Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a measure of viewing time that uses non-erotic visual stimuli can differentiate between frequent users and infrequent users of pornography. Thirty-six male participants were classified as infrequent pornography users and 37 as frequent users. Participants completed a questionnaire and were asked to rate a variety of images, both male and female of varying ages, on their sexual attractiveness. Individuals were timed as to how long they looked at each image. The groups were then compared based upon their viewing time of several categories. No statistically significant differences were detected. The temporal stability of the measure was also investigated. Researchers found that for the two groups, high correlations were found with juvenile females and adult females, somewhat strong correlations for small male child and pre-juvenile female, and relatively weak correlations for adult males, small female child, juvenile male, and pre-juvenile male. Researchers also attempted to differentiate the two groups based upon their temporal stability. A statistically significant difference between the groups was found with their viewing times of pre-juvenile females; however, the researchers caution the readers about its interpretation. Researchers concluded that perhaps the viewing time measure used in this study was not sufficiently sensitive enough to differentiate on pornography use. They indicated that perhaps viewing time measures utilizing erotic visual stimuli may be more effective in detecting such a difference. The researchers also speculated that there may be differences between pornography users and non pornography users and that pornography may not be the factor responsible for causing callousness towards women, acceptance of rape myths, and a reduction in sexual and marital satisfaction. The researchers suggested that there may be another factor responsible for causing these negative effects and also predisposes an individual to heavy pornography use.

Degree

PhD

College and Department

David O. McKay School of Education; Counseling Psychology and Special Education

Rights

http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2006-06-08

Document Type

Dissertation

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etd1327

Keywords

viewing time, sustained visual attention, sexual interest, pornography

Language

English

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