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. 2019 Jun 1;8(2):223-233.
doi: 10.1556/2006.8.2019.22. Epub 2019 May 23.

Facets of impulsivity and related aspects differentiate among recreational and unregulated use of Internet pornography

Stephanie Antons  1 , Silke M Mueller  1 , Elisa Wegmann  1 , Patrick Trotzke  1 , Max M Schulte  1 , Matthias Brand  1   2
Affiliations

Facets of impulsivity and related aspects differentiate among recreational and unregulated use of Internet pornography

Stephanie Antons et al. J Behav Addict. .

Abstract

Background and aims: Unregulated Internet pornography (IP) use is discussed as a clinically significant disorder. Because of its primarily rewarding nature, IP is a predestinated target for addictive behaviors. However, not every user develops an unregulated usage pattern. In fact, most users tend to use IP recreationally. Impulsivity-related constructs have been identified as promoters of addictive behaviors. It is unclear whether these impulsivity-related constructs are specific for unregulated IP use or also play a role in recreational but frequent behaviors. In this study, we investigated impulsive tendencies (trait impulsivity, delay discounting, and cognitive style), craving toward IP, attitude regarding IP, and coping styles in individuals with recreational-occasional, recreational-frequent, and unregulated IP use.

Methods: A total of 1,498 heterosexual males participated in an online survey. Groups of individuals with recreational-occasional use (n = 333), recreational-frequent use (n = 394), and unregulated use (n = 225) of IP were identified by screening instruments.

Results: Craving and attitude regarding IP as well as delay discounting and cognitive and coping styles differed between groups. Individuals with unregulated use showed the highest scores for craving, attentional impulsivity, delay discounting, and dysfunctional coping, and lowest scores for functional coping and need for cognition. Recreational-frequent users had the most positive attitude toward IP. Motor and non-planning impulsivity did not differ between groups.

Discussion and conclusions: The results indicate that some facets of impulsivity and related factors such as craving and a more negative attitude are specific for unregulated IP users. The results are also consistent with models on specific Internet use disorders and addictive behaviors.

Keywords: Internet pornography use disorder; behavioral addiction; compulsive sexual behavior; impulsive behavior.

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Figures

<i>Figure 1</i>.
Figure 1.
Mean values of BIS-15 subscales for groups of Internet pornography users. Significant differences are indicated by the horizontal bars. Standard deviations are represented by the error bars attached to each column. BIS-15: Barratt Impulsiveness Scale
<i>Figure 2</i>.
Figure 2.
Mean values of MCQ measuring impulsive choice for groups of Internet pornography users. Higher values indicate more impulsive choice. Standard deviations are represented by the error bars attached to each column. MCQ: Monetary choice Questionnaire
<i>Figure 3</i>.
Figure 3.
Mean values of cognitive styles as measured by the REI subscales for groups of Internet pornography users. Significant differences are indicated by the horizontal bars. Standard deviations are represented by the error bars attached to each column. REI: Rational–Experiential Inventory
<i>Figure 4</i>.
Figure 4.
Mean values of (A) CASBA-porn measuring baseline craving and (B) attitude toward IP for groups of Internet pornography users. Significant differences are indicated by the horizontal bars. Standard deviations are represented by the error bars attached to each column. CASBA: Craving Assessment Scale for Behavioral Addiction specified for Internet pornography use; IP: Internet pornography
<i>Figure 5</i>.
Figure 5.
Mean values of (A) functional and (B) dysfunctional coping styles for groups of Internet pornography users. Significant differences are indicated by the horizontal bars. Standard deviations are represented by the error bars attached to each column
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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