Psychometric Network Analysis of the Problematic Pornography Use Scale (PPUS) in Peruvian Adults

Abstract

Objective

The aim of this research was to analyze the psychometric properties of the Problematic Pornography Use Scale (PPUS).

Methods

A sample of 704 Peruvian youth and adults aged 18 to 62 years (M = 26, SD = 6.0) was considered, of which 56% were female and 43% male. The participants were from various cities in Peru: Lima (84%), Trujillo (2.6%), Arequipa (1.8%), and Huancayo (1.6%). The validity of the theoretical structure of the PPUS was carried out by means of two techniques: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Exploratory Graphical Analysis (EGA), a new effective and efficient dimension evaluation technique, whose measure consists of verifying the fit of the dimension structure.

Results

Using the bifactor model, the hypothesis that PPUS has a unifactorial behavior was corroborated. These approximations of unidimensionality are also corroborated by the EGA method, where the centrality parameters and network loadings are found to have acceptable estimates.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate the validity of the PPUS, contrasting with the factor model and verifying the unidimensionality of the construct, which provide useful directions for future studies on the instrumentalization of problematic pornography use scale.

Keywords:

• pornography
• pornography scale
• problematic pornography use
• psychometrics
• Peru

Data Sharing Statement

Data supporting the conclusions of this research will be made available in coordination with the corresponding author.

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge the contribution of the participants and co-researchers. Additionally, the authors would like to thank Dr Varisier Noel during the manuscript writing process.

Disclosure

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

Funding for Open Access charge: Universidad Señor de Sipán.