Interaction of craving and functional coping styles in heterosexual males with varying degrees of unregulated Internet-pornography use

Abstract

Unregulated Internet-pornography (IP) use is characterized by diminished control over IP use and the continued use albeit negative consequences. There is evidence that craving mediates the effect of symptom severity of unregulated IP use on the amount of IP use. Functional coping styles may help individuals to regain control over their behavior by better dealing with craving. This raises the question whether the effect of craving on IP use is moderated by functional coping styles in individuals with varying degree of unregulated IP use.Overall, 1498 heterosexual, male IP users participated in this online survey. Participants indicated their amount of IP use, symptom severity of unregulated IP use, functional coping styles, and their craving towards IP.A moderated mediation revealed that symptom severity of unregulated IP use in heterosexual males was positively related to IP use. This effect was partially mediated by craving and the effect of craving on IP use was moderated by functional coping styles.Results indicate for the first time that functional coping styles counteract a high craving towards IP. This effect is especially high when symptom severity of unregulated IP use is high. Strengthening functional coping should be considered in interventions and prevention of IP use.