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McNair Scholar, 2025
Major: Psychology
Mentor: Dr. Kimberly Mitchell
Research Title: Exploring the Relationship between Exposure to Sexual Material and Mental Health in the Context of Peer Norms
Abstract:
With the rise of digital technology, sexual content has become widespread and easily accessible. The effects of engaging with such content is one that has not been deeply researched due to its novelty in the modern world. This study will look at the connections and patterns between exposure to sexual content and mental health symptoms, including depression and anxiety, using quantitative data from a national survey of 6,204 young adults, ages 18-28 years. This study will also examine these relationships in the context of peer norms, because of the heavy hand that social psychology plays in individual's lives, and gender because of the constraints and boundaries it sets. These factors are important to explore because the way people experience and respond to sexting or pornography isn't just personal, it is shaped by what they think others expect from them. For example, someone may feel pressure to sext to fit in or may be judged more harshly for doing so based on their gender. The goal of this study is to further the understanding of the effects of engagement with sexual content on mental health. This can help fill important gaps in research and open up better ways to talk about mental health and sexuality in the digital world.
