Pornography consumption leads to lower relationship and sexual satisfaction in couples living together

According to a new study published in Archives of sexual behaviorThe use of explicit pornographic media such as videos and images is associated with lower sexual and relationship satisfaction.

Pornography use is common, albeit controversial, in romantic relationships. Some argue that it can lead to problems such as reduced intimacy and interpersonal conflict, while others believe it can improve sexual communication and strengthen bonds. In this paper, Marie-Chloé Nolin and colleagues examined the effects of pornography on relationship satisfaction in cohabiting couples.

Theoretical frameworks such as sexual script theory and acquisition, activation, and application (3AM) theory suggest that pornography consumption can shape sexual expectations and behaviors. Sexual scripts—socially constructed messages about how to behave during sexual activities—can be acquired through pornography. 3AM theory extends this idea by proposing that these scripts are activated in relevant situations and applied during sexual interactions, potentially influencing relationship satisfaction.

Given the conflicting results of previous research, researchers tested these theories by examining the differential effects of different pornographic media on sexual and relationship satisfaction.

A convenience sample of 706 adult couples (1368 participants) was recruited between January 2021 and August 2022 through online advertisements and email lists. Participants were at least 18 years old and had been living together for at least six months. The final sample included both mixed-sex and same-sex couples.

Participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing the frequency of use of various pornographic media over the past three months. Researchers distinguished between media that showed nudity and that that showed sexual activity. Measures included the Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction, which assesses positive and negative aspects of one’s sexual relationship, and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, which measures relationship satisfaction. Participants also reported their stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the length of their relationship.

These data were collected as part of the Zephyr and Calypso projects, which were designed to assess the sexual and relational well-being of couples during the pandemic.

The researchers found that videos were the most commonly used pornographic medium, followed by images, text, and audio. Cisgender men were more likely to use videos and images, while cisgender women were more likely to use text. Gender-diverse individuals were also more likely to use text. Specifically, 87% of cisgender men used videos compared to 57% of cisgender women, while 44% of gender-diverse individuals used text.

Video use was associated with lower sexual and relationship satisfaction for both the individual and their partner. Image use predicted lower relationship satisfaction and lower partner sexual satisfaction. Use of written materials was associated with lower user sexual satisfaction, while audio materials had different effects by gender; audio use by cisgender women was associated with higher sexual satisfaction, while audio use by cisgender men predicted lower sexual satisfaction in their partner.

Videos and images that are more visually explicit were more frequently associated with negative outcomes, supporting the notion that explicit sexual scripts from these media may lead to unrealistic expectations and dissatisfaction. In contrast, the use of written and audio materials revealed more complex associations, suggesting that the less explicit nature of these media may allow more room for personal fantasies and be less likely to elicit dissatisfaction due to unrealistic standards.

A limitation highlighted by the authors is the cross-sectional nature of the study, which prevents causal conclusions.

Overall, these findings suggest that the context and medium of pornography play a significant role in intimate relationships.

The authors of the study “Relationships between the use of pornography in different media and sexual and relationship satisfaction in cohabiting couples” are Marie-Chloé Nolin, Beáta Bőthe, Elsa Villeneuve and Marie-Pier Vaillancourt-Morel.