The mediating role of rape myths in the relationship between the use of hentai por-nography and sexually aggressive strategies: A study with college students

Resumo

Introduction: The role of pornography in people’s sexual behaviors has been studied for decades [1]. Animated pornography possesses an unique and understudied potential that raises new questions about possible connections between the use of pornography and sexually aggressive behaviour [2]. However, it is questioned if this connection is established directly or could be influenced by the endorsement of myths relating to rape [3]. Sexual aggression is one of the most prevalent crimes amongst college students, making them a demographic relevant in this study [4].
Objetives: The current study aims to test the hypothetical link between hentai pornography use, rape myths endorsement, and sexually aggressive strategies. Furthermore, it aims to explore if such a connection extends to human pornography and differs by gender.
Method and Materials: The work targeted a sample of 906 college students, of whom 533 were men and 373 were women, who completed an online survey to capture pornography use, belief in rape myths, and sexually aggressive behavior. Participation criteria included being heterosexual, over 18, pursuing higher education, and using hentai pornography.
Results and Discussion: The results revealed that the frequency of hentai pornography use predicted sexually aggressive behaviors in male and female participants. The endorsement of rape myths mediated the relationship between the frequency of hentai use and sexually aggressive behavior in both genders and the relationship between the intensity of hentai use and sexually aggressive behavior in men. When considering human pornography, it was found that the frequency of use predicted sexually aggressive behavior in female participants. The endorsement of rape myths also mediated the relationship; no other relationship was found.
Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of sexual violence prevention, specifically in the college setting and brings awareness to the associations between using hentai and human pornography, believing in rape myths, and sexual aggression.