Sociodemographic and Psychopathological Factors Predicting Problematic Pornography Use in a Young Adult French Community Sample

Abstract

Abstract Background and aims: Risk factors for problematic pornography use (PPU) need targeted studies. This study aims to examine sociodemographic and psychopathological factors that may predict PPU. Methods: 1,001 French adults (Mage = 25.56) were assessed via an online survey. Results and discussion: Male gender, attention-deficit/hyperactivity (ADHD) and obsessivecompulsive (OCD) symptoms are significant predictors of PPU. The tendency toward impulsivity of people with ADHD symptoms and the tendency toward compulsivity of people with OCD symptoms could explain their link with PPU. Conclusions: As sexual addiction, PPU lies on the impulsive–compulsive scale and could be classified as a behavioral addiction.