Typologies of sexually explicit media use among MSM: an application of latent class analysis

Abstract

The viewing of sexually explicit media (SEM) is widespread, especially among men, and research linking SEM viewing and sexual behaviour has shown a variety of results, some positive (e.g., sexuality education) and some negative (e.g., poorer body image). These results might be due to limitations in measuring SEM consumption, particularly around typology. The goal of the current study was to examine potential patterns of SEM viewing activities. Using data from an online survey of men who have sex with men, we conducted latent class analyses of 15 SEM activities. Results suggested a three-class solution. The most prevalent class included over 60% of men and was characterized by viewing primarily safer sex or conventional behaviours. The second class included 32% of men and had a similar, albeit amplified, pattern of viewing. The final class included just 7% of men and was marked by high levels of viewing of all activities, including fetish and kink. Compared to the conventional or safer sex class, the other classes had lower internalized homonegativity, lower condom use self-efficacy and higher SEM consumption or dose. Implications for HIV prevention, sexuality research and the SEM industry are discussed.

Keywords:

• sexually explicit media
• pornography
• men who have sex with men
• latent class analysis

Additional information

Funding

Understanding Effects of Web-based Media on Virtual Populations was funded by the National Institutes of Mental Health Center for Medical Health Research on AIDS [grant number 5R01MH087231]. All research was carried out with the approval of the University of Minnesota Institutional Review Board, study number 0906S68801.

Notes on contributors

Darin J. Erickson

Darin J. Erickson, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, at the University of Minnesota. He is a prevention methodologist and works primarily in substance use policy and prevention.

Dylan L. Galos

Dylan L. Galos is a doctoral student in the Division of Epidemiology in the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. His research interests include social epidemiology, family and child health, health disparities and LGBT health.

Derek J. Smolenski

Derek J. Smolenski received his MPH (Disease Control) and PhD (Epidemiology) from the University of Texas School of Public Health. His dissertation focused on refining the measurement of sexual health constructs salient to MSM sexual health such as internalized homonegativity. Dr Smolenski’s research interests include MSM sexual health, HIV/AIDS prevention and control, and Internet sexuality.

Alex Iantaffi

Alex Iantaffi, PhD, LMFT, is an assistant professor in the Program in Human Sexuality at the University of Minnesota Medical School. His expertise includes sexual health, HIV prevention, sexual and gender minorities, relationships and family systems, disability, deafness, transgender health and identities, embodied psychotherapy and mindfulness.

B.R. Simon Rosser

B. R. Simon Rosser, PhD, MPH, LP, is a professor and director of the HIV/STI Intervention and Prevention Studies (HIPS) Program, in the Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, at the University of Minnesota. He has advanced degrees in psychology, epidemiology and behavioral medicine, with postdoctoral training in clinical/research sexology.