Pornography and sexual risk behaviors in adolescents and youths: a systematic review

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. Pornography is increasingly accessible via online, which has led to growing concern regarding the negative effects this content may have. According to sexual script theory and the ₃AM model, the acquisition of sexual scripts from pornography in adolescents could form patterns of sexual risk behaviors that would be activated and applied throughout their sexual development. The aim of this paper is to review in the current literature how recurrent pornography consumption can be related to sexual risk behaviors in adolescents and young adults. METHOD. Based on the systematic literature search conducted through PsycINFO, PsycArticles, ERIC, MEDLINE, PSICODOC and Web of Science (WOS) in March 2022, results published from 2012 to date were analyzed. RESULTS. According to the selected publications (n = 22), there is an association between pornography consumption and sexual risk taking in adolescents and young adults. Moreover, this relationship is mediated by other factors that influence both constructs indicating a relationship between them, such as sexual permissiveness, sexual sensation seeking, and parental supervision. Gender may also moderate this relationship, although there are contradictory results in this regard. DISCUSSION. The impact of pornography on the sexual health of young people seems to be relevant, so it is necessary to implement comprehensive and continuous sexual education programs throughout the school years. These would help adolescents to develop critical thinking skills about pornography and sexuality.