Related Experiment Videos
High-Frequency Pornography Use May Not Always Be Problematic
Beáta Bőthe1, István Tóth-Király2, Marc N Potenza3
1Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.
The Journal of Sexual Medicine
|February 9, 2020
Summary
High-frequency pornography use (FPU) is not always problematic. A study identified three profiles: nonproblematic low-frequency, nonproblematic high-frequency, and problematic high-frequency use, indicating FPU alone doesn't predict problematic pornography use (PPU).
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sexuality Studies
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Previous research linked frequency of pornography use (FPU) and problematic pornography use (PPU) weakly to moderately.
- Person-centered studies on pornography use patterns are limited, hindering understanding of individuals with high FPU but no problems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify distinct pornography use profiles using a person-centered approach based on FPU and PPU.
- To investigate if these profiles differ based on demographic and psychological factors.
Main Methods:
- Latent profile analysis was applied to three large, diverse samples (total N=15,111).
- Participants were recruited from general websites and a pornography site.
Main Results:
- Three pornography use profiles emerged consistently: nonproblematic low-frequency (68-73%), nonproblematic high-frequency (19-29%), and problematic high-frequency (3-8%).
- Significant differences were found between nonproblematic and problematic high-frequency users across various psychological constructs.
Conclusions:
- Frequency of pornography use (FPU) is not a reliable indicator of problematic pornography use (PPU).
- The existence of a substantial nonproblematic high-frequency use group suggests FPU alone does not equate to PPU.
- Findings may inform differentiated clinical approaches for individuals seeking treatment for PPU.