Pornography, Problematic Use and Academic Outcomes in College Students: A Cross-sectional Analysis

Authors

Promise Tewogbola, Southern Illinois University, CarbondaleFollow
Victoria Bodunde, University of Ibadan, NigeriaFollow
Deborah Odaudu, PROMISE Labs AfricaFollow

Author Biography

Promise Tewogbola is a behavioral researcher whose work focuses on understanding human choice and decision-making by leveraging insights from behavioral psychology, microeconomic theory, public health, and behavioral economics. He received his PhD in Applied Psychology from Southern Illinois University. He is also the founder of PROMISE Labs Africa, a scientific nonprofit dedicated to cutting-edge translational behavioral research in Africa

Victoria Bodunde is an independent researcher with a focus on environmental sustainability. She holds both a Bachelor of Science and a master's degree in Chemistry from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

Deborah Odaudu is a research assistant at PROMISE Labs Africa. She holds a bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Nigeria at Nsukka, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of pornography consumption among college students has raised concerns about its potential impact on academic performance. This study aims to examine the relationships between pornography use, academic outcomes, and problematic pornography use among university students.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 739 students from a Midwestern U.S. state university. Participants completed an online survey assessing demographics, grade point average (GPA), pornography consumption frequency, Academic Success Inventory (ASI) scores, and Problematic Pornography Use (PPU) scale scores. Logistic and linear regression analyses were used to examine associations between variables.

Results: Pornography consumers had 41% lower odds of achieving a high GPA (3.7 to 4.0) compared to non-consumers (OR=0.59, 95% CI [0.34, 1.01], p = 0.05). Porn consumers scored 2.49 points lower on the ASI than non-consumers (p < 0.001). Among porn consumers, daily users scored 2.93 points lower on the ASI compared to those using pornography once every six months (p < 0.001). Daily porn use was associated with higher PPU scores (β = 0.42, p < 0.001). Male gender, non-White race, and younger age (18 to 25) were consistently associated with lower academic performance measures.

Conclusions: Pornography consumption, especially frequent use, is associated with poorer academic performance and higher levels of problematic use among college students. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and support services to address the potential negative impacts of pornography use on academic success in higher education settings.

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Promise Tewogbola, Victoria Bodunde & Deborah Odaudu