Abstract
Although adults in romantic relationships currently show more openness to online sexual behaviors [1], these behaviors can nevertheless increase couple conflicts and instability [2]. In the current study, we assess the mediating role of Internet pornography use and cyber infidelity in the relationship between 1) personality and attachment, and 2) couple and sexual satisfaction. A total of 779 participants in couple relationships (average age = 29.9 years) completed a series of online questionnaires. According to their responses, 65% of participants visited an adult site at least once during the six months preceding the study, while 16.3% did so multiple times per week. Path model results showed that Internet pornography use and cyber infidelity were sequential mediators between, on the one hand, personality and attachment, and on the other hand, couple and sexual satisfaction. The discussion highlights the importance of properly documenting the correlates of online sexual behavior to better understand new couple realities and dynamics.
Highlights
Accessible, anonymous, and affordable are terms that adequately describe the online pornography industry [3]
We hypothesize that personality and attachment variables are related to pornography use, which in turn is associated with cyber infidelity
Descriptive analyses Regarding the frequency of pornography use, results showed that 35.6% (n = 277) of participants had never visited an adult site, 15.8% (n = 123) had only been once, 12.1% (n = 94) went once a month, 6.8% (n = 53) twice a month, 11.2% (n = 87) once a week, and 16.3% (n = 127) multiple times a week
Summary
Accessible, anonymous, and affordable are terms that adequately describe the online pornography industry [3]. Pornography is increasingly acceptable in Western cultures [4], its use can trivialize monogamy, lead to infidelity. [1] [5], diminish sexual satisfaction, and even reduce sexual attraction to one’s partner [6] [7] [8]. What’s more, women’s perception of their partner’s pornography use is linked to couple dissatisfaction and sexual dissatisfaction [9]. Sexual well-being can be enhanced when both partners use pornography [10]. Due to the sheer number of adult sites and their widespread appeal, researchers are increasingly interested in their role within couple dynamics [1] [2] [11] [12] [13]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
