Mental Health

Open Access: No.

Abstract

Adolescents with problematic sexualized behaviors have been found to disclose more frequent and earlier exposures to pornography compared to non-sexually delinquent youth. There is a gap in the literature regarding specific pornography use habits that may differentiate youth who sexually and non-sexually offend, and little is known about how pornography use relates to delinquent behavior among youth who have sexually offended. The current study explored the pornography use habits, offending behaviors, and recidivism risk of 200 adjudicated youth in a Western state. Regression analyses revealed differences between groups in content selected, beliefs, and use habits. Youth who engaged in sexual offending had more unrealistic beliefs reflected in their pornography use. While only frequency of viewing was related to sexual recidivism risk, there was a relationship between viewing forceful or violent pornography and the diversified offending portfolios of youth who sexually offend. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

Relevance

“Youth who disclosed being sexually excited by pornography that featured cartoons and sex with a man dressed as a much younger boy were more likely to report having committed a sexual offence.”

“Time spent viewing pornography was significantly associated with elevated sexual recidivism risk for sexually delinquent youth.”

Youth “who reported regularly having an orgasm while watching pornography showed higher sexual recidivism risk.”

Last, “an increase in how exciting” these youth found “sexual pain” for themselves, showing their body to others “without their permission,” and “a woman being force” were each “significantly associated” with higher scores on the Self-Report Delinquency Scale.

Citation

Bosetti, R. L., & Yoder, J. R. (2026). Pornography Use Habits of Sexually and Non-Sexually Delinquent Youth. Archives of sexual behavior. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-025-03296-y