The Effects of Pornography on Aggressive Behavior / Lauri L. Stacy.

This document reviews existing empirical research on the effect of pornography on aggressive behavior. Two types of pornography are distinguished: aggressive pornography and non-aggressive pornography. Conclusions drawn from the research review are presented, including: (1) aggressive pornograpy consistently increases aggressive attitudes and behaviors; (2) the effect of non-aggressive pornography is not as consistent as the effect of aggressive pornography; (3) non-aggressive pornography can have either an inhibiting or a facilitating effect on aggression due to the type of pornography used; (4) soft pornography showing sexual activity facilitates aggression; and (5) soft pornography using still photographs inhibits aggression. The review concludes that society needs to participate in evaluating and studying the effects of all mass media, including pornography; current research on pornography and on violence indicates that what individuals view does have an effect on them; better research is needed to pinpoint the effects of various kinds of pornography more precisely. (Author/ABL)

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