Pornography and Sexual Aggression: Can Meta-Analysis Find a Link?

Abstract

Whether pornography contributes to sexual aggression in real life has been the subject of dozens of studies over multiple decades. Nevertheless, scholars have not come to a consensus about whether effects are real. The current meta-analysis examined experimental, correlational, and population studies of the pornography/sexual aggression link dating back from the 1970s to the current time. Methodological weaknesses were very common in this field of research. Nonetheless, evidence did not suggest that nonviolent pornography was associated with sexual aggression. Evidence was particularly weak for longitudinal studies, suggesting an absence of long-term effects. Violent pornography was weakly correlated with sexual aggression, although the current evidence was unable to distinguish between a selection effect as compared to a socialization effect. Studies that employed more best practices tended to provide less evidence for relationships whereas studies with citation bias, an indication of researcher expectancy effects, tended to have higher effect sizes. Population studies suggested that increased availability of pornography is associated with reduced sexual aggression at the population level. More studies with improved practices and preregistration would be welcome.

Pornography Use and Psychological Science: A Call for Consideration

“…In some cases, links between pornography use and negative couple outcomes (e.g., relational dissatisfaction) are reduced to statistical insignificance once other relevant factors (e.g., solo masturbation, religious prohibitions on pornography) are controlled (Perry, 2020). Similarly, some studies have found contradictory links between pornography use and aggression, calling into question prior positive associations between the two domains (Ferguson & Hartley, 2020). In keeping with our spectrum model of pornography effects, we suggest that links between pornography use and sexual satisfaction can range from positive to negative, depending on the context of the use.…”

Pornography and Sexual Violence Against Women in India: A Scoping Review

“…Also, a recent meta-analysis found that violent and non-violent pornography is weakly correlated with sexual aggression. 19 This review is the first to summarize pornography addiction and sexual violence against women in India, indicating a research gap in the field exploring the variables. Additionally, due to limited studies that focus on the topic, further research in this field is needed.…”

“…Also, a recent meta-analysis found that violent and non-violent pornography is weakly correlated with sexual aggression. 19…”

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

“…However, the lack of a direct association between pornography realism and sexual victimization is qualified by significant indirect associations in line with our theoretical reasoning, as discussed below. The meta-analytic conclusion by Ferguson et al [ 20 ] that evidence for a link between pornography use and sexual aggression is weak needs to be evaluated including evidence of indirect effect via sexual scripts, sexual behavior and sexuality-related attitudes referring to consensual sexual interactions.…”

“…In addition, significant longitudinal associations of frequency of pornography use with sexual victimization were found in different countries (e.g., [ 17 , 18 , 19 ]). Although support for a direct link between pornography use and sexual aggression perpetration has been questioned by a recent meta-analysis [ 20 ] and longitudinal studies from Croatia [ 21 , 22 ], other longitudinal studies have shown pornography use to be a moderator magnifying the link with other risk factors [ 23 ], or showing indirect associations via sexuality-related cognitions or behaviors [ 19 ].…”