Associations Between Pornography Consumption Patterns, Pornography Consumption Motives, and Social Wellbeing among U.S. College Students: A Latent Profile Analysis with a Primarily Female Sample

J Sex Marital Ther. 2023;49(7):739-754. doi: 10.1080/0092623X.2023.2193182. Epub 2023 Mar 27.

Abstract

This study identified profiles of pornography motivations and outcomes and assessed differences between profiles on three measures of social well-being: social support, fear of intimacy, and loneliness. Latent profile analysis and group comparisons were conducted using cross-sectional data from college students (N = 389). Results indicated four profiles: low motivation/average distress, porn for enjoyment, high motivation/average guilt, low motivation/high distress. Those in the high motivation/average guilt profile reported more social well-being difficulties relative to the other profiles and non-pornography consumers. Results suggest that individuals who report varying pornography use motivations and negative outcomes may report difficulties with social well-being, with implications for intimate relationships.

MeSH terms

  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Erotica*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Motivation*
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Students