Study: The Narcissism-Porn Connection

HOUSTON — A new study, “Narcissism & Internet Pornography Use,” found that participants who scored high on measures of narcissism watched more porn — and the more narcissistic they were, the more porn they watched.

Researchers from the University of Houston–Clear Lake looked at the results of 257 participants (mostly heterosexual women, aged 18-61) who completed an online survey that included questions on Internet pornography use and three narcissism measures (Narcissistic Personality Inventory, Pathological Narcissistic Inventory and the Index of Sexual Narcissism).

According to the abstract, “The hours spent viewing Internet pornography use was positively correlated to participant's narcissism level. Additionally, those who have ever used Internet pornography endorsed higher levels of all three measures of narcissism than those who have never used Internet pornography.”

The effects held true even after the men’s data was withheld, although men reported watching more porn on average than women.

The researchers behind the study point out that past research has shown that narcissists experience more gratification when they have more control over sex, which could help explain the new findings yoking online porn and self-centeredness.  

They posit that “the use of Internet pornography offers this control,” given that Internet porn gives viewers the power to watch exactly what they want, for as long as they want (that is, as long as they’re willing to click around the web for a while to find the perfect clip).

The study has been published in the "Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy."

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

TeamSkeet, MYLF to Launch New Website FamilyStrokes.com

Sister studios TeamSkeet and MYLF are launching a new website, FamilyStrokes.com.

AV Bulletin: Age Verification Hits the Mainstream, Ofcom Sets a Date

Industry stakeholders and free speech advocates have anxiously been awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, which could significantly impact state age verification laws around the country. In the meantime, state legislatures continue to weigh and pass AV bills, AV tech providers continue to tout their services, and legal challenges continue to play out in the courts — with some cases on hold pending the SCOTUS ruling in Paxton.

Segpay Names Kristi Greer VP of Sales

Segpay has promoted long-time employee Kristi Greer to the position of vice president of sales.

BranditScan Names Subgirl Newest Brand Ambassador

BranditScan has named content creator Subgirl its newest brand ambassador.

Arcom Reports Age Verification Enforcement Actions Against 5 Adult Sites

French media regulator Arcom released a statement Tuesday detailing recent actions to enforce age verification rules as set forth under France’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

Pineapple Support, Clips4Sale to Host Performers' Partners Support Group

Pineapple Support and Clips4Sale are hosting a free online support group for partners and family members of adult industry professionals.

FSC Mourns the Loss of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes

Free Speech Coalition has released a statement regarding the passing of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes.

Alexa Creed Launches New Paysite

Creator Alexa Creed has launched a new membership site through MyMember.site.

Choice Talent Management Launches Fan Platform 'ChoiceFilmz'

Choice Talent Management CEO Chris Crisco has launched a new fan platform called ChoiceFilmz.

Dredd to Launch Official Site

Dredd has announced his new website OfficialDreddXXX.com, launching April 20.

Show More