Problematic Pornography Use Among Indian Adults: Patterns, Preferences, Motives, Psychosocial Impacts, and Support Strategies.

BACKGROUND

Problematic pornography use (PPU) is an emerging behavioral concern in the technological era with significant biopsychosocial impacts. While research on PPU has expanded globally, evidence from the Indian context remains scarce, particularly regarding comparisons between individuals with and without PPU and their motives, preferences, and psychosocial outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

This study explored patterns, preferences, motives, psychosocial impacts, and support strategies to provide a better understanding of PPU and intervention planning in the Indian context.

METHODS

The study employed an online cross-sectional survey with 112 participants (ages 18-46; mean = 25.5, SD = 5.44; gender: 81.3% male, 16.1% female, 2.7% nonbinary) who had experienced pornography-related difficulties in the past six months. Data were collected using a sociodemographic datasheet, details of pornography use, the Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale (PPCS), the Pornography Use Motivation Scale (PUMS), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Descriptive data analysis was used to explore participants patterns, preferences, motives, psychosocial impacts, and support strategies.

RESULTS

Results indicate most participants began viewing pornography in early adolescence (mean age = 14.1, SD = 4.01). Majority viewed pornography 0-2 times per week, usually for less than 30 minutes per session, primarily via smartphones (79.5%). About 69% had specific preferences, with Mother/Mature I'd Like to Fuck (MILF), threesome, Bondage, Discipline / Dominance, Sadism / Submission, Masochism (BDSM), lesbian, and gangbang being common. Negative effects were reported by 75.89% participants in at least one domain, including family, social life, or work/occupation. Also, 41.07% reported positive effects, such as gaining sexual knowledge and experiencing sexual relief. Feelings of guilt or shame were reported by 63.39%, and 48.21% indicated self-esteem issues related to their pornography use. A majority (86%) perceived no to low support from friends/family and 68.75% avoided sharing pornography habits with partners. Individuals with PPU (76 or above score in PPCS), compared to non-PPU individuals, show stronger motives for using pornography for stress reduction, fantasy, emotional distraction/suppression, and boredom avoidance, along with elevated depression, anxiety, and stress levels.

CONCLUSION

This study underscores the complex nature of problematic pornography use (PPU) in Indian adults, shaped by various factors, including early exposure, psychological distress, and sociocultural stigma. The findings also imply integrating these factors into planning culturally sensitive research and tailored clinical interventions to address PPU.