Methodological issues in defining aggression for content analyses of sexually explicit material

Arch Sex Behav. 2015 Jan;44(1):81-7. doi: 10.1007/s10508-013-0253-3. Epub 2014 Mar 8.

Abstract

There exists an important tradition of content analyses of aggression in sexually explicit material. The majority of these analyses use a definition of aggression that excludes consent. This article identifies three problems with this approach. First, it does not distinguish between aggression and some positive acts. Second, it excludes a key element of healthy sexuality. Third, it can lead to heteronormative definitions of healthy sexuality. It would be better to use a definition of aggression such as Baron and Richardson's (1994) in our content analyses, that includes a consideration of consent. A number of difficulties have been identified with attending to consent but this article offers solutions to each of these.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aggression / classification
  • Aggression / psychology*
  • Communications Media*
  • Erotica / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Sexual Behavior / classification
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology*