Age and Type of First Exposure to Pornography: It Matters for Girls and Boys

ABSTRACTThe increase in youth and adult use of pornography has led to increased research on the possible effects and implications of such use. A few prior studies have examined the relationship between age at first exposure to pornography and related problems later in life, including more problematic use of pornography. The current study used a sample of 924 males and females at a university in the Southern United States to examine the relationship between age and type of first pornography exposure to problematic use of pornography in young adulthood. Results indicated significant relationships between age at first exposure, first exposure type, and problematic pornography use in young adulthood. The findings highlight the importance of early intervention around pornography exposure and the causes of intentional pornography use at early ages. Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Additional informationNotes on contributorsEthan A. MarshallEthan A. Marshall, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice and Social Work at the University of Houston-Downtown. His research interests include scale development and sexual deviance, specifically pertaining to female sexual offenders and the relationship between pornography and sexual coercion.Holly A. MillerDr. Holly A. Miller is a Professor in the College of Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University. Dr. Miller conducts research, teaches, and practices in the areas of malingered mental illness, risk and treatment need, and individuals who have sexually offended.