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Predicting problematic pornography use among male returning US veterans
Steven D Shirk1, Aneeta Saxena2, Dongchan Park3
1VISN 1 New England Mental Illness Research Education Clinical Center, Bedford, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Populations and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
Addictive Behaviors
|September 24, 2020
Summary
Problematic Pornography Use (PPU) is common in veterans. Higher pornography craving and frequency of use are linked to increased PPU severity in male veterans, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Behavioral Science
- Veterans Health
Background:
- Problematic Pornography Use (PPU) is a prevalent issue within compulsive sexual behavior (CSB).
- US military veterans exhibit a heightened risk for PPU compared to the general population.
- Further investigation into PPU among male veterans is warranted to identify specific risk factors and inform interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the prevalence and correlates of PPU in a sample of male US military veterans.
- To identify demographic, psychiatric, and behavioral factors associated with higher Problematic Pornography Use Scale (PPUS) scores.
- To understand the role of pornography craving and usage frequency in PPU severity.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 172 male veterans who reported past pornography use.
- Data collection included self-report questionnaires assessing demographics, psychiatric comorbidities (depression, anxiety, PTSD, insomnia), impulsivity (UPPS-P), and pornography craving (PCQ).
- Multivariable hierarchical regression analysis was employed to identify predictors of PPUS scores.
Main Results:
- Younger age and lower educational attainment were associated with higher PPUS scores.
- Depression, anxiety, PTSD, insomnia, and impulsivity showed positive associations with PPU.
- Pornography craving (PCQ) and frequency of use were significant predictors of higher PPUS scores in the final regression model.
Conclusions:
- Pornography craving and frequency of use are key factors associated with Problematic Pornography Use in male veterans.
- Understanding these risk factors is crucial for developing effective screening and treatment protocols.
- Targeted interventions addressing craving and usage patterns may help mitigate PPU in this population.
