Pornography Use and Virginity Status: Examining the Correlations of Pornography Consumption for Virgins and Non-virgins

Abstract

Few studies have examined the influence of pornography consumption based on virginity status. Therefore, this study examines the associations between pornography consumption and emerging adult sexual and relationship development based on virginity status. Quantitative data comes from 133 emerging adults (85.7% female; Mean age: 21.24; 24.1% virgins). Qualitative data comes from 21 participants. Results illustrated that pornography consumption was not associated with virgins’ affectionate and sexual behaviors. Additionally, pornography consumption was marginally associated with increased commitment for non-virgins’ romantic quality. Qualitative analyses revealed that consuming pornography provided unrealistic sex expectations or material to improve sexual experiences. Pornography may have mixed effects on emerging adult development.