Variability of Pornographic Content Consumed and Longest Session of Pornography Use Associated With Treatment Seeking and Problematic Sexual Behavior Symptoms

Abstract

Introduction

Most of the previous studies on problematic pornography use and related behavior have focused on such descriptors of pornography use habits as frequency or time devoted to pornography use.

Aim

We argue that this constitutes a narrow view and indicators that characterize other aspects of explicit content consumption, namely (i) longest session of pornography viewing (which may be related to binge behavior), as well as (ii) variability of consumed pornographic content, can also be useful indicators.

Methods

An online study based on a sample of 132 heterosexual men seeking treatment for problematic pornography use, referred by therapists after their initial visit and 437 non-treatment seekers in the control group.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcomes of this study are reported longest, non-stop session of viewing pornography, variability in consumed pornographic content (including paraphilic and violent pornography), actual treatment seeking for problematic pornography use and severity of symptoms, and average weekly time devoted to pornography use.

Results

Our analysis showed that longest session of viewing pornographic content as well as the variety of consumed pornography influenced the decision to seek treatment and the severity of symptoms even when the sheer amount of time devoted to pornography use was controlled.

Conclusion

This is one of the few studies examining the role of engagement in prolonged sessions of pornography use and the variability of consumed pornographic content in the clinical context of problematic sexual behavior. The study's main limitations are its relatively narrow method of operationalization of variability of pornographic content and longest session of pornography viewing, as well as its cross-sectional, online, and anonymous character. As the described factors have an important influence on treatment seeking and the severity of experienced symptoms, they should be considered in the process of assessing compulsive sexual behavior disorder and related symptoms. Lewczuk K, Leśniak J, Lew-Starowicz M, et al. Variability of Pornographic Content Consumed and Longest Session of Pornography Use Associated With Treatment Seeking and Problematic Sexual Behavior Symptoms. Sex Med 2021;9:100276.