Pornography and BDSM: What Americans are Really Doing
There are many articles in the news and troves of internet articles relating to the pornography epidemic. But there are relatively few scientific studies to back up those assertions. And fewer still about pornography and BDSM.
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The Study
In an article published in 2020 in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, Herhenick and colleagues shared their findings from the 2016 National Survey of Pornography Use, Relationships and Sexual Socialization (NSPRSS).
This survey, taken by 2533 individuals, looked at sexual behaviors such as:
- Dominant or submissive (target) sexual behavior
- Age of 1st pornography use
- Prevalence of pornography use
- The types of pornography content that was viewed
The subjects were nearly equally men and women varying in age from 18 to 60. The subjects were predominantly white, straight and married.
For instance, if children are accessing pornography in their early teens, it would be helpful if their sexual education involved some discussion of pornography.
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Age of First Exposure to Pornography and BDSM
94% of the men in this study reported some use of pornography with an average age of first exposure to pornography of 13.8 years old. 87% of women in the survey reported pornography use with an average age of first exposure of 17.8 years old.
There were some differences based on gender as related to dominant and target behaviors. Women were more likely to report they experienced target behaviors, such as being called a slut, having a partner choke or spank them, than men. Women also reported being three times more likely to experience sexual pressure than men.
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Pornography Preference by Gender
The survey also assessed gender differences in the types of pornography being viewed.
Men were significantly more likely than women to view pornography that included:
- Facials
- Gang bangs
- Double penetration
- Face fucking
- BDSM
- Simulated rape/pressure to engage in unwanted sexual acts
Interestingly, the more pornography a person had viewed both in the year prior to the survey and in their lifetime was significantly associated with engaging in dominant and target behaviors in all survey participants.
Another Interesting Finding Relates to Consent
Both women (27%) and men who have sex with men (31%) reported they have had a male sexual partner attempt to have anal sex with them without prior discussion or permission.
This study, post the popularity of 50 Shades of Grey, shows that pornography use and some sexual behaviors considered to be in the realm of BDSM by some are relatively common in a population representative of white, heterosexual Americans.
Discussing “Real Sex” Versus Pornography and BDSM
This study has implications both for education and the concept of deviance. For instance, if children are accessing pornography in their early teens, it is important to discuss pornography during their sexual education. Particularly if a young person views the acts in pornography to be what non-porn sex actually looks like.
In the past, many sexual behaviors have been considered deviant that do not fit into the mainstream, heteronormative idea of acceptable sexual practices. Therefore, obtaining prevalence data about these behaviors can help to decrease the stigma around them.
It is difficult to call something, like spanking, deviant, because 45 to 76% of this study’s participants have done it.
Reference: Herbenick, D., Fu, T-C., Wright, P., Paul, B., Grados, R., Bauer, J. & Jones, R. (2020). Diverse sexual behaviors and pornography use: Findings from a nationally representative survey of Americans aged 18 to 60 years. Doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm2020.01.013
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