Compulsive Sexual Behaviors, Pornography Consumption, and Co-Occurring Disorders Among College Students

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Addiction Research

Background:

• Problematic pornography use (PPU) and compulsive sexual behaviors (CSBs) have significant psychosocial impacts, often more prevalent in men.
• College students may exhibit higher rates of PPU and CSBs, alongside co-occurring mental health and substance use issues.
• Limited research exists on the interplay of PPU, CSBs, depression, and alcohol use problems in this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationships between co-occurring CSBs, PPU, alcohol use problems, and depression in college students.
• To examine gender differences in the prevalence and co-occurrence of these behaviors and conditions.
• To identify specific associations between PPU, CSBs, depression, and alcohol use problems.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 1126 college students (77% women, 23% men) who completed an anonymous online survey.
• Categorical modeling, including chi-square tests and binary logistic regressions, was used for analysis.
• Prevalence and odds ratios for clinically significant PPU and CSBs were calculated in relation to alcohol use problems and depression.

Main Results:

• Men reported higher rates of PPU and co-occurring alcohol use problems and depression compared to women.
• Alcohol use problems showed moderate to strong associations with CSBs.
• Depression was linked to PPU in women, while co-occurring alcohol use problems and depression were moderately associated with CSBs.

Conclusions:

• Gender plays a significant role in the comorbidities between PPU and CSBs among young adults.
• The findings underscore the need for further research into the consequences of PPU, CSBs, and co-occurring disorders.
• Clinical attention should consider the potential for co-occurring conditions in young adults presenting with PPU or CSBs.