Sexuality Education & Therapy with Children
Family and Parental Factors Related to Pornography Use and Problematic Pornography Use Among Adolescents and Young Adults.
Open Access: No.
Abstract
Purpose of Review. This review seeks to identify family and parental factors associated with pornography exposure and problematic pornography use (PPU) in adolescents and young adults. The key variables include family functioning, parental style, family characteristics, parental monitoring/supervision of internet exposure, and family attitudes toward pornography and sex.
Recent Findings. Higher family cohesion and open communication are linked with lower pornography exposure, whereas conflict, unstructured family environments, and low socioeconomic status are associated with higher pornography use. Other relevant factors were parents’ attitudes about sexuality and the use of monitoring software. Despite limited research on PPU, some family factors, such as cohesion, adaptability, and perceived support, have been suggested to be protective factors for the development of PPU.
Summary. Open communication and cohesion are the most relevant and potentially protective family-related factors against pornography exposure in adolescents and young adults. However, the lack of longitudinal studies limits the inference of causality. Future research should explore family-related factors influencing PPU to refine prevention strategies and interventions.
Relevance
The present review highlights the importance of family related factors in mitigating pornography use among adolescents and young adults. Protective factors such as strong family cohesion, open communication with children (including discussions about sexual health), and balanced parenting styles help mitigate pornography exposure. In contrast, negative influences such as family conflict and either excessive or lack of parental involvement heighten vulnerability to pornography exposure in youths.
Citation
Moya, A.V., Efrati, Y., Chiclana Actis, C., & Testa, G. (2025). Family and Parental Factors Related to Pornography Use and Problematic Pornography Use Among Adolescents and Young Adults. Current Addictions Reports, 12, Article 38. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-025-00653-8
