Prediction of Problematic Pornography Use Based on Personality Traits with Mediating Role of Impulsivity: A Structural Equation Modeling Modeling Approach Abstract

Abstract

Background: In recent years, technological advances have facilitated access to sexual content and pornography. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between personality traits and pornography use (PU), with impulsivity as a mediating factor. Objectives: While previous studies have investigated the relationship between personality traits and PU, the mediating role of impulsivity remains insufficiently explored. Specifically, we hypothesize that impulsivity mediates the relationship between personality traits and problematic pornography use (PPU). Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 248 students from different faculties of Kashan University of Medical Sciences (KAUMS) in the second semester of the 2023 - 2024 academic year, selected via a cluster sampling method. The NEO-FFI-60 Personality Inventory, Problematic Pornography Use Scale (PPUS), and Barrett Impulsivity Scale were administered. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed using AMOS-22 and SPSS for descriptive analysis. Results: Participants had a mean age of 21.75 ± 3.36 years, including 117 (47.2%) males and 131 (52.8%) females. A total of 84.7% of the students (99% of males and 71.7% of females) reported PU. Significant correlations were found between conscientiousness, agreeableness, neuroticism, impulsivity, and PPU; SEM confirmed that impulsivity significantly mediated these relationships [Comparative Fit Index (CFI) > 0.9, Adjusted Goodness of Fit Index (AGFI) > 0.8, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) < 0.08]. The effect sizes and correlation coefficients indicate that impulsivity plays a critical role in the relationship between personality traits and PPU. The Sobel test also confirmed the mediating role of impulsivity (Z > 1.96, P < 0.05). Conclusions: This research suggests that individuals with certain personality traits, such as neuroticism, conscientiousness, and agreeableness, are more likely to engage in pornographic behavior if they have high levels of impulsivity. This behavior can lead to a variety of consequences.