Pornography Use in Adult Mixed-Sex Romantic Relationships: Context and Correlates

Purpose of Review Pornography use is a common sexual activity for men and women engaged in a romantic relationship. The objective of this literature review was to highlight the current state of research on the associations between pornography use and relational and sexual well-being in mixed-sex couples, with a particular focus on the context of use. Recent Findings Overall, findings are mixed, and studies are plagued by methodological shortcomings precluding causal assertions. Nevertheless, research indicates that men’s pornography use is negatively associated with relational well-being and sexual satisfaction, whereas women’s use is unrelated to relational indicators and unrelated to, or positively associated with, sexual satisfaction. The context in which pornography is used (e.g., alone or with the partner) moderates these associations. Summary This review suggests that pornography use may be positively related, negatively related, or unrelated to couples’ well-being. The sex of the user and the context of use may in part explain this variability in correlates of pornography use.