Consumption of Male–Female, Female–Female, and Male–Male Pornography: Attentional Focus and Associated Discomfort in Spanish Men with Different Sexual Attraction

While extensive research exists on general pornography consumption, there is limited focus on the consumption of non-preferred sexual content and its potential associated discomfort. In 2019, a total of 1,133 Spanish men aged between 18 and 40 years (<i>M</i> = 24.78; <i>SD</i> = 5.91) completed a questionnaire regarding their consumption of male-female, female-female, and male-male pornography, the attentional focus, as well as the discomfort they experienced when aroused by such materials. The results were analyzed based on five groups of sexual attraction, ranging from "exclusively heterosexual" to "exclusively gay." Regardless of sexual attraction, men reported consuming and experiencing arousal by all three types of pornography. Exclusively heterosexual men primarily consumed and were aroused by male-female and female-female pornography, while exclusively gay men preferred male-female and male-male pornography. Men with nonexclusive sexual attraction, especially bisexual men, exhibited high levels of consumption and arousal across all types of pornography evaluated. When watching male-female pornography, exclusively heterosexual men reported focusing more on women, exclusively gay men on men, and men with nonexclusive attractions on interactions among individuals. Male-male pornography material caused the most discomfort. These findings illustrate the variety of experiences of consumption and arousal by pornography, even from featuring non-preferred sexual activities. The study also highlights the associated discomfort, particularly with male-male pornography. Further exploration is needed to understand the phenomenon behind this discomfort, such as internalized desires, and to promote a more flexible understanding of sexual identities to support inclusive and healthy sexual health practices.