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Problematic Pornography Use, Mental Health, and Suicidality among Young Adults

Author

Listed:
  • Mujde Altin

    (Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
    De Leo Fund, 35137 Padua, Italy)

  • Diego De Leo

    (De Leo Fund, 35137 Padua, Italy
    Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, Griffth University, Mt Gravatt, QLD 4122, Australia
    Slovene Centre for Suicide Research, Primorska University, 6000 Koper, Slovenia)

  • Noemi Tribbia

    (De Leo Fund, 35137 Padua, Italy)

  • Lucia Ronconi

    (Computer and Statistical Services, Multifunctional Pole of Psychology, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy)

  • Sabrina Cipolletta

    (Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy)

Abstract

The relationship between suicidality and problematic pornography use (PPU) is not clear, and the limited research data that exists show contradictory results. The present study aims to explore the associations between these two variables in a sample of young adults, taking into account gender differences and the role of loneliness, emotional states, and well-being. A total of 332 national and international students (60% female) at an Italian University with a mean age of 23 years (SD = 2.84) completed an anonymous online survey during the period from March 2023 to May 2023. The results show that PPU was associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, stress, loneliness, and suicide ideation, as well as lower life satisfaction. Gender comparison analysis revealed significantly higher scores for PPU and loneliness among men, while women scored higher in stress, anxiety, and life satisfaction. Significant correlations between PPU and suicidal ideation and having a suicide plan were established for female participants despite their lower scores in PPU. Multiple regression analysis revealed that PPU and its interaction with gender were both significant predictors of suicidal ideation. Future attention should be paid to how young women may be influenced by exposure to sexually explicit materials, while always considering the role of loneliness.

Suggested Citation

  • Mujde Altin & Diego De Leo & Noemi Tribbia & Lucia Ronconi & Sabrina Cipolletta, 2024. "Problematic Pornography Use, Mental Health, and Suicidality among Young Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(9), pages 1-15, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:9:p:1228-:d:1480007
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Eugénie Khatcherian & Daniele Zullino & Diego De Leo & Sophia Achab, 2022. "Feelings of Loneliness: Understanding the Risk of Suicidal Ideation in Adolescents with Internet Addiction. A Theoretical Model to Answer to a Systematic Literature Review, without Results," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-12, February.
    2. Herron, Rachel V. & Ahmadu, Mairo & Allan, Jonathan A. & Waddell, Candice M. & Roger, Kerstin, 2020. "“Talk about it:” changing masculinities and mental health in rural places?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 258(C).
    3. Yuntian Xie & Qian Yang & Fan Lei, 2023. "The Relationship of Internet Gaming Addiction and Suicidal Ideation among Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Negative Emotion and the Moderating Role of Hope," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-10, February.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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