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Association Between Self-Reported Pornographic Consumption Habits and Anxiety and Depression: A Systematic Review and
Jia Yang Tan1, Chen Ee Low1, Hon Jen Wong1
1Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|July 15, 2026
Summary
This study found that higher pornographic content consumption is linked to increased anxiety and depression, particularly in younger individuals. Problematic use, not general consumption, showed the strongest association with these mental health conditions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Mental Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Pornography consumption is prevalent globally.
- The relationship between pornography use and mental health, specifically anxiety and depression, requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between self-reported pornography consumption habits and anxiety and depression.
- To explore factors influencing pornography consumption.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and PsycINFO.
- Random effects meta-analyses of correlation coefficients (CORs) and standardized mean differences (SMDs).
- Exploratory subgroup analyses and synthesis without meta-analysis.
Main Results:
- 19 studies included in the meta-analysis.
- Significant positive correlations found between pornography consumption and anxiety (COR = 0.16) and depression (COR = 0.24).
- Problematic consumption, younger age (≤25 years), and male gender were associated with stronger correlations.
Conclusions:
- Pornography consumption is positively correlated with anxiety and depression, especially in younger users.
- Findings suggest considering pornography habits in psychosocial assessments.
- Observational nature and heterogeneity limit causal inference.
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