Internet Pornography Use, Body Ideals, and Sexual Self-Esteem in Norwegian Gay and Bisexual Men

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between perception of own appearance, Internet pornography consumption, preferences for pornographic actors' appearance, and sexual self-esteem in gay and bisexual men in Norway. An online survey of 477 gay and bisexual men showed that, despite the prevailing muscular and lean gay body ideal, many men with less ideal bodies also preferred to watch pornographic actors with body types similar to their own. Self-perceived attractiveness, having an ideal body type, and viewing Internet pornography in longer sessions each made a unique contribution to higher self-esteem as a sexual partner. Preferring to watch pornographic actors with ideal bodies was not related to sexual self-esteem. The findings underscore the importance for gay or bisexual men of both self-perceived attractiveness and being athletic or young and fit, for a positive self-evaluation of sexual performance and competence.

Pornography Consumption and Satisfaction: A Meta-Analysis

“…Sexual satisfaction is defined as participants' contentedness with their sexual lives (e.g., Morgan, 2011). On the other hand, the most frequently investigated intrapersonal satisfaction variables in pornography studies are body and self satisfaction (Kvalem et al, 2015;Morrison et al, 2004). Self satisfaction is defined as participants' positive regard for themselves overall (self-esteem, e.g., Rasmussen, Ortiz, & White, 2015) or for their sexual self specifically (sexual self-esteem, e.g., Morrison et al, 2004).…”

“…The discussions of several authors also suggested a need for comparative analyses by sexual orientation, particularly among men (Duggan & McCreary, 2004;Kvalem et al, 2015;Peter & Valkenburg, 2014;Szymanski & Stewart-Richardson, 2014;Traeen & Daneback, 2013;Vandenbosch & Eggermont, 2013). Reasons cited were differential levels of pornography consumption, masturbation to pornography, acceptance of pornography, use of pornography for orientation validation, concern over body image, and ascriptions of masculinity to muscularity.…”

“…Body satisfaction is defined as participants' contentedness with their overall body or with specific body parts (e.g., Burnham, 2013;Peter & Valkenburg, 2014). The terms "relationship," "sexual," "body," and "self" in reference to satisfaction were often used in the studies meta-analyzed (e.g., Hill, 2011;Kvalem et al, 2015;Maddox, Rhoades, & Markman, 2011;Minarcik, 2010). However, the abbreviating title or phrase chosen for a variable by the authors of a study was not the deciding factor in whether or not results associated with it were included.…”

“…Arguments about detrimental effects on body satisfaction have been based on the position that men in pornography have large, "preternaturally erect" penises (Morrison et al, 2004, p. 145), flat stomachs, and muscular physiques while women are slender and beautiful, with perky breasts, smooth vulvas, and petite labia (Bramwell, 2002;Duggan & McCreary, 2004;Morrison, Ellis, Morrison, Bearden, & Harriman, 2006;Peter & Valkenburg, 2014;Schick, Rima, & Calabrese, 2011;Vandenbosch & Eggermont, 2013). Detrimental effects on self satisfaction have been rooted in the stance that performers in pornography have enviable stamina, virility and technique, the capacity to delay orgasm interminably or climax on call, the ability to attract numerous attractive partners, and the attributes of traditional masculinity (e.g., status, dominance) and femininity (e.g., desired by others, youthful; Doornwaard et al, 2014;Frable, Johnson, & Kellman, 1997;Kvalem et al, 2015;Morrison et al, 2004;Morrison et al, 2006;Tylka, 2014;Vandenbosch & Eggermont, 2013).…”

“…Second, that pornographic actors are more sexually attractive and skilled than most consumers and their partners and that the gratifications from sex depicted in pornography exceed the gratifications that most consumers experience in their own lives. In more recent papers, however, it has become common for authors to reason that pornography may enhance the satisfaction of consumers (e.g., Kvalem, Traeen, & Iantaffi, 2015;Morrison, Bearden, Harriman, Morrison, & Ellis, 2004;. One reason for this shift in thinking has been that consumers report primarily positive effects when asked directly about how pornography has affected them.…”