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Motivational Pathways Diverge Between Frequent and Problematic Pornography Use
Edit Csányi1, Martina D Veszprémi1, András N Zsidó1
1Institue of Psychology, University of Pécs, Pécs, EU, Hungary.
Summary
Frequent pornography use is not always problematic. Negative motivations like coping are linked to problematic use, while positive motivations are associated with non-problematic use and better sexual regulation.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sexuality Studies
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Pornography consumption is widespread due to online accessibility.
- Distinguishing between frequent and problematic pornography use is crucial for understanding sexual behavior.
- Motivational pathways underlying different patterns of use require clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate motivational pathways between frequent and problematic pornography use.
- To examine the associations between motivations, pornography use patterns, and sexual regulation.
- To investigate the role of motivations in sexual motivations and regulatory tendencies.
Main Methods:
- Online survey administered to 890 Hungarian adults.
- Assessment of motivations for pornography use (PUMS), problematic pornography use (PPCS-6), sexual regulatory tendencies (SSFS), and sexual motivations (YSEX?-15).
- Generalized linear modeling (GLM) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed.
Main Results:
- Positive motivations (enhancement, partner-related) correlated with frequent, non-problematic use and adaptive sexual regulation.
- Negative motivations (coping, emotional avoidance) were strongly associated with problematic use, characterized by hyperactivation, emotion regulation difficulties, and impaired relationships.
- Problematic Pornography Use Scale-6 (PPCS-6) mediated the link between negative motivations and sexual system deactivation, not use frequency.
Conclusions:
- Frequent and problematic pornography use represent distinct psychological profiles.
- Findings support motivation-based clinical frameworks for assessing sexual health risks.
- Distinguishing functional from dysfunctional pornography use is vital for therapeutic interventions.
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