Compulsive Sexual Behaviors, Pornography Consumption, and Co-Occurring Disorders Among College Students

Problematic pornography use (PPU) and other compulsive sexual behaviors (CSBs) are associated with numerous psychosocial consequences, with a higher frequency in men than women. However, less is known about the frequency and relationship between PPU, CSBs, depression, and alcohol use problems, especially among college students who may endorse these behaviors at higher rates. This study sought to identify the relationship between co-occurring CSBs, PPU, alcohol use problems, and depression across gender (77% women, 23% men) in a sample of college students (N = 1126). Participants completed an anonymous online survey. Categorical modeling (i.e., chi-square tests and binary logistic regressions) was utilized to identify base rates and odds ratios of clinically significant PPU and CSBs among individuals with alcohol use problems and depression. Men, relative to women, reported PPU and co-occurring alcohol use problems and depression at higher rates. Less significant gender differences were observed across co-occurring CSBs, alcohol use problems, and depression. Alcohol use problems were moderately to strongly associated with CSBs. Depression was associated with PPU in women. Co-occurring alcohol use problems and depression were moderately associated with CSBs. This study highlights the role of gender in potential comorbidities between PPU and CSBs in young adults, as well as the need for greater research examining the consequences of PPU, CSBs, and co-occurring disorders.