Religious Coping, Religious Support and Cyberpornography Consumption Among University Undergraduates

Past studies have indicated that substantial portions of religious individuals view internet pornography. Although religious individuals tend to avoid addictive behaviors such as alcoholism and substance abuse, research has indicated that the unique medium of internet pornography often usurps the typical religious buffer against problematic behaviors. Even with the rise of pornography use in Christian individuals, it is surprising how a limited number of researchers have investigated religious factors that may be protective against viewing pornography. In this study, the effects of religious coping, religious support, and emotional functioning on the usage of pornography are examined among 343 Protestant and Catholic college students. Usage indices suggest comparable levels of pornography use in religious men and women as in the general population. Higher levels of support received from God, religious peers, and leaders as well as seeking a positive relationship with God are associated with lower levels of pornography use. Findings also indicate a negative relationship between life satisfaction and pornography use. The results are considered and discussed with clinical and pastoral perspectives in mind