German Health Survey Research Articles

Closeness Discrepancies and Relationship Quality in German Partnered Women and Men

The construct of inclusion of other in the self has been established as one of the most influential measures for relationship closeness in romantic relationships. It is regularly associated with relational well-being, sexual satisfaction, as well as mental health. However, the degree of closeness one desires in the present relationship is person-specific and can differ from the closeness one actually experiences. Exploring these discrepancies, the present study focused on the association between not enough closeness and too much closeness and relationship characteristics, parenting, and extradyadic sexual activity. Data from a population-based sample of 3,161 men and women from the German Health and Sexuality Survey were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Our results confirm closeness discrepancies as prevalent relationship phenomena, while identifying feelings of not enough closeness as much more problematic for the relationship.

Differences in breast and cervical cancer screening between West and East Germany: a secondary analysis of a german nationwide health survey

BackgroundBreast cancer and cervical cancer are among the most common cancers in women in Germany. Early detection examinations such as mammography and the cervical smear test (Pap-test) have been shown to contribute to the reduction in the mortality and/or incidence of these cancers and can be utilised free of charge by women in certain age groups as part of national screening programmes. Analyses show that the use of health services varies regionally, especially when comparing the federal states of the former German Democratic Republic (GDR, Eastern Germany) and the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG, Western Germany). This study investigated to what extent the utilisation of mammography examinations and Pap-tests by women differs in federal states of former GDR and FRG.MethodsFor this purpose, we analysed data from the nationwide health survey GEDA14/15 conducted by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in 2014 and 2015. We calculated weighted proportions and compared attendance between eastern and western German states by a Chi-Square-test. Additionally, we conducted regression analysis to adjust for socio-economic status, living environment and place of birth.Results2,772 female participants aged 20–34 years were analysed for Pap-test attendance in the last two years and 4,323 female participants aged 50–69 years old were analysed for mammography screening attendance in the last two years. 50–69-year-old women in eastern German states were with 78.3% (95%-CI 75.3%, 81.2%) more likely to attend mammography screening than in western Germany with 73.4% (95%-CI 71.8%, 74.9%). Pap-test uptake was statistically significantly higher in the East of Germany with 83.3% (95%-CI 79.6%, 87.1%) compared to 77.5% (95%-CI 75.8%, 79.3%) in the West of Germany. This relationship was robust to adjusting for socio-economic status, living environment and place of birth.ConclusionsCultural influences and socialization in the GDR might explain the higher utilisation of these cancer screening examinations at least to some extent. This could have many reasons, for example a higher health awareness through education or a possible greater trust in medical structures and the associated higher compliance of women. These hypotheses should be further explored to increase the uptake of screening examinations by women in Germany.

Public attitudes towards sexual behavior-Results of the German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD).

Population-level data on predictors for attitudes towards sexual behavior are missing for Germany. The current study investigated sexual attitudes in the German population with regard to sociodemographic and sociocultural factors. Data originated from the German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD; N = 4,955) carried out from October 2018 to September 2019. Computer-assisted face to face interviews were conducted with a large self-administered component due to the sensitive topics of the survey. Public acceptance towards several aspects of sexual behavior (extramarital sex, abortion, same sex sexual activities, sex work, promiscuity, sex without love) was investigated. Age, gender, education, religious aspects and migration background were introduced as predictors into logistic regression analyses. Overall, respondents rather rejected promiscuity (61%) and extramarital sex (81%) and rather supported same sex sexual activities (63-70%). Male respondents more likely rejected same sex sexual activities and abortion. Higher education was associated with more acceptance towards the sexual behaviors whereas first generation migrants, Muslim faith and religious devoutness were associated with less acceptance. Results indicate that gender is relevant in terms of sexual attitudes with male respondents tending to have more traditional and heteronormative gender role values. Furthermore, education, culture and religion play an important role concerning the liberality towards sexual behaviors. Acculturation processes of second generation migrants may lead to an adaptation of values. Comprehensive and culturally sensitive sex education may focus on differences concerning sexuality-related norms and values.

Corrigendum to: Who feels affected by "out of control" sexual behavior? Prevalence and correlates of indicators for ICD-11 Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder in the German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD).

"Corrigendum to: Who feels affected by “out of control” sexual behavior? Prevalence and correlates of indicators for ICD-11 Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder in the German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD)" published on 27 Dec 2022 by Akadémiai Kiadó.

Living without Partnered Sex in Germany. Results From the First Representative, Population-based German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD)

Broader insights into the life situations of sexually inactive adults in Germany are widely unexplored. Within the nationally-representative survey GeSiD (German Health and Sexuality Survey), undertaken 2018-2019, data of 4,758 participants with lifetime interpersonal sexual experience aged 18-75 years (men: n = 2234; women: n = 2524) were analyzed in regards to partnered sexual inactivity in the past 12 months (PSI; no genital-involving sexual contact with another person). Overall, advanced age, being single and impaired health conditions were associated with PSI. Data showed gender-specific associations with PSI, such as less alcohol, smoking and drug use in women. PSI was associated with lower general life satisfaction throughout different age groups.

Sexual activities and experiences in women who underwent genital cosmetic surgery: a cross-sectional study using data from the German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD)

The aim of this study was to compare women who have undergone genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) with women who have not regarding past sexual activities and experiences. It draws on data from the German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD). The subsample of women who had undergone FGCS (n = 32) was compared to a subsample of women who had not had FGCS (n = 96); the samples were matched for age, education, relationship and marital status, and whether participants had born a child. Variables concerning the present relationship, recent/lifetime sexual activities, sexual orientation, pregnancy-related experiences, health, sexual boundary violations/violence, sexual difficulties, and migration background served as main outcome measures. Women who had undergone FGCS reported more often anal intercourse during their last sexual encounter (13% vs. 1%, p = 0.021), a pregnancy ending in miscarriage (34% vs. 16%, p = 0.016), and not to be satisfied with their own appearance (41% vs. 15%, p = 0.002) than women who had not undergone FGCS. The results indicate women’s motivations for FGCS beyond the desire to improve genital appearance or function, and that contributing factors might be clinically relevant regarding more general psychological wellbeing.

Who feels affected by "out of control" sexual behavior? Prevalence and correlates of indicators for ICD-11 Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder in the German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD).

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and correlates of indicators consistent with Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD)-defined and operationalized according to the ICD-11 guidelines-in a large (n = 4,633; 50.5% male; 49,5% female) probability-based German national sample. Participants were asked if they had ever experienced "intense and recurring sexual impulses or sexual urges that I had difficulty controlling and resulted in sexual behavior" over a period of several months. Those who reported this experience were queried about theassociated distress. Overall, 4.9% of men [95% CI = 3.9-6.1] and 3.0% of women [95% CI=2.3-3.9] reported experiences consistent with ICD-11 diagnostic requirements for lifetime diagnosis. In the 12 months preceding the study, 3.2% of men [95% CI = 2.4-4.2] and 1.8% of women [95% CI = 1.2-2.5] reported experiences consistent with CSBD requirements. Compared to controls and participants who reported elements of compulsive sexuality but without accompanying distress, strict religious upbringing was most prevalent in the CSBD group. The CSBD group was more likely to view sexual practices like men having sex with men as unacceptable and to report the belief that pornography has negative impacts on their sex life and life in general. Compared to the other two groups, the CSBD group was significantly more likely to have received psychiatric treatment for depression or another mental health problem during the past 12 months. The current study provides novel and important insights into the prevalence and characteristics of CSBD in the general population.

Treatment of elevated cholesterol in a representative cross-sectional sample of 4 892 Germans: is there a social gradient?


 Background: effective control of cardiovascular risk factors remains low in most countries and also in Germany. We investigate whether socio-economic status has an impact on the level of medical treatment and control (normalized values) of total cholesterol.
 Methods: data on blood lipids from 4 892 participants in the last German Health Survey of 1998 are analysed, adjusting for key determinants in logistic regression analyses. Socio-economic status is not determined by educational achievement alone but also including occupation and household income.
 Results: the actual prevalence of total cholesterol of ≥240 mg/dl was 53.4%. Only 3.6% of prevalent cases are under effective treatment. Less favourable values of total cholesterol and HDL are displayed by males and in lower social groups, while the middle groups are in an intermediate position. Chances to be treated for hypercholesterolemia are significantly less favourable for females (odds ratio (OR) estimate: 0.70) and better for the age bands ≥50 (OR 2.37) and ≥60 (OR 3.57), if a general practitioner is visited (OR 1.77), and if living in Eastern Germany (OR 1.89). However, chances are not significantly different according to social status.
 Conclusions: statistically significant social group differences cannot be detected at the present low level of effective treatment. This may be different if higher levels of control are achieved.

Factors associated with non-use of condoms among heterosexually-active single people in Germany: Results from the first representative, population-based German health and sexuality survey (GeSiD).

Background: Against the backdrop of rising STI incidence among the heterosexual population, sexually active single people are at particularly high STI transmission risk. Gaining insight into circumstances related to condoms non-use in this population is therefore important for developing effective health interventions. Methods: The nationally-representative survey, GeSiD (German Health and Sexuality Survey) undertaken 2018–2019, interviewed 4,955 people aged 18–75 years. A total of 343 heterosexually-active single participants answered a question about condom use at last sex. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviours and circumstances of last sex were analysed to identify independently associated factors. Results: Condom non-use at last sex was reported more commonly by participants aged >35 years than by younger participants (48.5 vs 33.7%, respectively) and more likely among longer relationships (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.43) or early loving relationships (AOR: 3.59) than in one-night-stands. It was also associated with not discussing using condoms before sex (AOR: 6.50) and with reporting non-use of condoms at sexual debut (AOR: 4.75). Conclusions: Non-use of condoms is a common STI risk behaviour among heterosexually-active single people in Germany and so needs promoting from sexual debut throughout the life course, regardless of relationship type and age, but particularly among middle-aged and older people.

Frequent Cannabis Use Moderates the Relationship Between Sexual Dysfunction and Depression Among Female German Adults

BackgroundSexual dysfunction and heavy substance use (alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis) play an important role in the development of depression, while frequent substance use affects sexual dysfunction. AimThis study aimed to investigate the association between sexual dysfunction and depression among German adults in a nationally representative sample and the effect of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis use on this association using moderator analysis. MethodsData come from the German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD) with N = 4,955 men and women aged between 18 and 75 years. We used multiple logistic regression analysis to examine the moderation effect of substance use between sexual dysfunction and depression by including an interaction term. OutcomesSelf-reported diagnosed and treated depression within the last 12 months and the moderation effect of substance use on the association between sexual dysfunction and depression. ResultsMen and women with at least 1 sexual dysfunction were more likely to be affected by depression as compared to those without sexual dysfunction. A moderation effect of frequent cannabis use was found between sexual dysfunction and depression among women. Clinical ImplicationsClinicians and therapists addressing addiction, depression, and dysfunction should keep the complex interactions in mind. Strengths & LimitationsThis study provides new data on the association between sexual dysfunction and depression among German adults in a nationally representative sample and the moderation effect of substance use on this association. Further studies should disentangle the pathways between sexual dysfunction, cannabis use, and depression through moderated mediation analyses. ConclusionFrequent cannabis use plays a moderating role in the association between sexual dysfunction and depression among German adult women. Belau MH, Wiessner C, Becher H, et al. Frequent Cannabis use Moderates the Relationship between Sexual Dysfunction and Depression Among Female German Adults. J Sex Med 2022;19:940–949.

Men Who Pay For Sex: Prevalence and Sexual Health.

Men who pay for sex (MPS) are a vulnerable bridging population for spreading sexually transmitted infections (STI). However, their prevalence and sexual health are unknown in Germany. We analyzed data from 2336 men aged 18-75 years resident in Germany who completed the German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD), a populationbased probability sample survey undertaken 2018-2019, using face-to-face interviews (participation rate: 30.2%). 26.9% (95% confidence interval [24.7; 29.2]) of all men reported ever paying for sex. On average, MPS had M = 19.9 [16.8; 22.9] lifetime sexual partners, among them M = 7.3 [5.3; 9.4] paid partners. MPS described their paid sex predominantly as vaginal intercourse in domestic brothels. Regarding socio - demographic characteristics, MPS differed from men not paying for sex (MNPS) in terms of age, immigration status, and sex education. Compared to MNPS, MPS reported significantly more HIV/STI risk-taking, including multiple sex partners in the past year (OR adjusted for age, immigration status, sex education; AOR 3.55) and STI diagnosis in the past 5 years (AOR 1.96) as well as more prevention behaviors (e.g., condom use in the past year: AOR 3.13). The prevalence of MPS suggests physicians should address the topic with their patients to protect and improve the sexual health of MPS and their paid and unpaid partners.

Sexual Pleasure Matters (Especially for Women) — Data from the German Sexuality and Health Survey (GeSiD)

IntroductionSexual pleasure has been a neglected issue in sexual health policies. Emerging trends in public health, however, emphasize the importance of sexual pleasure in preventing negative sexual health outcomes.MethodsUsing data from the German Sexuality and Health Survey (GeSiD), we tested the assumption that sexual pleasure is associated with sexual health, including a special focus on the role of gender. Participants were interviewed about their sexual experiences and health between October 2018 and September 2019. The analytical sample included 3472 partnered and single women and men who had been sexually active with a partner in the past 12 months. We examined if sexual pleasure was associated with various sexual health indicators (i.e., communication about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), condom use, and absence of sexual problems).ResultsWomen reported less sexual pleasure than men. Results further indicate that sexual pleasure was associated with more sexual health indicators in women than in men.ConclusionsSupporting emerging trends in public health our results emphasize the importance of sexual pleasure in preventing negative sexual health outcomes.Policy Implications.To promote (especially women’s) sexual health, our results call for the implementation of comprehensive sexuality education programs that focus on more positive aspects of sex, such as sexual pleasure and agency.

Sexual Pleasure Matters (Especially for Women) — Data from the German Sexuality and Health Survey (GeSiD)

Sexual Pleasure Matters (Especially for Women) — Data from the German Sexuality and Health Survey (GeSiD)

Migration and Sexual Health Services Use – Results from the German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD)

IntroductionMigration background is an important predisposing characteristic of health service use (HSU). In this cross-sectional survey, we aim to explore the association between migration background and HSU in the context of sexual health.MethodsIn a population-representative sample of 4,955 persons from all German federal states (data collection 2018/2019), we examined the HSU of first-generation (15.9% of the total sample) and second-generation migrants (9.8%) compared to non-migrants (74.3%). Outcomes of sexual HSU ranged from primary and secondary prevention measures such as human papillomaviruses (HPV) vaccination and chlamydia test to HSU due to sexual problems in the relationship, and consultations on contraceptives, and HIV or other STIs.ResultsGenerally, first-generation migrants used sexual health services less often than non-migrants. Notably, first-generation migrant women had lower odds of being vaccinated against HPV (OR = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.14; 0.38), of a lifetime use of both a chlamydia test in the context of a screening program for young women (OR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.11; 0.39), and a HSU due to contraceptives (OR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.28; 0.58). Second-generation migrants resembled more closely the non-migrants, only showing differences regarding the use of the HPV vaccination (OR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.30; 0.76).Policy ImplicationsFirst-generation migrants showed remarkable differences in the HSU compared to non-migrants. Therefore, this group should be targeted with the aim of a more equitable HSU that is mainly based on the needs for health services and not restricted due to formal or informal barriers. Both migration generations had lower odds of being vaccinated against HPV indicating the need for a better education regarding the benefits and risks of vaccinations.

How Inclusion of Other in the Self Relates to Couple’s Sexuality and Functioning – Results from the German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD)

ABSTRACT Closeness, in the sense of inclusion of other in the self, has been found to be an important factor for relationship well-being, satisfaction and pair-bonding. In the past ten years, the self-expansion theory has also been incorporated into sex research, although studies are still very scarce and not without limitations. The present research aimed at further elucidating the relevance of relational factors for couple’s sexuality, and to clarify the role inclusion of other in the self plays for sexual satisfaction and sexual distress. A broadly representative sample of 3,046 men and women aged 18 to 75 was taken from the German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD). Throughout analyses, inclusion of other in the self and love were positively related to sexual satisfaction. Furthermore, inclusion of other in the self was negatively related to how strongly someone was distressed by experiencing sexual problems. Closeness seems to have a compensatory role especially for women with sexual problems, protecting them from experiencing sexual distress. In future research, couple’s sexual satisfaction should not be compartmentalized from relational aspects. Results clearly promote the Inclusion of Other in the Self Scale as an interesting tool for both research and treatment.

Single and Multiple Orgasm Experience Among Women in Heterosexual Partnerships. Results of the German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD)

Orgasm occurrence plays an important role in general sexual satisfaction for women. Until now, only few studies have focused on examining a broad spectrum of sexuality- and relationship-specific factors associated with orgasm in heterosexual women currently in a long-term relationship or on differences between the overall experience of orgasm and multiple orgasms. The present study aims to understand how various sexuality- and relationship-associated factors are related to experiencing partnered orgasm among heterosexual women having stable relationships in Germany. Moreover, the study aims to differentiate between the overall experience of orgasm and the experience of multiple orgasms and shed light on their impact on general sexual satisfaction. Within the nationwide representative survey GeSiD (German Health and Sexuality Survey), n=1,641 sexually active women aged between 18 and 75 years in heterosexual relationships reported their experience of orgasm during the latest sexual encounter. Data on the type of sexual practices, frequency of sexual activity and of masturbation, relationship satisfaction, feelings of love, closeness, and general sexual satisfaction were analyzed. The overall experience of orgasm, the experience of multiple orgasms, and associations between experiencing orgasm and sexual satisfaction. Frequency of sexual activity, relationship satisfaction, feelings of love and closeness were moderately to strongly positively correlated with each other and each showed positive associations with the likelihood of orgasm. Greater number of sexual practices and frequency of sexual activity were associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing multiple orgasms, which in turn was correlated with higher sexual satisfaction. In clinical and therapeutic work with women who have difficulty achieving orgasm, central issues should be the perceived relationship quality as well as regular sexual activity with the partner. The present population-representative study is the first in Germany to identify significant factors associated with the experience of orgasm among heterosexual women in relationships. Further studies ought to include the frequency of orgasms in partnered sex over a longer period of time as well as the experience of orgasm during masturbation. The experience of orgasm for women is related to a variety of complex interpersonal mechanisms and to be associated with sexual satisfaction. Cerwenka S, Dekker A, Pietras L, et al. Single and Multiple Orgasm Experience Among Women in Heterosexual Partnerships. Results of the German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD). J Sex Med 2021;18:2028-2038.

The German health and sexuality survey (GeSiD)-abrief introduction to the study

Bis zum Jahr 2020 gab es für Deutschland keinen repräsentativen Sex-Survey mit publizierten Daten. Die GeSiD-Studie „Gesundheit und Sexualität in Deutschland“ ist der erste bundesweite, repräsentative Sex-Survey. Anliegen dieses Kurzbeitrags ist es, eine Einführung zur Studie und zu ihren verschiedenen Untersuchungsbereichen zu geben. Die Ausgangslage wird geschildert und ein Einblick in das methodische Vorgehen gegeben. Ausgewählte Ergebnisse der Studie werden vorgestellt und mögliche neue Fragestellungen für Folgeuntersuchungen vorgeschlagen.Für die GeSiD-Studie wurden im Zeitraum von 2018 bis 2019 insgesamt 4955 Personen (2336 Männer, 2619 Frauen) im Alter von 18–75 Jahren befragt. Die computergestützten Face-to-Face-Interviews hatten einen umfangreichen Selbstausfüllerteil und erfragten ein breites Themenspektrum sexueller Verhaltensweisen und sexueller Gesundheitsdaten. Es wurden Daten zu sexueller Identität, Beziehungen, sexuellem Verhalten und sexueller Gesundheit erhoben. Diese zeigen unter anderem, dass nur eine Minderheit der Befragten jemals mit einem Arzt oder einer Ärztin über HIV/Aids oder andere sexuell übertragbare Infektionen (STI) gesprochen hat.Die Studie zeigt den weiterhin deutlichen Bedarf an Aufklärung, Informationsvermittlung und Fortbildungen im Themenfeld sexueller Gesundheit.

Dental status and prosthetic treatment needs among adult refugees in Germany.

Due to the current global situation of refugees, Europe has experienced increased migration from African, Middle Eastern, and Eastern European countries. The objective of this study was to explore oral health, especially prosthetic status and treatment needs, in adult refugees, and to compare these findings with German cohorts. This representative, multicenter, cross-sectional survey on oral health and treatment needs among refugees was carried out in 10 registration centers for asylum seekers aged 18 to 75 years across Germany in 2016 to 2017. The clinical examination included past caries experience (DMFT) and both existing and necessary prosthetic measures. These measures were registered according to the National German Health Survey 2016 and compared to the German resident population. A high untreated caries experience (DT 3.9 ± 4.6) was found among refugees (n = 288, age 37 ± 12), in addition to the expected increase of caries experience with getting older (DMFT 7.4 ± 5.7 to 14.9 ± 7.7). In contrast to the German resident population, extractions were the preferred past caries treatment, resulting in a considerable number of missing teeth (MT 7.6 ± 7.3, FT 3.6 ± 4.3, 45- to 64-year-olds). Existing prosthetic treatments such as partial and full removable dental prostheses were very rare among refugees (2% to 4%). Fixed dental prostheses were mostly required in the mandible of young adults (25%, 18- to 44-year-olds), while elderly refugees required more often removable dental prostheses (45 to 64 years, 39.7% maxilla, 38.4% mandible). Newly arrived refugees in Germany exhibit higher dental treatment needs in general and prosthetic treatment needs in particular due to former extractions, which were performed as a main caries treatment.

Sexual aggression against males: Differences between acts by males and females – Results from the German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD)

BackgroundCurrent research examining sexual aggression against males is rare and representative studies often do not sufficiently differentiate between male and female affected persons, male and female offending person, as well as between different types of sexual aggression. ObjectiveWe investigated the prevalence of sexual aggression against males perpetrated by males and females distinguished by the type of sexual aggression and examined differences between sexual aggression against males committed by males and females in characteristics of the sexual aggression. Participants and SettingWe examined representative self-report data collected in the German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD; n = 4,955). A total of 305 male participants (12.3 % of all male participants) experienced at least one incident of sexual aggression. MethodWe investigated differences between characteristics of male- and female-perpetrated sexual aggression against males in cases of (1) sexual aggression against minors by adults, (2) sexual aggression among minors/peers, and (3) sexual aggression among adults. Characteristics of sexual aggression included were frequency, relation of accused person, disclosure, participant’s age at first incident, and accused person’s age at first incident. ResultsOur results revealed that the proportion of sexual aggression by females against males is rather low in cases of sexual aggression against minors by adults (9 %) compared with sexual aggression among minors/peers (56 %) and among adults (52 %). Although the majority of characteristics of sexual aggression were similar, some differences between male- and female-perpetrated sexual aggression were found. ConclusionsSexual aggression against males appears to be an under-researched phenomenon, especially when it is perpetrated by a female person. More research on sexual aggression against males as well as on the differences between male- and female-perpetrated sexual aggression is therefore considered necessary.

Religiosity, Perceived Effects of Pornography Use on Personal Sex Life, and Moral Incongruence: Insights from the German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD)

ABSTRACT Although online pornography use appears to be a mainstream activity, there is little information, particularly outside of the USA, about how consumers perceive its impact on their sexuality. Considering increasing concerns about pornography use, this lack of evidence has sociocultural and clinical ramifications – especially because the recently proposed Moral Incongruence model (MI) suggests that some individuals may see their pornography use as problematic independently of the frequency of use. Using data from 4,177 adults from the 2018–2019 national probability-based German Health and Sexuality Survey, we explored self-perceived impact of pornography use on personal sex life and the role of MI. Most participants (61.7%) reported no impact of pornography. Women were characterized by significantly higher odds of reporting positive relative to no impact, while men had higher odds of reporting mixed/negative compared to no impact. Participants in both the positive and the mixed impact group reported a significantly higher frequency of pornography use than participants in the no impact group. In line with the MI model, we observed a significant relationship between participants’ religious upbringing and self-perceived negative (relative to mixed) impact of pornography use. Social relevance and clinical implications of the findings are discussed.