Pornography: Research Review and Implications for Counseling

• NCJ Number: 109995
• Journal: Journal of Counseling and Development Volume: 65 Issue: 7 Dated: (March 1987) Pages: 345-350
• Author(s): N H Bowen
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Best Practice/State-of-the-Art Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This article reviews the current definitions, models, and research literature on pornography and discusses the influence of the media on attitudes toward women and sexual aggression, followed by suggestions for educational and counseling interventions.

Abstract

The available research evidence linking pornography with aggression is sufficient to warrant concern for the impact of pornography on clients involved in counseling. Two intervention approaches are an educational strategy that involves both direct and indirect interventions and the application of the research literature to a counseling setting. Indirect educational interventions include sex education to reduce vulnerability to media influence and sex role rigidity. Direct education would address the myths portrayed in pornography which are accepted by clients. Interventions for the counseling setting should raise the consciousness of both men and women about the portrayal of women in pornography. For female clients, discussion of pornography can sensitize them to the hostility of their environments, and for men it can help them understand that viewing pornography is a form of condoning violence toward and degradation of women. 52 references. (Author abstract modified)