Smut is OK, says Montreal prof

[edesignuk]

A Canadian prof, after a great deal of painstaking research, has found that looking at porn has no measurable negative effects on men's psychology.

"We started our research seeking men in their twenties who had never consumed pornography. We couldn't find any," says Simon Louis Lajeunesse of the Université de Montréal.

"The objective of my work is to observe the impact of pornography on the sexuality of men, and how it shapes their perception of men and women," continues the prof.

...continued...

The Register.

That second paragraph made me chuckle

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[mscriv]

I'd respectfully disagree with his conclusion that "looking at porn has no measurable negative effects on men's psychology." Obviously, this is a hot topic (no pun intended - ok, maybe a little ), but in my experience as a professional therapist pornography can be devastating. Obviously, it's impact is dependent upon individual circumstances. The key with any research like this is understanding the type of research, the design of the research, and the way in which collected data was interpreted and analyzed. The word "measurable" is also key in understanding psychological/sociological research. With subjects like this it's very difficult to agree upon objective criteria.

Interesting read though.

 

[leekohler]

I'd respectfully disagree with his conclusion that "looking at porn has no measurable negative effects on men's psychology." Obviously, this is a hot topic (no pun intended - ok, maybe a little ), but in my experience as a professional therapist pornography can be devastating. Obviously, it's impact is dependent upon individual circumstances. The key with any research like this is understanding the type of research, the design of the research, and the way in which collected data was interpreted and analyzed. The word "measurable" is also key in understanding psychological/sociological research. With subjects like this it's very difficult to agree upon objective criteria.

Interesting read though.

Hmm...I think there is a such thing as addiction to porn, which is damaging. However, it looks as if this study was targeting non-porn addicted males.

 

[barkomatic]

I'd respectfully disagree with his conclusion that "looking at porn has no measurable negative effects on men's psychology." Obviously, this is a hot topic (no pun intended - ok, maybe a little ), but in my experience as a professional therapist pornography can be devastating. Obviously, it's impact is dependent upon individual circumstances. The key with any research like this is understanding the type of research, the design of the research, and the way in which collected data was interpreted and analyzed. The word "measurable" is also key in understanding psychological/sociological research. With subjects like this it's very difficult to agree upon objective criteria.

Interesting read though.

Perhaps because as a therapist you would only treat people who had already some type of unhealthy use of porn. That's like a therapist who is treating an alcoholic assuming that anyone who ever has a drink will develop a problem.

I think a lot of the problems arising (no pun intended either. ) from porn use has to do with people's attitude toward it--especially an insecure girlfriend/boyfriend/wife/partner who discovers a stash and has a fit.

 

[leekohler]

Perhaps because as a therapist you would only treat people who had already some type of unhealthy use of porn. That's like a therapist who is treating an alcoholic assuming that anyone who ever has a drink will develop a problem.

I think a lot of the problems arising (no pun intended either. ) from porn use has to do with people's attitude toward it--especially an insecure girlfriend/boyfriend/wife/partner who discovers a stash and has a fit.

Agreed. I see no problem with it unless it becomes an addiction. Of course, I know several people in the business, so I'm biased.

 

[mscriv]

Perhaps because as a therapist you would only treat people who had already some type of unhealthy use of porn. That's like a therapist who is treating an alcoholic assuming that anyone who ever has a drink will develop a problem..

Good point and alchohol is actually a good analogy. I agree that not everyone responds the same way and not everyone will have a "problem". The difficulty is that not everyone knows how to handle their alcohol and some discover this fact too late. Pornography is often the same. People don't realize the impact it has had upon them until it's too late. I'm not advocating a restriction of people's freedom as responsibility is a personal choice. I just don't like people glossing over issues like this as if everything is innocent. There are potential dangers and people need to be aware of the risks.

I think a lot of the problems arising (no pun intended either. ) from porn use has to do with people's attitude toward it--especially an insecure girlfriend/boyfriend/wife/partner who discovers a stash and has a fit.

Good pun, but let's not confuse the issue by bringing your ex into the conversation.