Does Early Exposure to Pornography Contribute to Sexual Addiction?

Parent And Daughter Having Fun After Discussing tBecause of the controversial nature of sexual addiction, it is important to examine the research and factors that lead to better understanding of this disorder. Due to the lack of diagnostic criteria and omission of sexual addiction from the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition), there are many speculations about compulsive sexual behavior and its contributing factors.

With the increased exposure to explicit sexual content throughout media sources today, one must ponder the impact of such material on children and young adolescents. Unfortunately, with the easy access to the internet, many children are overexposed to a myriad of inappropriate sexual content, whether it be through:

  • Movies
  • TV shows
  • Pictures posted on Facebook or Instagram
  • Other media

As younger generations are becoming sexualized earlier in their lives through exposure, how is this forming their mindset and perspective on sexual activities?

What Research of Sexual Addiction Has Found

Research has established a connection between early exposure to sexual content and intimacy disorders, high-risk sexual activities, sexual violence and sexual misconduct. According to the journal Pediatrics, there are significant associations between teenage exposure to explicit sexual content in the mainstream media and sexual activity, such as:

  • Sexual harassment
  • Engaging in sexual intercourse
  • Oral sex while in high school
  • More permissive sexual norms [1]

The messages that are commonly conveyed through the media about sexual activity has given youth the wrong ideas about sex, creating a fantasy that does not highlight the risks involved, such as unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and rape.

Social Media On Mobile Devices Providing Sexual Activity - Addiction Hope

Research studies have also demonstrated the impact of early exposure of pornography on children and adolescents. One such study of over 900 sexual addicts reported early pornography use as a factor contributing to hypersexuality, with 90 percent of male participants and 77 percent of female participants admitting pornography use as a prevalent factor of their addiction [2].

Early exposure to pornography can also increase the likelihood of a child becoming a victim of sexual violence, instigating sexual violence against another child, and greater involvement in deviant sexual practices, such as rape [3].

What Should Parents Be Aware of and Do?

Parent And Child Spending Quality Time At The ParkWith sexually explicit material, content, and innuendos virtually everywhere, it can be overwhelming as a parent or guardian to know how to protect your child from the effects of sexualization. Perhaps you have heard it said that children “do not understand” as a means of minimizing the harm that may be done as a result of overexposure.

However, it is important to know the detrimental effects that could arise as a result to early exposure of sexual content, such as pornography. While children may not comprehend the content that they are viewing, the images being seen can still impact their development.

From the resource book “Pornography - Victims and Perpetrators”, experts note,

“Pornography short-circuits and/or distorts the normal personality development process and supplies misinformation about a child’s sexuality, sense of self, and body that leaves the child confused, changed, and damaged.”[4].

Steps to Present a Healthy View of Sex

As a parent, you may feel that your influence on your child is minimal compared to the overpowered voice of the media. However, the impact you have on your child’s life is unlike any other. There are many proactive steps you can take to help ensure that your child is developing a healthy perception of sex.

This might include:

  • Limiting screen time
  • Setting filters on internet browsers
  • Viewing and pre-screening movies or shows that your child may be watching
  • Utilizing parental controls when available

Equally important is the amount of time you are spending with your child and the values that you are modeling in your everyday life. Keeping communication channels open is essential to developing a good relationship with your child, one that will help them understand healthy boundaries and grow on a foundation of trust and support.

While it may feel as though parents are placed in the backseat in the shadow of the overwhelming power of the mass media, your child will look to you above all else.  Use this as an opportunity to help nurture a healthy emotional state in your child, as well as instill positive morals, values, and respect for self and others.


Crystal Headshot 2About the Author:

Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Director of Content and Social Media for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.

As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.


References:

  1. Strasburger, Victor C, et. al. Health Effects of Media on Children and Adolescents. Pediatrics 2010. 125 (4) pp 756-767.
  2. Psychology Today. “Overexposed and Under-Prepared: The Effects of Early Exposure to Sexual Content”. http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/real-healing/201208/overexposed-and-under-prepared-the-effects-early-exposure-sexual-content
  3. W. L. Marshall, "The Use of Sexually Explicit Stimuli by Rapists, Child Molesters, and Nonoffenders," The Journal of Sex Research 25, no.2 (May 1988): 267-88.
  4. Interview with Ann Burgess, professor of nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 15 January 1997. "Pornography - Victims and Perpetrators," Symposium on Media Violence & Pornography, Proceedings Resource Book and Research Guide, ed. D. Scott (1984).

The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of addictions. These are not necessarily the views of Addiction Hope, but an effort to offer a discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Addiction Hope understand that addictions result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Published on November 7, 2014
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on June 4, 2018

Published on AddictionHope.com