Links of Perceived Pornography Realism with Sexual Aggression via Sexual Scripts, Sexual Behavior, and Acceptance of Sexual Coercion: A Study with German University Students

Abstract

Exposure to pornographic material has been linked to sexual aggression perpetration and victimization in a large body of research. Based on social learning theory and 3A theory of script learning, this study contributes to this research by testing the hypothesis that the more realistic pornography is perceived to be by young adults, the more likely they are to experience and engage in sexual aggression. Two underlying pathways were proposed: one path via scripts and patterns of sexual behavior regarding consensual sexual interactions that contain established risk factors for sexual aggression victimization and perpetration, and a second path via the acceptance of sexual coercion. In a cross-sectional study, 1181 university students in Germany (762 female; 419 male) completed measures of pornography use and perception, risky sexual scripts and sexual behavior, and acceptance of sexual coercion. As predicted, pornography realism was a positive predictor of risky sexual scripts, risky sexual behavior, and acceptance of sexual coercion. Indirect links with sexual aggression victimization and perpetration were found via both pathways. No gender differences in the associations were found. The implications for media literacy interventions addressing the realism of pornography are discussed.

Sexual-Related Knowledge, School and Family Sexuality Education and Its Association with Experience of Sexual Intercourse among Vocational Secondary School Students in China

“…In our study, active porn watching was significantly associated with higher sexual-related knowledge ( Table S2 ). However, evidence also shows that the presence of abuse, assault, and sexual exploitation in porn videos increases the risk of sexual coercion and harmful, gender-stereotypical attitudes [ 32 , 37 , 38 ]. Nowadays, pornographic culture has a tendency to transform into “pornographification of popular culture,” and soft pornography is mixed with entertainment products [ 39 ].…”

Maladaptive Beliefs and Antisocial Behavior in Young Adults: What Relationship?

“…the diversity of conceptions regarding its limits, it can be considered that the age group of young adults encompasses all individuals aged between 18 and 35 years (e.g., Krahé et al, 2022). This developmental stage is characterized by late adolescence and entry into adulthood (Erikson, 1963).…”

Does Pornography Misinform Consumers? The Association between Pornography Use and Porn-Congruent Sexual Health Beliefs

“…It has also been suggested that scripting effects may be more likely among those who perceive pornography to be realistic in its depiction of sexuality and less likely among those who do not [1,[3][4][5]. This may be because media perceived as realistic is more likely to be attended to and imitated [1,3].…”