The effect of pornography use and sex education on rape myth acceptance

Webb, Juliet (2025) The effect of pornography use and sex education on rape myth acceptance. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Research investigating possible contributors to rape myth acceptance (RMA) has found that pornography use and sex education may have a significant impact on levels of RMA. The current study aimed to expand upon this topic by investigating how the interaction between pornography use and sex education affects RMA. The hypotheses presented were that both pornography use and sex education would have an impact on RMA and that the interaction between pornography use and sex education would impact RMA, all while controlling for demographic variables including gender, age, sexual orientation and ethnicity. Participants were recruited via social media (n=81). Participants completed an online survey including demographic information, the Problematic Pornography Use Scale, sex education type and the Updated Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale. Results of a hierarchal regression analysis found no significant relationships between pornography use, sex education and RMA. This study suggests that the relationships between the variables may be more complex than previously thought and might require a more nuanced model. Policies aimed at promoting general media literacy might be more effective in reducing RMA than focusing specifically on pornography use. Focus should also be aimed at providing more resources and information about sex education both inside and outside of school.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Supervisors:	Name Email Coughlan, Barry UNSPECIFIED
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Pornography use; sex education; rape myth acceptance; sexual violence
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology L Education > L Education (General) H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman > Gender H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare > Criminology > Crimes and Offences > Harassment > Sexual harassment H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman > Sexual life
Divisions:	School of Business (- 2025) > BA (Honours) in Psychology
Depositing User:	Ciara O'Brien
Date Deposited:	11 Nov 2025 15:35
Last Modified:	11 Nov 2025 15:35
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/8922

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