Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Problema. Ao longo dos últimos anos, o tema da pornografia e o modo como a
visualização da mesma poderá afetar os seus utilizadores tem sido alvo de cada vez mais
estudos. Baixa autoestima, adição, mau relacionamento com o parceiro/a e objetificação
da mulher são alguns dos temas que surgem associados a um impacto negativo da
pornografia quando se analisa a literatura. Alguns estudos identificam o evitamento
relacional e sexual como umas das consequências da visualização de pornografia. No
entanto, dada a escassez de evidência científica, pouco se pode encontrar sobre o modo
como esta poderá afetar os níveis de ansiedade social dos participantes. Ao contribuir
para o conhecimento dos seus impactos, será possível melhorar e aferir qual o tipo de
ajuda que as pessoas que visualizam pornografia, e que não se sentem confortáveis com
isso, poderão necessitar, diminuindo assim o seu sofrimento. Objetivo. A presente
investigação procurou estudar se a frequência com que as pessoas visualizam pornografia
poderá afetar os níveis de ansiedade social sentidos pelas mesmas, mediada pelas suas
atitudes face à visualização de pornografia e valores básicos dos participantes. Método.
Uma amostra de conveniência constituída por 128 participantes foi analisada, a partir de
seis variáveis, entre as quais: frequência de visualização de pornografia, ansiedade social,
atitudes dos participantes face à visualização de pornografia e valores básicos dos
participantes. Resultados. Os participantes que atribuem maior valor à sexualidade na sua
vida demonstraram níveis de ansiedade social mais baixos, quando visualizam
pornografia com maior frequência. Quanto às atitudes dos participantes face à
visualização de pornografia, estas não revelaram um impacto mediador significativo no
que concerne à relação entre a frequência de visualização de pornografia e os níveis de
ansiedade social. Conclusão. Em conformidade com estudos anteriores, parece existir
indícios de que a pornografia, quando utilizada em moderação, poderá estar relacionada
com efeitos positivos na vivência social e emocional dos seus consumidores.
ABSTRACT: Over the last few years, the topic of pornography and how viewing it can affect its users has been the subject of a growing number of studies. Low self-esteem, addiction, poor relationships with partners and the objectification of women are some of the themes associated with the negative impact of pornography. Some studies identify relationship and sexual avoidance as one of the consequences of viewing pornography. However, given the scarcity of scientific evidence, little can be found on how it may affect individuals' levels of social anxiety. In contributing to the knowledge of its impacts, it will be possible to improve and assess what kind of help people who view pornography, and who do not feel comfortable with it, may need, thus reducing their suffering. The present study sought to study whether the frequency with which people view pornography may affect the levels of social anxiety experienced, measured by the participants' basic values and their attitudes towards viewing pornography. A convenience sample consisting of 128 participants, based on six variables, including: viewing frequency of pornography, social anxiety, participants' attitudes towards viewing pornography and participants' basic values was analysed. Participants who valued sexuality in their lives demonstrated lower levels of social anxiety when viewing pornography frequently. As for participants' attitudes towards viewing pornography, they did not reveal a significant mediating impact regarding the relationship between the frequency of viewing and the levels of social anxiety. To conclude, in accordance with previous studies, there seems to be evidence that pornography, when used in moderation, may be associated with positive effects on its consumers' social and emotional experience.
ABSTRACT: Over the last few years, the topic of pornography and how viewing it can affect its users has been the subject of a growing number of studies. Low self-esteem, addiction, poor relationships with partners and the objectification of women are some of the themes associated with the negative impact of pornography. Some studies identify relationship and sexual avoidance as one of the consequences of viewing pornography. However, given the scarcity of scientific evidence, little can be found on how it may affect individuals' levels of social anxiety. In contributing to the knowledge of its impacts, it will be possible to improve and assess what kind of help people who view pornography, and who do not feel comfortable with it, may need, thus reducing their suffering. The present study sought to study whether the frequency with which people view pornography may affect the levels of social anxiety experienced, measured by the participants' basic values and their attitudes towards viewing pornography. A convenience sample consisting of 128 participants, based on six variables, including: viewing frequency of pornography, social anxiety, participants' attitudes towards viewing pornography and participants' basic values was analysed. Participants who valued sexuality in their lives demonstrated lower levels of social anxiety when viewing pornography frequently. As for participants' attitudes towards viewing pornography, they did not reveal a significant mediating impact regarding the relationship between the frequency of viewing and the levels of social anxiety. To conclude, in accordance with previous studies, there seems to be evidence that pornography, when used in moderation, may be associated with positive effects on its consumers' social and emotional experience.
Description
Dissertação de Mestrado apresentada no Ispa – Instituto Universitário para obtenção do grau de Mestre na especialidade de Psicologia Clínica.
Keywords
Pornografia Ansiedade social Valores Atitudes Internet Pornography Social anxiety Values Attitudes Internet