Associations between sexually explicit material (SEM) use and aggression, moral disengagement and sexual/relationship satisfaction

Abstract

Sexually Explicit Material can be defined as content which contains partial or full nudity and sexual behaviours, that is depicted and/or described through magazines, novels, pictures and videos both online and offline and may increase sexual arousal. This study aims to investigate the possible associations between the use of sexually explicit material and aggression, moral disengagement, and sexual/relationship satisfaction. The survey was administered online through social media and completed by 155 participants. The survey in its entirety (75 questions) took approximately 20 minutes to complete. The design of the survey employed the BPAQ (1992), Mechanisms of Moral Disengagement Scale (Bandura et al, 1996) and Hendricks’ Relationship Assessment Scale (1988). Overall, statistical analysis revealed a significant association in moral disengagement scores and use of SEM. In conclusion, there was no significant association between SEM use and aggression and sexual/relationship satisfaction. However, SEM use was significant with scores of moral disengagement, suggesting that use of SEM may result in moral corruption.