Sexual media gives us a script, or the way we should think about sexuality. It gives us an idea for how we should act on our sexuality.
Nathan Leonhardt
Media definitely has the potential to shape our understanding of sexuality – what we should think and how we should act. For people who have a long-term vision that involves a more holistic approach of the relational, emotional, and spiritual aspects of sexuality, the message portrayed in pornography doesn’t line up with those goals. Listen as Creed and Chrishelle talk with Nathan Leonhardt, a PhD student, about sexual scripts, research on pornography, and 3 fundamental systems for building relationships.
In this episode:
- We have many sources of info about sex that influence us in addition to media.
- Pornography teaches sexual scripts (expectations) that more aligned with short-term sexuality than long-term sexuality.
- Research often reports on an incomplete view of romantic relationships.
- Our goals and ideals about relationships and sexuality organize the way we see the world.
- Religious people may report negative effects from viewing pornography because they see the gap between their ideal values and what pornography portrays.
Nathan D. Leonhardt is a doctoral student and Vanier Scholar in Social Psychology at the University of Toronto. He received his bachelor’s (2016) and master’s (2018) degree in Marriage, Family, and Human Development from Brigham Young University, where he was a Hinckley Scholar, Wheatley Scholar, and valedictorian for the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences. He has published over 25 articles in top psychology, family studies, and sexuality academic journals on pornography, sexuality, and other topics. His research has been featured in popular news outlets such as Psychology Today, Daily Mail, CNN, and Men’s Health. He was one of the founding officers of Reach 10. One of his highest priorities is to become a great husband and father.
Links
Email: nathan.leonhardt@mail.utoronto.ca
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/
Read one of Nathan’s academic articles.
Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views. We offer this information in good faith, but we don’t make any representation that what you hear is accurate, reliable, or complete. Reach 10 and the Breaking the Silence podcast are not responsible or liable for your use of any information heard in this podcast.
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