Pornography, preference for porn‐like sex, masturbation, and men's sexual and relationship satisfaction

TLDR

The study assessed pornography use, preference for porn‑like sex, masturbation, and sexual and relationship satisfaction in two samples of men (N = 326 and N = 335). Frequent pornography use was linked to sexual dissatisfaction, a preference for porn‑like sex, and increased masturbation, but only associated with relationship dissatisfaction in one study; the data did not support a negative effect through preference, suggested a possible benefit via sexual variety, and indicated that masturbation may mediate a negative indirect impact on satisfaction, highlighting multiple opposing influences.

Abstract

Pornography use, preference for “porn‐like” sex, masturbation, and sexual and relationship satisfaction were assessed among two samples of men ( N Study 1 = 326, N Study 2 = 335). Frequent pornography use was associated with sexual dissatisfaction, greater preference for porn‐like sex, and more frequent masturbation in both studies. Pornography use was associated with relationship dissatisfaction in Study 2 only. The data did not support the notion that pornography negatively impacts sexual or relationship satisfaction via preference for porn‐like sex. In fact, it may bolster sexual satisfaction by promoting sexual variety. The data were consistent with a model in which pornography negatively, indirectly affects sexual and relationship satisfaction via masturbation frequency. Pornography use may have multiple opposing influences on sexual satisfaction.