PSYCHOEMOTIONAL DIFFICULTIES AND SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION: THE IMPACT OF PROBLEMATIC PORNOGRAPHY USE ON YOUNG MEN

Abstract

The Aim. To assess the prevalence of problematic pornography use (PPU) among men aged 18-40 years in Lithuania and to examine its associations with psychoemotional health and sexual functioning.
Methods. An anonymous quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted in March-April 2025 using an online survey. The sample consisted of 488 men. Validated questionnaires were used: the Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale (PPCS-6), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) and the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX). Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation coefficients, independent samples t-test and Chi-square test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results. PPU risk was identified in 23,4% of respondents. Moderate to severe depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) were found in 34% of participants, while moderate to severe anxiety symptoms (GAD-7 ≥10) were found in 21,1%. Men at risk of PPU showed statistically significantly higher levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms (p < 0.001). A weak but statistically significant positive correlation was found between PPU and impaired sexual functioning (r = 0.11; p = 0.013). Signs of sexual dysfunction were identified in 16.0% of respondents. Higher PPU prevalence was observed among men aged 25-31 years and among those without a romantic partner (p < 0.05).
Conclusions. Problematic pornography use appears to be relatively prevalent among young men in Lithuania and is significantly associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms as well as poorer sexual functioning indicators. The findings suggest that PPU may be linked to multiple aspects of psychoemotional and sexual health and highlight the need for further research.