Pornography Use Among Married Couples: The Impact of Relational and Resource Investment

Abstract

In the present study, parasocial relationships, through online pornographic materials, among individuals in married heterosexual relationships were studied, specifically examining if the presence of parasocial relationships predicted the relationship and sexual satisfaction of the marriage. The amount of time, money, and frequency spent on pornographic materials was examined to see whether higher amounts of investment would predict decreases in relationship and sexual satisfaction. The researcher also examined whether the amount of time, frequency, and money spent on sexually explicit materials was associated with decreased sexual and relationship satisfaction. Lastly, the study examined whether the amount of time, frequency, and money spent on materials was associated with an increase in the parasocial relationship score. Participants included individuals who were over 18, married, and heterosexual. They also had to have used pornographic materials in the previous 6 months and reported they consistently went back to specific sites or/individuals on these sites. Data were collected using scales to assess sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, and parasocial relationships. Surveys also included demographic information and information about the consistency of pornography use. Participants were found using a nonprobability, convenience sampling through online forums and websites created for research study and advertising purposes as well as social media platforms. The total sample size included 252 individuals. Results found that time, money, and the parasocial relationship were predictive of 37% variance of relationship satisfaction. The parasocial relationship was also predictive of 43% variance in sexual satisfaction. The MANOVA analysis was not statistically significant potentially due to uneven groupings.