Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Social Work

Faculty/School

Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of Social Work

First Advisor

Not Applicable

Advisor Role

Not Applicable

Abstract

Pornography has a ubiquitous place in contemporary Canadian Society. With or without intention, children and youth are frequently exposed to pornographic images and depictions. There is little research detailing the types of exposure that occur and the impact of said exposure on this population. Through a detailed survey administered to approximately 450 first-year college and university students in Ontario, this retrospective and exploratory study answers the query, “when and to what type of pronography are children and young adults exposed and how does this exposure relate to subsequent sexual behaviours and attitudes?” Following a deatiled escription of pornography exposure, indicating the source, medium, and the content, current pornographic consumption is documented and related to sexual practices and attitudes. Significant relationships were detected between early pornographic exposure and early engagement in sexual activities. Parental attitudes and behaviour were found to be related to both early exposure and subsequent pornography use.

Convocation Year

2007

Included in

Social Work Commons

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