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Motivational pathways to problematic pornography use: A self-determination theory perspective
Mehdi Akbari1, Mohammad Seydavi1, Sonay Sheikhi1
1Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.
Addictive Behaviors Reports
|July 2, 2026
Summary
Problematic pornography use (PPU) is linked to negative psychological outcomes like distress and sexual dysfunction. Motivational pathways, while present, appear to have minor clinical significance, suggesting a need for further research.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Human Sexuality
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Problematic pornography use (PPU) involves dysregulated and distressing engagement with pornography.
- Self-Determination Theory (SDT) provides a framework for understanding motivation in relation to psychological well-being.
- Understanding the psychological correlates of PPU is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate associations between PPU and psychological outcomes within the SDT framework.
- To explore motivational pathways mediating the relationship between PPU and psychological well-being.
- To identify potential clinical intervention targets for problematic pornography use.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory study utilizing conditional process analysis.
- Sample of 613 participants (75.7% male, mean age 25.14).
- Assessed PPU, motivations, impulsivity, loneliness, distress, sexual function, relationship satisfaction, and sexual self-esteem.
Main Results:
- PPU positively associated with motivations (stress reduction, distraction, fantasy), impulsivity, loneliness, distress, and sexual dysfunction.
- PPU negatively associated with relationship satisfaction and sexual self-esteem.
- Fantasy, lack of sexual satisfaction, and emotional distraction were mediators, but indirect effects were generally small and not practically significant.
Conclusions:
- Motivational pathways identified are unlikely to be significant clinical intervention targets due to limited practical significance.
- Further research into alternative pathways is warranted to better understand PPU mechanisms.
- Findings are hypothesis-generating and require replication to understand PPU at various psychological vulnerability levels.
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