profiles is crucial for understanding the relationship between pornography use and sexual and mental well-being, ultimately contributing to more targeted interventions and improved outcomes for all populations.

Exploring patterns and determinants of premarital sexual behaviour among Indonesian university students.

This study is aimed to explore the patterns and determinants of premarital sexual behaviour among Indonesian university students. The research was conducted by online survey, a cross-sectional approach (530 students). Research variables include knowledge, attitudes, practices, and demographic variables. Data were analyzed descriptively, using the Chi-Square test, Fisher Exact Test, and logistic regression to investigate the factors associated with premarital practices. The average age of respondents is 19 years old, with a small portion exposed to pornography. The primary source of pornography exposure is online, with the majority of respondents having good knowledge. Half of the respondents have a positive attitude towards reproductive health. A small portion of respondents have engaged in premarital sex, without using condoms, and have changed partners. In addition, exposure to pornography was significantly associated with premarital sexual practice (p=0.000). Collaboration among stakeholders (university, NGOs, lecturers, and students) is needed to enhance students' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding reproductive health to prevent premarital sexual practices among university students.

Cette étude vise à explorer les modèles et les déterminants du comportement sexuel avant le mariage chez les étudiants universitaires indonésiens. La recherche a été menée par enquête en ligne, une approche transversale (530 étudiants). Les variables de recherche comprennent les connaissances, les attitudes, les pratiques et les variables démographiques. Les données ont été analysées de manière descriptive, à l'aide du test du Chi carré, du test exact de Fisher et de la régression logistique pour étudier les facteurs associés aux pratiques prénuptiales. L'âge moyen des répondants est de 19 ans, avec une petite partie exposée à la pornographie. La principale source d'exposition à la pornographie est en ligne, la majorité des personnes interrogées en ayant de bonnes connaissances. La moitié des personnes interrogées ont une attitude positive envers la santé reproductive. Une petite partie des personnes interrogées ont eu des relations sexuelles avant le mariage, sans utiliser de préservatifs, et ont changé de partenaire. De plus, l'exposition à la pornographie était significativement associée à la pratique sexuelle avant le mariage (p = 0,000). La collaboration entre les parties prenantes (université, ONG, professeurs et étudiants) est nécessaire pour améliorer les connaissances, les attitudes et les comportements des étudiants en matière de santé reproductive afin de prévenir les pratiques sexuelles avant le mariage parmi les étudiants universitaires.

Pornography use, demographic and sexual health characteristics among university students: a gender-based comparative study of non-users, non-problematic users, and problematic users.

BACKGROUND: Limited gender-based research has compared sexual health among pornography users (PUs) and non-users, including non-problematic pornography users (non-PPUs) and problematic pornography users (PPUs), particularly in non-Western cultures. METHODS: A 2022 cross-sectional study involving 450 Iranian university students categorized participants as PUs or non-users based on 12 months of use. PUs were further classified as non-PPUs or PPUs using the 'Problematic Pornography Use Scale' cutoff point, with comparisons of demographic and sexual variables made between these groups. RESULTS: Pornography use was reported among 39.6% of students, including 51.7% of men and 33.6% of women. In general, 9.5% of participants were PPUs, including 17.4% of men and 5.6% of women. PUs were mainly men, had fewer children, shorter marriages, lower religiosity, and lower levels of education. Compared with non-users, PUs reported earlier sexual relationships, lower satisfaction with sex frequency and communication, and greater rates of extramarital relationships, masturbation, sexual desire, and sexual distress. PPUs reported more sexual desire, pornography use, masturbation, and extramarital affairs than non-PPUs. Similar patterns in demographics, sexual history, and health were observed in pornography use across genders. The regression indicated being male (OR: 2.42, 95% CI: 1.44-4.06), having lower education (OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.81-0.97), fewer children (OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.48-0.86), higher masturbation (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.14-1.49), more extramarital relationship (OR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.07-2.67), less religiosity (OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.82-0.93), more sexual excitement (OR: 0.79, 95% CI:0.62-1), and more sexual distress (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.02-1.32) were associated with pornography use. Two-way ANOVA found no significant effects of gender or pornography use on sexual satisfaction. Women had worse sexual function regardless of usage. Pornography users, regardless of gender, experienced higher sexual distress.

Anticipation of sexually arousing visual event leads to overestimation of elapsed time.

Subjective estimates of duration are affected by emotional expectations about the future. For example, temporal intervals preceding a threatening event such as an electric shock are estimated as longer than intervals preceding a non-threatening event. However, it has not been unequivocally shown that such temporal overestimation occurs also when anticipating a similarly arousing but appealing event. In this study, we examined how anticipation of visual erotic material influenced perceived duration. Participants did a temporal bisection task, where they estimated durations of visual cues relative to previously learned short and long standard durations. The color of the to-be-timed visual cue signalled either a chance of seeing a preferred erotic picture at the end of the interval or certainty of seeing a neutral grey bar instead. The results showed that anticipating an appealing event increased the likelihood of estimating the cue duration as long as compared to the anticipation of a grey bar. Further analyses showed that this temporal overestimation effect was stronger for those who rated the anticipated erotic pictures as more sexually arousing. The results thus indicate that anticipation of appealing events has a similar dilating effect on perceived duration as does the anticipation of aversive events.

Women's Pornography Use Patterns and Sexuality Education in U.S. Public Schools.

This study investigated the relationship between sexuality education in U.S. public schools and women's pornography use. Utilizing quantitative methods, we examined a sample of women attending U.S. public schools who reported regular pornography use. Results revealed that, regardless of the type of sexuality education received, women exhibited similar rates of pornography use, with 60% reporting its use. A substantial portion (69%) of the women began using pornography during childhood or adolescence. Women who received abstinence only sexuality education reported higher frequencies of pornography use compared to their comprehensive sexuality education counterparts. About 79% of women using pornography perceived it as a source of sexuality learning, especially regarding sexual pleasure. However, they expressed reluctance in using pornography for sexual education and did not consider it a preferred method for learning about sexuality. The findings suggest the need for comprehensive sexuality education that addresses essential topics, such as sexual pleasure and sexual script development, to cater to women's diverse learning needs, ideally taught by parents or primary caregivers, but may be necessary for public education in the absence of parental instruction. Policymakers and educators should bridge these gaps to develop more effective sexuality education curricula. This study contributes valuable insights, highlighting the importance of an inclusive approach to sexuality education in U.S. public schools. Future research should explore the implications of different sexuality education approaches on women's sexual development and well-being, emphasizing comprehensive education to foster healthy sexual behaviors among women.

Associations Between Pornography Use Through Different Media and Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction Among Cohabiting Couples.

Pornography can be used through multiple media and its associations with couples' relationship and sexual satisfaction are mixed. The aims of this study were to examine the proportion of use of different pornographic media (i.e., videos, pictures, audio material, and written material), including different contents (i.e., sexual activities and nudity), gender-based differences in the frequency of use of these media, and the associations between an individual's frequency of use of different pornographic media and their own and their partner's sexual and relationship satisfaction, considering potential gender differences. A sample of 706 adult couples (1368 participants; Mage = 32.19 years) completed online self-report questionnaires. Results of actor-partner interdependence models indicated that video use was associated with lower relationship and sexual satisfaction, and partners' lower sexual satisfaction. Picture use was associated with lower relationship satisfaction and partners' lower sexual satisfaction. Written material use was associated with lower sexual satisfaction. Cisgender women's audio use was associated with their own higher sexual satisfaction, whereas cisgender men's audio use was associated with their partner's lower sexual satisfaction. These findings suggest different associations with sexual and relationship satisfaction depending on the pornographic media.

Understanding cybercrime's impact on women's physical and psychological well-being.

This study examines how cybercrimes impact women's well-being in digital spaces, focusing on online harassment, cyberbullying, misinformation, and non-consensual exposure to explicit content. Survey data from 200 respondents show concerning trends: 102 experienced online harassment, 63 encountered false health information, 47 were approached to sexting, and 28 were exposed to pornography without consent. Qualitative insights highlight emotional distress. Urgent actions include awareness-raising, education, and tailored support networks. These findings underscore the need to combat cybercrimes and empower women online.

Cette étude examine comment les cybercrimes affectent le bien-être des femmes dans les espaces numériques, en se concentrant sur le harcèlement en ligne, la cyberintimidation, la désinformation et l'exposition non consentie à du contenu explicite. Les données d'une enquête auprès de 200 répondants montrent des tendances préoccupantes: 102 ont subi du harcèlement en ligne, 63 ont rencontré de fausses informations sur la santé, 47 ont été sollicitées pour du sexting et 28 ont été exposées à de la pornographie sans consentement. Les perspectives qualitatives soulignent la détresse émotionnelle. Des actions urgentes incluent la sensibilisation, l'éducation et des réseaux de soutien adaptés. Ces résultats soulignent la nécessité de lutter contre les cybercrimes et d'autonomiser les femmes en ligne.

Uncovering the most robust predictors of problematic pornography use: A large-scale machine learning study across 16 countries.

Problematic pornography use (PPU) is the most common manifestation of the newly introduced compulsive sexual behavior disorder diagnosis in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases. Research related to PPU has proliferated in the past two decades, but most prior studies were characterized by several shortcomings (e.g., using homogenous, small samples), resulting in crucial knowledge gaps and a limited understanding concerning empirically based risk factors for PPU. This study aimed to identify the most robust risk factors for PPU using a preregistered study design. Independent laboratories' 74 preexisting self-report data sets (Nparticipants = 112,397; Ncountries = 16) were combined to identify which factors can best predict PPU using an artificial intelligence-based method (i.e., machine learning). We conducted random forest models on each data set to examine how different sociodemographic, psychological, and other characteristics predict PPU, and combined the results of all data sets using random-effects meta-analysis with meta-analytic moderators (e.g., community vs. treatment-seeking samples). Predictors explained 45.84% of the variance in PPU scores. Out of the 700+ potential predictors, 17 variables emerged as significant predictors across data sets, with the top five being (a) pornography use frequency, (b) emotional avoidance pornography use motivation, (c) stress reduction pornography use motivation, (d) moral incongruence toward pornography use, and (e) sexual shame. This study is the largest and most integrative data analytic effort in the field to date. Findings contribute to a better understanding of PPU's etiology and may provide deeper insights for developing more efficient, cost-effective, empirically based directions for future research as well as prevention and intervention programs targeting PPU. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).