25th Annual Student Research Conference
Exploring the Impact of Pornography on Social Cognition
Josh D. Day
Dr. Michele Breault, Faculty Mentor
Decades of research have been directed at the study of pornography and its effects on individuals, revealing a significant impact on sexual perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors. Recent demographic trends show considerable changes have occurred in the way our society approaches intimate relationships, most notably the institution of marriage, which has fallen in desirability among recent generations. This study draws upon multidisciplinary research, reviews, and popular literature in an attempt to explore and bridge the gaps between pornography consumption, the consequential social narrative which it provides, and recent relationship trends. This purpose is primarily pursued by focusing on the impact pornography has on the consumers social cognition and, as a result, their interpersonal relationships. The discussion concludes by exploring Implicit Theories of Relationships (ITRs; Knee, 2003), and proposing the possible role pornography and its social narrative might play in the development of dysfunctional ITRs within individuals and society.
Keywords: Pornography, Social Cognition, Implicit Theories of Relationships, Relationships, Sexuality
Topic(s):Psychology
Sociology
Interdisciplinary
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 111-1
Location: MG 1000
Time: 8:00