Pornography consumption and partnered sex: a review of pornography use and satisfaction in romantic relationships

Purpose of review The effect of pornography on romantic relationships has been long discussed in popular culture and by researchers. The aim of the current review is to discuss the most recent findings probing the potential effect of pornography consumption on relationship and sexual satisfaction for individuals who are in romantic relationships. Recent findings Currently, there has only been one meta-analysis, which shows that pornography consumption and sexual and relationship satisfaction are negatively related for men but not for women (Hum Commun Res. 43(3):315-43, 6). Potential mediators of this link include a preference for pornographic over partnered sexual excitement, the devaluation of intimate sexual communication, decreased partnered sex due to masturbatory displacement, and upward comparisons between one's own sex life and sex in pornography. Potential moderators include frequency of consumption and whether pornography use is alone for masturbation or partnered as a coupled sexual enhancement. Summary Future studies examining previously discussed potential moderators and mediators are needed to replicate findings and provide extension to theory directed toward pornography's effects on romantic relationships. Additional meta-analyses on process and contingency are also needed to further synthesize the research on pornography's effect on partnered sexual activity. Clinical implications are discussed as related to problematic pornography use.