Attachment and Relationship Satisfaction as Predictors of Pornography Use in Romantic Relationships
Attachment and Relationship Satisfaction as Predictors of Pornography Use in Romantic Relationships

Summary/Abstract: Introduction: The use of pornography represents an increasingly relevant form of behaviour through which individuals regulate intimacy, emotional needs and sexual expression in the context of expanding digital technologies. Its accessibility, privacy and autonomy make it a potentially meaningful regulatory mechanism within romantic relationships. Attachment theory offers a framework for understanding these differences, as individuals with anxious or avoidant orientations may engage with pornography in ways that reflect their strategies for managing closeness, insecurity, or emotional distance. Relationship satisfaction may further shape whether pornography functions as a compensatory behaviour, a source of relational tension, or a shared activity within the partnership. Objectives: The present study aimed to examine whether attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance and relationship satisfaction are significantly related to pornography use among adults in committed romantic relationships. Methods: The sample consisted of 272 participants (186 men, 86 women) aged 18–56 years (M = 28.76, SD = 6.84), all currently involved in a romantic relationship. Attachment dimensions were assessed using the short form of the Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire, and relationship satisfaction was measured with the Couples Satisfaction Index. Pornography use was evaluated through self-reported frequency over the past 12 months and whether viewing occurred individually or jointly with a partner. Hierarchical multiple linear regression (stepwise method) was conducted to analyse the predictive effects of attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance and relationship satisfaction. Results: In the first step, attachment styles (anxious, avoidant) and relationship satisfaction were included. None of the predictors were significant. In the second step, demographic and behavioural variables (gender, age, relationship type, relationship length, cohabitation, shared pornography viewing) were added. The expanded model was statistically significant and explained 40% of the variance. The strongest predictor was the variable joint viewing of pornography, followed by gender. In the second model, anxious attachment style and relationship satisfaction (also proved to be significant, although their effect was weaker. Discussion and conclusions: The results highlight the importance of understanding pornography use as part of broader attachment-related and relational processes. Pornography may function as an emotion-regulation strategy, particularly for individuals with elevated attachment anxiety, and the accessibility of digital content may reinforce such patterns. Lower relationship satisfaction further increases the likelihood of use, whereas joint viewing may reflect distinct relational dynamics. The findings underscore the need to consider attachment, satisfaction and viewing context in research and clinical practice. Future studies should employ longitudinal and dyadic approaches to clarify how pornography use interacts with intimacy, emotional regulation and relationship functioning.

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