The experience of individuals filmed for pornography production: a history of continuous polyvictimization and ongoing mental health challenges

Abstract

Purpose: While research and public debate have increasingly focused on the effects of pornography consumption, the experiences of those documented in pornography have been largely overlooked. This study aims to address this gap by examining the vulnerabilities and health risks faced by this population. Materials and methods: Individuals aged 18 and older documented in pornography in Sweden were recruited to participate in face-to-face interviews. A total of 120 participants completed study-specific questions and standardized questionnaires on their background, experiences in pornography, and health status. Descriptive statistics were reported, and regression analyses were performed to assess factors impacting PTSD symptom severity and dissociative symptoms. Results: Participants reported high levels of abuse both in childhood and during pornography production. Nearly all participants had experienced sexual abuse (88%), psychological abuse (90%), and physical abuse (79%) as children. In the context of pornography production, they were subjected to further abuse and exploitation, including verbal abuse (87%), rape (65%), physical assault (56%), third-party control (56%), and online harassment (57%). The consequences of this continuous polyvictimization were significant: 84% exhibited clinically significant PTSD symptoms, 60% clinically significant dissociative symptoms, 69% had attempted suicide, and 80% had been diagnosed with at least one mental health problem. Regression analyses revealed that childhood and online polyvictimization significantly predicted PTSD symptom severity, while polyvictimization within pornography production predicted dissociative symptoms. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive mental health interventions and legal reform to protect this vulnerable population and address the unique harms stemming from documentation in pornography.