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This paper discusses theoretical models used to explain the effects of exposure to pornographic materials on sexual beliefs and behaviors: the Confluence Model by Neil Malamuth and associates; Excitation Transfer Model by Dolf Zillman; Social Learning Theory by Albert Bandura; Aggressive Cue Model by Leonard Berkowitz; and the Mere Exposure Effect by Robert Zajonc. The paper will briefly critique experimental efforts and then apply a model derived from the literature on learning and cognition - the Conditioned Attention Theory of Latent Inhibition by Lubow. This model is expected to have wide-reaching implications on public protection policy and on determining clinical contraindications associated with pornography use.
The effect of pornography on the affect-arousal system has been studied extensively over the past four decades (Wright, 2013). One important aim has been to observe how exposure to pornographic materials impacts sexual beliefs and behaviors. An early report by the US Government (1971) acknowledged complex effects of pornography but in terms of risks and drawing causal conclusions viewed results to be inconclusive. Similar conclusions were reached by other western governments using population-wide correlational data (Fraser Committee, 1985; Williams, 1979). These studies with adult sex offender populations have yielded no consistent relationship between history of consuming pornography and engaging in sexual offenses (e.g., Bauserman, 1996; Ferguson & Hartley, 2009; Kerinel & Linders, 1996; Kingston, Fedoroff, Firestone, Curry & Bradford, 2008; Seto, Marc & Barbaree, 2001). Authors have also remarked on the inconsistencies between results from experimental studies with adults and those of a correlational nature with large populations (Ferguson & Hartley, 2009; Seto et al., 2001; Wright, 2013).
It should be noted however that results have been viewed to be unequivocal when it comes to the impact of pornography on adolescent sexual attitudes and behaviors (Flood, 2009; Kunkel, Beily, Eyal, Cope-Frarrar, Donnerstein & Fandrich, 2010; Strassburger, Jordan & Donnerstein, 2010). These authors have described how increased exposure to pornography has been shown to be related to more promiscuous attitudes toward sexual behavior, increased risk of STDs and unsafe sexual practices among teenagers. They have been quick to remind us also of the growing sexualization of youth culture through mainstream media such as television shows, films, magazines and cartoons (e.g., Flood, 2009).
In the case of adults, experimental studies have...