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Pornography Use in Adult Mixed-Sex Romantic Relationships: Context and Correlates

  • Clinical Therapeutics (B McCarthy and R Segraves, Section Editors)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Pornography use is a common sexual activity for men and women engaged in a romantic relationship. The objective of this literature review was to highlight the current state of research on the associations between pornography use and relational and sexual well-being in mixed-sex couples, with a particular focus on the context of use.

Recent Findings

Overall, findings are mixed, and studies are plagued by methodological shortcomings precluding causal assertions. Nevertheless, research indicates that men’s pornography use is negatively associated with relational well-being and sexual satisfaction, whereas women’s use is unrelated to relational indicators and unrelated to, or positively associated with, sexual satisfaction. The context in which pornography is used (e.g., alone or with the partner) moderates these associations.

Summary

This review suggests that pornography use may be positively related, negatively related, or unrelated to couples’ well-being. The sex of the user and the context of use may in part explain this variability in correlates of pornography use.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by a postdoctoral fellowship from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) awarded to Marie-Pier Vaillancourt-Morel.

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Correspondence to Marie-Pier Vaillancourt-Morel.

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Vaillancourt-Morel, MP., Daspe, MÈ., Charbonneau-Lefebvre, V. et al. Pornography Use in Adult Mixed-Sex Romantic Relationships: Context and Correlates. Curr Sex Health Rep 11, 35–43 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-019-00190-2

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