Matching Desires: Pornography Preferences, Partner Similarity, and Satisfaction

Authors: Pedro Jesús Martínez, Elizabeth Mahar

SUNY Campus: SUNY Fredonia

Presentation Type: Poster

Location: Old Union Hall

Presentation #: 54

Timeslot: Session C 1:45-2:45 PM

Abstract: As we navigate further into the age of technology, pornography use is becoming more common. Due to its widespread accessibility, it is important to understand the role pornography plays in romantic relationships. This pre-registered study aims to examine whether pornography preferences (e.g., ethnicity, physical appearance, body type, sexual activities that they may engage in) resemble one’s romantic partner and whether this similarity is linked to relationship and sexual satisfaction. We also explore factors that may moderate these associations. Using the crowdsourcing platform, Prolific Academic, and an undergraduate research pool (SONA), we collected data from 613 sexually active participants in romantic relationships who reported viewing pornography at least once in the past six months. Results indicated that greater similarity between one’s romantic partner and their pornography preferences was associated with greater relationship satisfaction (r =.23, p < .001) and sexual satisfaction (r = .40; p < .001). However, the association between partner similarity and relationship satisfaction was only significant for people who made higher levels of upward comparisons between their partner and pornography (p = .037). Additionally, the association between partner similarity and sexual satisfaction was weaker for people with more negative attitudes toward pornography (p = .033) and those who viewed pornography out of sexual curiosity (p = .044). These pornography preferences appear to play a role in relational outcomes, and their influence may depend on individual attitudes and perceptions.