This master’s thesis examines the relationship between problematic online pornography use, emotion regulation, and attachment styles in early adulthood. The theoretical section presents a definition of online pornography, the prevalence of its use among young adults, and the effects that problematic use may have on psychological functioning, intimacy, and romantic relationships. Furthermore, emotion regulation is discussed as a key developmental process in early adulthood, with particular emphasis on the role of maladaptive regulation strategies in maintaining compulsive pornography use. Attachment theory is also presented, including the development of attachment styles in adulthood and their influence on experiences of closeness and sexuality.
The empirical section follows, employing a quantitative research approach. The aim of the study was to examine the extent to which difficulties in emotion regulation and insecure attachment styles predict the level of problematic online pornography use among young adults, as well as to explore the relationships between the examined variables. The sample consisted of individuals aged between 20 and 30 years. Data were collected using an anonymous online questionnaire. Problematic online pornography use was assessed using the Problematic Pornography Use Scale – PPUS, emotion regulation was measured using the short form of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale – DERS–SF, and attachment styles were assessed using the Adult Attachment Scale – AAS. The collected data were analyzed using the statistical software SPSS.
Based on the findings, the author concludes that difficulties in emotion regulation significantly predict higher levels of problematic online pornography use. The results further indicate that anxious and avoidant attachment styles partially contribute to more frequent engagement in digital forms of sexuality, primarily as a means of avoiding intimacy or regulating unpleasant affective states. Overall, the findings suggest that the relationship between attachment, emotion regulation, and pornography use represents an important developmental and therapeutic framework for understanding young adults.
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