NCJ Number
111395
Journal
Deviant Behavior Volume: 8 Issue: 4 Dated: (1987) Pages: 389-399
Date Published
1987
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Renewed concern over the possible effects of pornography has been sparked by a 'new' body of research.
Abstract
Foremost among these concerns is the possibility of a linkage between viewing pornography and subsequent aggressive behavior, especially toward women. However, the vast majority of this research is limited to laboratory settings. This study reports on a field experiment which assesses the impact of presenting a pornographic movie on a college campus. A longitudinal self-report study of 230 women students was conducted to determine any effects of the film's showing on the sample's experiences with aggression from males. Compared with the weeks prior to and following the movies' showing, no significant difference in reported aggression was found. Further, those women reporting association with males attending the movie reported no significantly different levels of experienced aggression from those women whose companions did not view the film. Reasons for the apparent lack of effect are discussed in terms of the laboratory-based literature. (Publisher abstract)