WEB DESK: A recent study published in Addictive Behaviors Reports delves into the relationship between loneliness and problematic pornography use, shedding light on the complex dynamics at play in online interactions and emotional regulation.
Problematic pornography use, characterized by excessive consumption despite negative consequences, shares similarities with other addictive behaviors, according to study author Mal Flack, a senior lecturer at Charles Darwin University.
Flack explains, “We were struck by the significant number of individuals who self-report an addiction to pornography. Problematic pornography use has been shown to share similar characteristics with other addictive behaviors.”
The study, which involved 213 participants aged 18 to 79 recruited through social media platforms, found a correlation between loneliness and engaging in problematic pornography use. Furthermore, difficulties in emotional regulation were identified as a mediator between loneliness and problematic pornography use, suggesting that loneliness may trigger emotional responses that lead individuals to rely on pornography as a coping mechanism.
However, the researchers also discovered a somewhat unexpected finding: interacting with pornographic content creators was associated with lower levels of problematic pornography use. Despite this, the interaction did not significantly impact the relationship between loneliness and emotional regulation difficulties.
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While this interaction with content creators may mitigate problematic pornography use to some extent, it does not directly address the emotional challenges associated with loneliness.
Flack notes, “We were surprised to find that interacting with content creators was associated with less problematic pornography use. However, interacting with content creators did not appear to protect against feelings of loneliness or emotional regulation issues.”
The study underscores the need for promoting healthier coping mechanisms to address loneliness without relying on pornography use. Flack emphasizes the importance of psychologists assisting individuals in coping with loneliness and enhancing social connections to reduce reliance on pornography as a coping mechanism.
However, Flack acknowledges some limitations of the study, including its reliance on surveys at one point in time and the lack of nuanced exploration of interactions with content creators.
The research aims to raise awareness among the public and clinicians about the factors contributing to problematic pornography use and reduce stigma associated with the issue.
The study, titled “Loneliness and problematic pornography Use: What is the role of emotion regulation and interaction with content Creators?“, was authored by Maria Vescan, Mal Flack, and Kim M. Caudwell.
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