Violent Content in Online Pornography Is Associated with Sexual Health of Women and Men

Abstract

Sexual health includes psychosocial and physical competencies related to sexual well-being. It is unknown whether violent pornography is associated with sexual health. The objective of this study is to analyze whether different types of pornography are associated with sexual health in young adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey with 3607 people aged 18–35 living in Spain. Association of pornography with the dependent variables was estimated with generalized linear and logistic models. Compared to exposure to pornography with no explicit violence, men exposed to pornography with physical violence scored lower on empathy (coef: −0.054) and sexual assertiveness (coef: −0.034) and higher on acceptance of violence against women (coef: 0.122). Women who watch physical violence pornography scored higher on acceptance of violence against women (coef: 0.076). In men, watching pornography with physical violence was associated with poorer sexual function (OR = 1.9). In women, pornography with physical violence was associated with difficulty having an orgasm in a relationship (OR = 1.7). Violent pornography could have wide negative effects on men sexual health. In both sexes, violent pornography was associated with greater acceptance of violence against women. Inequalities were observed between women and men in the enjoyment of sexual relations, to the detriment of women.