Socialization & Relationship Outcomes
Consent, pornography use, and perceived impact on sexual behavior among women.
Open Access: Yes.
Abstract
Introduction: The aim was to explore how women in Sweden report use of pornography and how they perceive the impact of pornography on their own sexuality and that of others, particularly in relation to sexual consent.
Material and methods: This cross-sectional study included 557 women visiting a gynecological clinic for contraceptive counseling in 2023. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining quantitative and qualitative analyses.
Results: Three quarters of women (78%, n = 431) reported having used pornography at least once. Among users, 73% used pornography less than once a month, 20% monthly, and 7% weekly or daily. Participants were more likely to report that others’ sexual behavior was influenced by pornography than their own. Thematic analysis of open-ended answers identified several key perceived effects of pornography, including the creation of unrealistic expectations, impacts on relational intimacy, reinforcement of unattainable beauty standards, normalization of non-consensual acts and harmful gender roles, as well as its role in sexual discovery. Regarding sexual consent, 63% reported being asked for consent during their most recent sexual encounter, although 98% affirmed having experienced consent on that occasion. Overall, pornography users were less likely to have been asked for consent as compared to non-users (p = 0.03), and regular pornography users were more likely to report not experiencing consent during the latest sexual encounter (p = 0.03) as compared to non-regular users.
Conclusions: Based on the thematic analysis, use of pornography had the potential to influence perceptions of sexuality and intimacy, with both positive and negative aspects. Additionally, pornography use was associated with a decreased likelihood of sexual consent. Considering Sweden’s sexual education programs and the Consent Law (2018), these findings highlight the need to integrate pornography literacy into sexual education.
Relevance
“A common theme across the responses was the belief that pornography creates unrealistic sexual expectations, which, in turn, shape sexual norms and scripts that participants feel pressured to follow.”
“Participants noted how the emphasis on conventionally attractive bodies in porn led to feelings of inadequacy or pressure to conform to beauty standards..”
“Participants frequently described how pornography led them to view sex as performative rather than a shared pleasurable experience… Several participants also reported that prolonged exposure to pornography reduced emotional or physical responsiveness in real-life sexual encounters… Moreover, several respondents reported that pornography use could lead to a disconnection from real-life sexual relationships… Lastly, concerns about developing a compulsive relationship with pornography were mentioned. ”
“Many respondents observed that pornography often depicts sex in ways that trivialize consent and normalize violent acts. They reflected on how such portrayals might influence their perceptions of what is normal or acceptable in sexual encounters” such as choking, rough sex, painful sex, and sexual violence.”
“Participants expressed the belief that pornography reinforces stereotypical gender roles and power dynamics, where women are often depicted as passive or submissive, and men as dominant and active. This theme also touched on the objectification of women.”
Citation
Casper, M., Tydén, T., Sundström-Poromaa, I., & Gyllenberg, F. (2026). Consent, pornography use, and perceived impact on sexual behavior among women. Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica. https://doi.org/10.1111/aogs.70144
