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Article
Mental- and Physical-Health Indicators and Sexually Explicit Media-Use Behavior by Adults
Journal of Sexual Medicine, 8, 764-772. (2011)
  • James Weaver, III, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Stephanie Weaver, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Darren Mays, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Gary Hopkins, Andrews University
  • Wendi Kannenberg, Andrews University
  • Duane C McBride, Andrews University
Abstract
Introduction. Converging evidence from culturally diverse contexts indicates that sexually explicit media use behavior (SEMB; i.e., pornography consumption) is associated with risky sexual health perceptions and behaviors, many that involve high risks of HIV/STD transmission. Aim. Essentially unexplored, and the focus here, are potential relationships between SEMB and nonsexual mental-and physical-health indicators. Main Outcome Measures. Variability in six continuously measured health indicators (depressive symptoms, mental- and physical-health diminished days, health status, quality of life, and body mass index) was examined across two levels (users, nonusers) of SEMB. Methods. A sample of 559 Seattle–Tacoma Internet-using adults was surveyed in 2006. Multivariate general linear models parameterized in a SEMB by respondent gender (2 × 2) factorial design were computed incorporating adjustments for several demographics. Results. SEMB was reported by 36.7% (n = 205) of the sample. Most SEMB users (78%) were men. After adjusting for demographics, SEMB users, compared to nonusers, reported greater depressive symptoms, poorer quality of life, more mental- and physical-health diminished days, and lower health status. Conclusions. The findings show that mental- and physical-health indicators vary significantly across SEMB, suggesting the value of incorporating these factors in future research and programmatic endeavors. In particular, the findings suggest that evidence-based sexual health promotion strategies simultaneously addressing individuals' SEMB and their mental health needs might be a useful approach to improve mental health and address preventable sexual health outcomes associated with SEMB. Weaver JB, III, Weaver SS, Mays D, Hopkins GL, Kannenberg W, and McBride D. Mental- and physical-health indicators and sexually explicit media use behavior by adults. J Sex Med 2011;8:764–772.
Keywords
  • Health-Risk Factors; Mental Health; Pornography; Sexually Explicit Materials; X-Rated; Sexual Attitudes
Publication Date
March, 2011
Publisher Statement
Retrieved February 23, 2015. From http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.02030.x/abstract
Citation Information
James Weaver, Stephanie Weaver, Darren Mays, Gary Hopkins, et al.. "Mental- and Physical-Health Indicators and Sexually Explicit Media-Use Behavior by Adults" Journal of Sexual Medicine, 8, 764-772. Vol. 8 Iss. 3 (2011)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/duane_mcbride/8/