The Mediating Role of Sexual Compulsivity in the Link Between Pornography Consumption and Problematic Use in an Italian Sample

This study examined the relationships between pornography consumption, sexual compulsivity, and problematic pornography use (PPU) among Italian adults. Data were collected online through standardized and self-report questionnaires from 2,460 participants (63% female, 37% male). Results showed that there was a positive and significant correlation between pornography consumption and both sexual compulsivity and problematic use (r =.44 to r =.64). Regression and mediation analyses using the PROCESS macro revealed that sexual compulsivity partially mediated the relationship between pornography consumption and problematic pornography use, controlling for age group and gender. Additionally, ANOVA tests showed that single and polyamorous individuals had higher means on the COPS, SCS, and PPCS variables compared to married individuals (η2 ranged from.01 to.04). These findings support six-factor models of behavioral addiction and emphasize the key role of sexual compulsivity as an important psychological factor in the development of PPU. Overall, the results of this study highlight the need for culturally based interventions and further research on the individual and social factors influencing problematic pornography use.