(PS1-30) The Roles of Psychological Inflexibility (PI) and Experiential Avoidance (EA) in Problematic Porn Use (PPU)

Abstract Text: Authors: Box, H., Urane, W., Short, M., Bathla, S., and Shchepetova, A.
Shivani, Anita

Research interests in pornography viewing rates, habits, risks, and benefits have increased as access to online pornographic images and videos have become more readily available. Overall, some people report positive impacts from pornography viewing, while a substantial number of individuals report viewing-related problems. To predict for whom viewing may be problematic, the psychological mechanisms that underlie problematic use must be better understood. Understanding the mechanism of experiential avoidance (EA) and additional facets of psychological inflexibility (PI) may help understand Internet pornography use and misuse. The present study aims to clarify the understanding of the relationship between problematic pornography use (PPU) and EA and PI.

Methods: In this study, 493 adult pornography viewers completed a survey related to their pornography viewing, EA and PI. The survey included demographics, questions related to pornography use, the Pornography Use Scale with Problematic Pornography Subscale (PUS-PPS), the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire – II (AAQ-II), and the Multifaceted Psychological Flexibility Inventory (MPFI; M=2.78-3.4).

Results: Participants included 294 viewers (59.3%) identified as male, 267 (53.8%) were under the age of 35, and 397 (80.0%) described themselves as White, with the majority of participants (N = 387; 78%) describing themselves as heterosexual. Most participants reported obtaining a college degree or higher (N = 304, 61.3%) and a religious affiliation (N = 343; 69.2%). Scores on standardized measures included PUS-PPS (M = 16.11), AAQ-II (M=24.01), and the MPFI; (M=2.78-3.4). Significant differences existed between males and females in problematic pornography use, with men scoring significantly higher on the PPU (M = 17.69; SD = 7.3) than women (M = 13.76; SD = 7.02), t(489) = 5.9, p < 01. With regard to age, participants under 35 years old (M = 16.99; SD = 7.70) were significantly higher in problematic use than those over 35 (M = 15.07; SD = 7.02), t(491) = 2.88, p = .004. Correlations were used to examine the relationship between problematic pornography use, EA, and PI. Results indicated higher levels of psychological inflexibility were associated with increased PPU. Both AAQ-II scores and PI were associated with increased PPU viewing; however, PI as measured by the MPFI composite score was more strongly correlated with problematic use than the AAQ-II. Scores on AAQ-II were more highly correlated with PI than with EA alone, suggesting that the AAQ-II likely captures PI processes in addition to EA. PI variables accounted for 30% of the variance in problematic viewing and each facet of PI was individually associated with PPU.

Discussion: In summary, many people use pornography; PPU has been related to both EA and PI, but evidence points to these constructs not being as interchangeable as previously believed. Increased understanding of this difference could enhance treatment in that it facilitates more direct targeting of the mechanism(s) in a way more individualized for the client’s area of need and similar to other “addiction” behaviors and are thus worth exploring further.