Problematic Pornography Viewing from a Big-5 Personality Perspective

Abstract

This study extended prior findings by examining how Big-5 personality traits are related to four dimensions of problematic pornography viewing: functional problems, excessive use, control difficulties, and avoidance of negative emotions. Participants (n = 569 women and n = 253 men) responded to an online survey. Structural equation modeling indicated that for men, neuroticism was a positive correlate with all dimensions of problematic pornography viewing, extraversion positively correlated with functional problems, excessive use, and control difficulties; and openness-to-experience negatively correlated with functional problems. For women, neuroticism positively correlated with avoidance of negative emotions; openness-to-experience positively correlated with excessive use and use to avoid negative emotions; and conscientiousness negatively correlated with control difficulties. A series of significant interactions across personality dimensions were also observed. Connections to other studies and areas for future research are discussed.

Acknowledgments

The authors would also like to thank Ryon McDermott Ph.D., Katelyn Baker, and Davidson Meador for their help with this project.