Associations between initial exposure to sexually explicit material, mental health and self-perceived relationship satisfaction.

Abstract

Chapter 1.
Chapter 1 comprises a systematic review exploring relationships between exposure to sexually explicit material (SEM) and mental health in children and young adults. The review aimed to synthesise the available literature on SEM and mental health to enhance understanding about the potential impact of SEM on children and young adults. A systematic synthesis, following PRISMA guidelines, produced 15 papers adhering to the review eligibility criteria and their methodological quality was assessed. Studies included cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses and findings between studies varied. However, results predominantly suggested relationships between SEM exposure and negative impacts on mental health. Results between studies also varied regarding whether the relationship was consistent over time. Recommendations from the studies and current review emphasises the need for further research to obtain a more consistent understanding of the possible associations between SEM and mental health and any longer-term impacts of this on children and young adults. Clinical implications, limitations, future research and review directions are discussed.
Chapter 2.
Chapter 2 comprises empirical research exploring factors related to potential longer-term impacts of SEM exposure. The research utilised a retrospective design with quantitative analyses to discover associations of SEM exposure with longer-term impacts on mental health and relationship satisfaction. The study aimed to discover whether earlier access to the internet was associated with earlier SEM exposure and whether earlier SEM exposure was associated with current mental health and relationship satisfaction in adulthood. The study also explored emotional reactions to first/early experiences in relation to current mental health and relationship satisfaction and whether there were changes in perceptions of SEM over time. Participants completed online measures regarding the impact of SEM, their current mental health (overall psychological distress, anxiety and depression levels), perceived relationship satisfaction and whether they had experienced stress-related life events in the last year. Findings suggested significant associations between earlier internet access and earlier SEM exposure. Furthermore, earlier age of exposure to SEM was significantly associated with current psychological distress and anxiety levels when controlling for stress-related life events and relationship satisfaction. However, when controlling for age of internet access, earlier exposure to SEM was no longer significantly associated with these mental health outcomes. Negative emotional reactions and negative self-focused emotional reactions were found to be associated with greater current anxiety. Moreover, negative self-focused emotional reactions were associated with current psychological distress in adulthood. Conversely positive emotional reactions to first experiences were related to current depression. Neither age of SEM exposure nor emotional reaction to content were significantly associated with current relationship satisfaction. Findings are discussed recognising strengths and limitations of the research and identifying clinical implications and recommendations for future research.

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Identifiers

ORCID for Emma Palmer-Cooper: orcid.org/0000-0002-5416-1518

ORCID for Heather Armstrong: orcid.org/0000-0002-1071-8644

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