The Highs and Lows of Pornography Use: Does Motivation Affect Users’ Life Satisfaction?

Abstract

The negative outcomes of problematic pornography use (PPU) have been well documented, but there is a gap in the literature on the underlying mechanisms that influence the life satisfaction and mental health of pornography users. In the current study we have used a cross-sectional, person-centered approach in order to reveal the motivational and life satisfaction profile of problematic and non-problematic pornography users based on the theoretical framework of Self-determination Theory (SDT). We also wished to determine the role of self-determination in the life satisfaction of pornography users, as this variable is considered to be relevant for the life satisfaction and mental health of online pornography consumers. Our participants (N = 4302) were Hungarian speaking adults from Romania and Hungary (age M=27,91; SD=9,50), selected through sampling on social networking sites related to pornography, sexual dysfunction and addiction. Individuals were assigned to one of 3 groups (i.e., no symptoms, few symptoms, problematic use), based on the presence of symptoms related to pornography use. Demographic data was gathered, self-determination, life satisfaction and pornography use were assessed using the online version of validated instruments. Results indicated that SDT-based motivation and life satisfaction have a significant role in shaping the profile of pornography users. Participants with PPU felt less satisfied with their life, were less self-aware and experienced lower levels of perceived choice than both no symptom and few symptom groups. Although self-determination significantly predicted life satisfaction, this effect was not influenced by the problematic character of pornography use.

Keywords

• self-determined motives
• life satisfaction
• online sexual activities
• problematic pornography use