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The Relationship Between Religiosity and Internet Pornography Use

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Abstract

Internet pornography (IP) consumption has increased, resulting in functioning and psychological problems. Thus, understanding what variables affect IP uses is needed. One of the variables may be religion. College students (N = 223) completed questions on IP use and religion. About 64 % ever viewed IP and 26 % currently viewed IP, at a rate of 74 min per week. IP use interfered with their relationship with God and spirituality. Religious individuals were less likely to ever or currently view IP. Intrinsic and extrinsic religiosity and alignment of spiritual values were associated with ever use. Results suggest that religiosity matters in IP use and further research is needed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX, 77058, USA

    Mary B. Short, Thomas E. Kasper & Chad T. Wetterneck

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  1. Mary B. Short
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  2. Thomas E. Kasper
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  3. Chad T. Wetterneck
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Correspondence to Mary B. Short.

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Short, M.B., Kasper, T.E. & Wetterneck, C.T. The Relationship Between Religiosity and Internet Pornography Use. J Relig Health 54, 571–583 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-014-9849-8

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