Compulsive Internet Pornography Use and Mental Health: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Sample of University Students in the United States

Abstract

BackgroundThe sustained rise in negative mental health reports among university students is a source of continued global concern, and investigation continues into potential contributors to this rise. This includes the increased prevalence of risky sexual behaviors. Related is the increased prevalence of pornography use. Our study sought to explore the potential relationship between compulsive use of pornography and mental health in university students.MethodsOur sample consisted of university students (N = 1031; 34% male, 66% female) from Franciscan University of Steubenville, Steubenville, Ohio. An anonymous survey was sent to all students at the university over the age of 18. The survey was comprised of the following: (1) demographic questions, (2) questions on pornography use and perception, (3) a modified version of the Compulsive Internet Use Scale (mCIUS) assessing various factors associated with compulsive internet pornography use, (4) questions assessing emotional and sexual states relative to pornography use (EmSS), and (5) the 21-question version of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21).ResultsOur results indicate that 56.6% of those surveyed reported lifetime pornography use, with a significantly higher proportion of males than females reporting such use. The majority of students reported accessing pornography through internet-related technologies. Additionally, 17.0, 20.4, and 13.5% of students reported severe or extremely severe levels of depression, anxiety and stress, respectively, with compulsive pornography use significantly affecting all three mental health parameters in both sexes. Exploratory Factor Analysis identified three factors suggesting emotional coping, dependence and preoccupation for the mCIUS items and three factors reflecting interoceptive, impotent, and extrinsic characteristics for the EmSS items. Regression analysis indicated that various demographics, items pertaining to reduced control and social impairment, and other variables pertaining to pornography use predicted mental health outcomes. Faith, morals and personal motivation were the primary variables reported to help reduce pornography use.ConclusionOur analyses indicate a significant relationship between mental health and pornography use, including behaviors reflecting behavioral addictions, highlighting the necessity for a better understanding and consideration of the potential contribution of internet pornography to negative mental health among university students.

The Impact of Postponed Fertility Treatment on the Sexual Health of Infertile Patients Owing to the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Researchers believe that increased masturbation frequency is related to a decline in quality of life and sexual satisfaction (36), and frequent pornography use may also have a negative impact on sexual function and quality of life (37). A previous study reported that pornography was mainly used to relieve stress during the pandemic, to relieve loneliness and boredom (38), and to de-stress and release other pandemic-related negative emotions (39). Our study found that participants who postponed fertility treatment had more obvious symptoms of anxiety and depression than the control participants.…”

Adolescents’ Online Pornography Exposure and Its Relationship to Sociodemographic and Psychopathological Correlates: A Cross-Sectional Study in Six European Countries

“…In particular, the impact of pornography on adolescents' cognitive, behavioral, and emotional responses has been widely investigated and reviewed [8,9]. Apprehension remains prominent about the negative impact of pornography on youth [8,[10][11][12][13][14]], yet research on the subject is inconclusive, and even positive effects of pornography have been reported [15,16]. Behavioral science research has shown that exposure to pornography can influence youth sexual attitudes, which, in turn, impact their sexual behavior [8,17] and socio-emotional functioning [12,[18][19][20].…”

“…Apprehension remains prominent about the negative impact of pornography on youth [8,[10][11][12][13][14]], yet research on the subject is inconclusive, and even positive effects of pornography have been reported [15,16]. Behavioral science research has shown that exposure to pornography can influence youth sexual attitudes, which, in turn, impact their sexual behavior [8,17] and socio-emotional functioning [12,[18][19][20]. This may be especially relevant when exposure is frequent and may affect some adolescents more than others.…”

The Interplay Between Problematic Online Pornography Use, Psychological Stress, Emotion Dysregulation and Insomnia Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mediation Analysis

“… 14 In fact, POPU has been associated with higher relational problems 15 , 16 and lower mental health. 17 Notably, pornography, for its characteristics, may play a specific role in worsening users’ sleep quality 18 because it includes “any material designed to cause or enhance sexual arousal or sexual excitement in the viewer”, 19 and excessive pornography use is associated with increased stress and anxiety, 20 social impairment and isolation, 21 sexual dysfunctions 22 and sleep disturbances. 11 Indeed, Cacioppo et al 16 found that POPU was linked to psychological distress and emotional difficulties, which, in turn, were found to be associated with sleep disturbance.…”