Socio-demographic and psychosexual profile of actors in pornographic films: A scoping review

This scoping review aims to synthesize our understanding of the sociodemographic and psychosexual profiles of male and female actors in pornographic films. The study was carried out according to PRISMA principles adapted for the development of a scoping review. Research on the available literature was carried out using five electronic databases as well as physical documents and according to the following criteria: (1) the data must come from primary sources; (2) participants must have been renumerated for their work as actors in a pornographic film and have engaged in a sexual activity in that film; (3) the data must include information on the participants' profile. Anecdotal evidence was not included. In total, 18 studies met the criteria. The results of these studies showed that most of the actors are Caucasian, heterosexual, have at the minimum a high school diploma and an annual salary of $25,000. Results also showed that they experience certain difficulties and have needs in many aspects of their personal and professional lives (ex. a history of trauma, increased risk of contracting STIs, substance abuse, and mental health issues), but that they also demonstrate certain strengths (ex. good self-esteem and perceived quality of life). Money is the main motivation in the actors' decision to participate in pornographic films. These results show the importance of developing programs for prevention and intervention that are adapted to their realities and respond to their needs.