Faculty Publications

Mental- and Physical-Health Indicators and Sexually Explicit Media-Use Behavior by Adults

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

March 2011

Abstract

Introduction. Converging evidence from culturally diverse contexts indicates that sexually explicit media use behavior (SEMB; i.e., pornography consumption) is associated with risky sexual health perceptions and behaviors, many that involve high risks of HIV/STD transmission. Aim. Essentially unexplored, and the focus here, are potential relationships between SEMB and nonsexual mental-and physical-health indicators. Main Outcome Measures. Variability in six continuously measured health indicators (depressive symptoms, mental- and physical-health diminished days, health status, quality of life, and body mass index) was examined across two levels (users, nonusers) of SEMB. Methods. A sample of 559 Seattle–Tacoma Internet-using adults was surveyed in 2006. Multivariate general linear models parameterized in a SEMB by respondent gender (2 × 2) factorial design were computed incorporating adjustments for several demographics. Results. SEMB was reported by 36.7% (n = 205) of the sample. Most SEMB users (78%) were men. After adjusting for demographics, SEMB users, compared to nonusers, reported greater depressive symptoms, poorer quality of life, more mental- and physical-health diminished days, and lower health status. Conclusions. The findings show that mental- and physical-health indicators vary significantly across SEMB, suggesting the value of incorporating these factors in future research and programmatic endeavors. In particular, the findings suggest that evidence-based sexual health promotion strategies simultaneously addressing individuals' SEMB and their mental health needs might be a useful approach to improve mental health and address preventable sexual health outcomes associated with SEMB. Weaver JB, III, Weaver SS, Mays D, Hopkins GL, Kannenberg W, and McBride D. Mental- and physical-health indicators and sexually explicit media use behavior by adults. J Sex Med 2011;8:764–772.

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Retrieved February 23, 2015. From http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.02030.x/abstract

Journal Title

Journal of Sexual Medicine, 8, 764-772.

Volume

8

Issue

3

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