Sex differences in problematic pornography use among adolescents: a network analysis
Abstract Background Pornography use is a common practice in adolescents and has been observed to be more prevalent in males. There are different consequences associated with pornography use and problematic use that may present differently among males and females. The interplay between these factors...
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BMC
2025-04-01
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| Series: | BMC Psychology |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02624-0 |
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| author | Alejandro Villena-Moya Marc N. Potenza Roser Granero Úrsula Paiva Gonzalo Arrondo Carlos Chiclana-Actis Fernando Fernández-Aranda Susana Jiménez-Murcia Enrique Normand Lluís Ballester Gemma Mestre-Bach |
| author_facet | Alejandro Villena-Moya Marc N. Potenza Roser Granero Úrsula Paiva Gonzalo Arrondo Carlos Chiclana-Actis Fernando Fernández-Aranda Susana Jiménez-Murcia Enrique Normand Lluís Ballester Gemma Mestre-Bach |
| author_sort | Alejandro Villena-Moya |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Pornography use is a common practice in adolescents and has been observed to be more prevalent in males. There are different consequences associated with pornography use and problematic use that may present differently among males and females. The interplay between these factors remains underexplored. Methods Using network analysis (a novel model of growing interest), this study examined the interrelationships between variables linked to PPU (such as victimization, sexual double standards, loneliness, family relationships, and risky sexual behaviors) in a Spanish sample of N = 650 adolescents. The analysis focused on identifying central variables and differences between sexes. Results Males demonstrated higher levels of intentional pornography use and PPU, with sexual pleasure as a central node in their network. PPU in males was associated with more sexist models of sexuality. For females, online victimization and loneliness emerged as key factors, highlighting their vulnerability to digital harm. Both sexes shared a cluster of PPU-related factors, including conflict, mood modification, relapse, and withdrawal, which were more pronounced in males. Conclusions These findings highlight the potential of network analysis in the study of PPU in adolescents and its possible effects, providing information for an in-depth understanding of the differences between the sexes. Furthermore, they highlight the importance of developing gender-sensitive prevention and intervention strategies to address the unique needs and vulnerabilities of males and females. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-131f48dbc13647b7807d3e1c44cce3d0 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2050-7283 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Psychology |
| spelling | doaj-art-131f48dbc13647b7807d3e1c44cce3d02025-08-20T01:53:26ZengBMCBMC Psychology2050-72832025-04-0113111310.1186/s40359-025-02624-0Sex differences in problematic pornography use among adolescents: a network analysisAlejandro Villena-Moya0Marc N. Potenza1Roser Granero2Úrsula Paiva3Gonzalo Arrondo4Carlos Chiclana-Actis5Fernando Fernández-Aranda6Susana Jiménez-Murcia7Enrique Normand8Lluís Ballester9Gemma Mestre-Bach10Instituto de Transferencia e Investigación (ITEI), Universidad Internacional de La RiojaDepartment of Psychiatry and Child Study Center, Yale University School of MedicineCiber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMind-Brain Group, Institute for Culture and Society (ICS), University of NavarraMind-Brain Group, Institute for Culture and Society (ICS), University of NavarraInstituto de Transferencia e Investigación (ITEI), Universidad Internacional de La RiojaCiber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos IIICiber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIUnidad de Investigación y actualización clínica de Grupo LaberintoUniversitat de les Illes Balears (UIB)Instituto de Transferencia e Investigación (ITEI), Universidad Internacional de La RiojaAbstract Background Pornography use is a common practice in adolescents and has been observed to be more prevalent in males. There are different consequences associated with pornography use and problematic use that may present differently among males and females. The interplay between these factors remains underexplored. Methods Using network analysis (a novel model of growing interest), this study examined the interrelationships between variables linked to PPU (such as victimization, sexual double standards, loneliness, family relationships, and risky sexual behaviors) in a Spanish sample of N = 650 adolescents. The analysis focused on identifying central variables and differences between sexes. Results Males demonstrated higher levels of intentional pornography use and PPU, with sexual pleasure as a central node in their network. PPU in males was associated with more sexist models of sexuality. For females, online victimization and loneliness emerged as key factors, highlighting their vulnerability to digital harm. Both sexes shared a cluster of PPU-related factors, including conflict, mood modification, relapse, and withdrawal, which were more pronounced in males. Conclusions These findings highlight the potential of network analysis in the study of PPU in adolescents and its possible effects, providing information for an in-depth understanding of the differences between the sexes. Furthermore, they highlight the importance of developing gender-sensitive prevention and intervention strategies to address the unique needs and vulnerabilities of males and females.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02624-0PornographyAddictive behaviorsCompulsive behaviorsImpulsive behaviorsSexually explicit materialsAdolescents |
| spellingShingle | Alejandro Villena-Moya Marc N. Potenza Roser Granero Úrsula Paiva Gonzalo Arrondo Carlos Chiclana-Actis Fernando Fernández-Aranda Susana Jiménez-Murcia Enrique Normand Lluís Ballester Gemma Mestre-Bach Sex differences in problematic pornography use among adolescents: a network analysis BMC Psychology Pornography Addictive behaviors Compulsive behaviors Impulsive behaviors Sexually explicit materials Adolescents |
| title | Sex differences in problematic pornography use among adolescents: a network analysis |
| title_full | Sex differences in problematic pornography use among adolescents: a network analysis |
| title_fullStr | Sex differences in problematic pornography use among adolescents: a network analysis |
| title_full_unstemmed | Sex differences in problematic pornography use among adolescents: a network analysis |
| title_short | Sex differences in problematic pornography use among adolescents: a network analysis |
| title_sort | sex differences in problematic pornography use among adolescents a network analysis |
| topic | Pornography Addictive behaviors Compulsive behaviors Impulsive behaviors Sexually explicit materials Adolescents |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02624-0 |
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