Mental Health
Problematic Pornography Use Among Young Women: Associations With Mental Health Symptoms and Sexual Functioning.
Open Access: Yes.
Abstract
Background. Pornography use has become increasingly accessible, yet research on problematic pornography use (PPU) among women remains limited. While previous research has focused on men, recent findings suggest that PPU may be associated with psychological or sexual effects on women. However, the relationship between PPU, mental health and sexual functioning in women remains not sufficient, highlighting the need for further investigation.
Objectives. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of problematic pornography use (PPU) among women aged 18-40 years and to investigate its associations with depressive symptoms, anxiety and sexual functioning.
Methods. An anonymous online survey study was conducted among 197 women aged 18-40 years. Participants completed the Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale (PPCS-6), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7), and the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX). The collected data was analysed using Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS Statistics. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, independent-samples t-tests, and chi square tests were applied.
Results. An increased risk for PPU (PPCS-6 ≥ 20) was observed in 10.2% of participants. Higher PPCS-6 scores were significantly associated with greater depressive symptoms (r = 0.23, p = 0.001) and anxiety symptoms (r = 0.17, p = 0.015). Women in the elevated risk group reported significantly higher depressive symptom scores compared to the lower-risk group (p = 0.012). No significant association was identified between PPU and sexual functioning measured by ASEX scale (r = -0.09, p = 0.205). Relationship status also showed no significant association with PPU or sexual functioning.
Conclusions. The findings suggest that problematic pornography use among women is more linked with psychological distress than with sexual dysfunction. These findings demonstrate the importance of considering mental health when examining problematic pornography use in female populations. PPU could serve as an early indicator of the need for mental health interventions.
Relevance
The study found that 10.2 % of women in Lithuania met the criteria for elevated risk for problematic pornography use. “A key finding in this study is the statistically significant association between PPU [problematic pornography use] and symptoms of depression in women.” This finding agrees with previous studies which “indicate that women experiencing depressive symptoms, loneliness or chronic stress are more likely to watch or read pornography stories as a maladaptive coping strategy aimed at regulating negative affect” which “may provide a short-term relief, however, often reinforces cycles of avoidance and emotional suppression, ultimately exacerbating depressive symptoms.”
“The findings of this study are consistent with the hypothesis that PPU may function both as a maladaptive coping mechanism in response to psychological distress and as a contributing factor that further exacerbates depressive symptoms.”
Citation
Černytė, M., Burbaitė, V., Strumila, R., & Navickas, A. (2026). Problematic Pornography Use Among Young Women: Associations With Mental Health Symptoms and Sexual Functioning. Visuomenės sveikata, 113(2), Article 8. https://doi.org/10.47458/VS.2026.2(113)-8
