Fantasy, Porn, and Casual Sex: What Constitutes Healthy Sexuality?

Fantasy, Porn, and Casual Sex: What Constitutes Healthy Sexuality?

Dr. Justin Lehmiller

Summary: Myths and misconceptions abound when it comes to understanding what constitutes healthy versus unhealthy sexuality. For example, it is widely assumed that “deviant” sexual fantasies alone are a necessary and sufficient cause of sexual offending, that casual sex is inherently harmful, and that pornography is “addictive” and widely damaging to people’s sex lives and relationships. However, science and data tell a different and far more nuanced story. In this presentation, we will separate fact from fiction when it comes to fantasy, porn, and casual sex. We will explore what is “normal” when it comes to sexual fantasy, the extent to which fantasy and behavior overlap, and the factors that do and don’t predict sexual offending. In addition, we will explore what constitutes healthy versus problematic pornography use and the overall effect that porn has on consumers. We will also examine the circumstances under which casual sex is linked to positive versus negative outcomes.  

Bio: Dr. Justin Lehmiller is a social psychologist and Senior Research Fellow at The Kinsey Institute at Indiana University. He is host of the Sex and Psychology Podcast and author of the popular book Tell Me What You Want: The Science of Sexual Desire and How It Can Help You Improve Your Sex Life. Dr. Lehmiller is an award-winning educator, having been honored three times with the Certificate of Teaching Excellence from Harvard University, where he taught for several years. He is also a prolific researcher who has published more than 50 academic works, including a textbook titled The Psychology of Human Sexuality that is used in college classrooms around the world. Dr. Lehmiller is a much sought-after voice in the media on sexuality research and education. He has been interviewed by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and CNN, and he has appeared on dozens of international radio, podcast, and television programs.

This workshop will earn you 4 hours of Continuing Education in Health Equity.

WATSA is a Washington State DOH approved CE provider. CE Hours earned at this training count towards hours needed to renew your SOTP credential and/or your underlying health care license. We are not an approved provider for organizations such as the APA, NASW, AAFT or NBCC.