Self-regulatory Processes in Problematic Pornography Use

Purpose of Review A core symptom of problematic pornography use (PPU) is the repeated failure to control sexual impulses resulting in pornography use; however, the field of self-regulation research has rarely been applied to PPU. Recent Findings Various goals can underly the use of online pornography. These goals can conflict with other self-regulatory goals a person holds, which leads to moments of self-control. The outcome of such self-control moments depends on multiple internal factors, including the strength of the desire to use pornography, whether a person perceives a conflict with their behaviour, and the motivation to resist their desire, as well as external, situational factors. Findings on the contribution of volition towards self-regulation in PPU are inconclusive. Summary More research is needed to further explore what influences moments of self-control, specifically in PPU. The proposed model of self-control moments can be used to derive research questions for further studies as well as to develop prevention and intervention approaches.