Problematic Pornography Use (PPU) - Diagnostic challenges and clinical approaches

Pornography use has become an area of growing concern, due to the unprecedented access to sexually explicit content and the increase of online platforms providing access to pornographic material. Despite increased awareness, it remains a complex area of study – with a lack of clarity remaining on its effects on mental health and the absence of clear classification of normative versus problematic use of pornographic material and appropriate screening tools.

Problematic Pornography Use (PPU) is a facet of Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder, introduced in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11). PPU is characterized by persistent, excessive, or compulsive engagement with pornographic content, despite distress and adverse consequences.

A comprehensive understanding of PPU is still under development – including inconsistencies over its definition - whether as an addiction, a compulsive behavior or as an impulse control disorder. While research has attempted to define the neurobiological, psychological and social factors affecting PPU, significant gaps remain on the full impact of PPU on individuals and those around them.

This Research Topic aims to advance the understanding of PPU, integrating insights from clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic, neurobiological, and psychosocial research. Papers should aim to investigate neurobiological influences, psychological correlates, comorbidities and explore treatment and prevention strategies.

We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Conceptualizations and Definitions: Debates around conceptualizing PPU as an addiction or compulsive disorder.
- Epidemiology: Gathering prevalence data in diverse cultures, ages, and genders.
- Screening and Assessment: Development of new tools and methodologies for a reliable assessment of PPU.
- Neurobiology and Genetics: Advances in understanding brain mechanisms and genetic risk factors.
- Use across populations: prevalence, effects and patterns of use in adolescents, across genders and sexual orientations
- Psychosocial and Behavioral Factors: Examination of risk and protective factors such as trauma and family dynamics.
- Comorbidity and Differential Diagnosis: Exploring the links with other psychiatric disorders like depression and anxiety.
- Impact and Consequences: Investigating mental, sexual, relational, legal, and occupational outcomes.
- Intervention and Treatment: Evaluating the efficacy of various therapeutic approaches.
- Prevention and Health Promotion: Examining health policy, school, and community programs.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review

Keywords: pornography, PPU, problematic pornography use, compulsive sexual behavior

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.