Why do people watch pornography? The role of schema modes in problematic pornography use

Problematic pornography use (PPU) has been the object of attention from clinicians and researchers due to its impact on relationships, mental health, and sexual satisfaction. More recent research has examined potential motivational factors underpinning online pornography use. However, no prior studies have investigated the role of schema modes in the motivation to watch pornography. The present study assessed the predictive ability of schema modes in online pornography use and investigated the difference between problematic and non-problematic pornography users. The study also examined the association between schema modes and the eight components of the Pornography Use Motivations Scale. A sample of 966 adults completed the Schema Mode Inventory, the Pornography Use Motivations Scale, and the Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale . The findings indicated that problematic pornography users scored higher than non-problematic pornography users across all schema modes, except the Happy Child and Healthy Adult modes. In addition, the findings indicated that schema modes explained approximately 41% of the variance in PPU across all participants. The Impulsive Child and Detached Self-Soother modes alone accounted for 37% of the variance in PPU. This study provides additional insights into the motivational factors underlying PPU, which can inform the development of formulations, clinical interventions, and policymaking.