Men addicted to pornography are more likely to have an eating disorder, research suggests
Men addicted to pornography are more likely to have an eating disorder, research suggests
Men who engage in problematic pornography use are more likely to show symptoms of eating disorders, a study suggests.
Nearly 1,000 men were asked to fill out questions about their pornography use and whether they ate or purged.
Researchers found that those who felt porn was essential to their lives also reported eating disorder behaviors.
It is thought that porn makes people more insecure in their own bodies because they compare themselves to the typically slim physique seen on screen, leading to restrictive eating habits.
About three to six percent of the U.S. adult population engages in problematic pornography use, also known as porn addiction
Researchers from the University of Haifa and Max Stern Yezreel Valley College in Israel conducted the study.
About 705 Israeli men between the ages of 18 and 68 participated in the study, an average of 32.
Most participants (68 percent) were heterosexual, but about a third belonged to a sexual minority.
Participants completed assessments of problematic pornography use and perceived pornography realism, as well as anxiety and depression.
Problematic pornography negatively impacts various aspects of a person’s functioning and well-being, such as problems with sexual functioning, hypersexuality and mental health.
Problematic pornography use was measured using the Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale-Short Version, which included statements such as ‘I felt porn is an important part of my life’ and ‘I became stressed when something stopped me from watching porn’.
The men responded on a seven-point scale from one (never) to seven (always) regarding the past six months.
They also completed body comparison measures, comparing their own bodies to those in pornography, body dissatisfaction, and eating disorder symptoms such as binge eating and purging.
The results showed that, regardless of their sexuality, men with higher levels of pornography use were more likely to compare their bodies to those of porn, to have a negative view of their body, and to binge and purge.
The study was based on self-reported results, which could be subject to social desirability effects.
The study authors said, “To reduce the risk of developing or worsening eating disorder symptoms, clinicians working with male clients should assess during therapy for problematic pornography use and body image issues.”
The research has been published in the journal Body image.
About three to six percent of the U.S. adult population engages in problematic pornography use, also known as porn addiction.
Up to 65 percent of young adult men and 18 percent of young women report viewing pornography at least once a week.