The adult industry is often stigmatized as providing services to people on the periphery of mainstream society. This negative stereotype is associated with the fact that the sale of adult products in almost all Australian states is illegal. This paper presents the results of an exploratory study of the educational and therapeutic effects of sexually explicit media and sexual aids.
Methodology: A focus group was conducted with consumers of the adult industry at a sex ‘expo’ and individual interviews were conducted with retailers of adult products and sex therapists. Results and discussions: Our research indicates that many therapists prescribe sexual aids and erotic media as part of the management of relationship and sexual concerns and dysfunctions. Retail workers report that clients are interested in information on issues of sexual health. There is however no evidence of the therapists and retail workers communicating or collaborating on providing care to the consumer/client. Results were analysed and will be used for an international internet based study on the therapeutic and educational uses of erotica.
Conflict of Interest: None disclosed
Financial Support/Funding: None disclosed
Recorded: Sydney, Australia, April 2007
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