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Vera Cruz G, Aboujaoude E, Liberacka-Dwojak M, Wiłkość-Dębczyńska M, Rochat L, Khan R, Khazaal Y. How much online pornography is too much? A comparison of two theoretically distinct assessment scales. Arch Public Health 2024; 82:79. [PMID: 38816773 PMCID: PMC11137999 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-024-01294-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Online pornography use, an ever more common activity, has raised myriad psychosocial and clinical concerns. While there is a need to screen for and measure its problematic dimension, there is a debate about the adequacy of existing assessment tools. OBJECTIVE The study compares two instruments for measuring pathological online pornography use (POPU) that are based on different theoretical frameworks-one in line with DSM-5 criteria and the six-component addiction model and one in line with ICD-11 criteria. METHODS An international sample of 1,823 adults (Mean age = 31.66, SD = 6.74) answered an online questionnaire that included the Short Version of the Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale (PPCS-6) and the Assessment of Criteria for Specific Internet-Use Disorders (ACSID-11). Factorial, correlational, and network analyses were conducted on the data. RESULTS Both tools adequately screened for online "addictive" behavior, but the ACSID-11 was superior in assessing the degree of clinical risk. CONCLUSION Depending on the specific aim of the assessment (screening vs. clinical diagnostics), both online pornography measurement tools may be useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germano Vera Cruz
- Department of Psychology, CRP-CPO, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France.
| | - Elias Aboujaoude
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Program in Internet, Health and Society, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | | | | | - Lucien Rochat
- Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, Specialized Facility in Behavioral Addiction ReConnecte, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Riaz Khan
- Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, Frontier Medical College Abbottabad, Bahria University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Yasser Khazaal
- Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital and Lausanne University, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Research Centre, University Institute of Mental Health at Montreal and Department of Psychiatry and Addiction Montreal University, Montreal, Canada.
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Christensen E, Albertella L, Chamberlain SR, Brydevall M, Suo C, Grant JE, Yücel M, Lee RSC. The neurocognitive correlates of non-substance addictive behaviors. Addict Behav 2024; 150:107904. [PMID: 37984220 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2023.107904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Neurocognitive deficits have been implicated as transdiagnostic risk markers of substance use disorders. However, these have yet to be comprehensively evaluated in other, non-substance addictions. In a large, general community sample (N = 475) the present study evaluated the neurocognitive correlates of problem alcohol use and three non-substance-related addictive behaviors: addictive eating (AE), problematic pornography use (PPU), and problematic use of the internet (PUI), to identify potential shared and distinct neurocognitive correlates. A sample of Australian residents (54.4 % female M[SD] age = 32.4[11.9] years) completed a comprehensive online assessment of neurocognitive tasks tapping into eight distinct expert-endorsed domains purportedly associated with addiction. Multiple linear regressions with bootstrapping were used to examine associations among each addictive behavior of interest and neurocognition, trait impulsivity, and compulsivity, as well as key covariates. Neurocognition was differentially associated with each addictive behavior. None of the neurocognitive domains were significantly associated with problematic alcohol use or AE (p >.05), poorer performance monitoring was significantly associated with higher levels of PPU and PUI (β = -0.10, p =.049; β = -0.09, p =.028), and a preference for delayed gratification was associated with more severe PUI (β = -0.10, p =.025). Our findings have theoretical implications for how we understand non-substance addiction and suggest the need for a more nuanced approach to studying addictive behaviors that take into account the underlying neurocognitive mechanisms associated with each type of addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erynn Christensen
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Lucy Albertella
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Samuel R Chamberlain
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Southampton, Southampton, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Maja Brydevall
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Chao Suo
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jon E Grant
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Murat Yücel
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Rico Sze Chun Lee
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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3
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Müller SM, Antons S. Decision making and executive functions in problematic pornography use. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1191297. [PMID: 37564242 PMCID: PMC10411905 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1191297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Previous research on cognitive functions in Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) and problematic pornography use (PPU) reported inconsistent findings and mostly included sexual pictures in the used tasks. The role of general executive functions and cognitive competences (without the presence of appetitive stimuli) in the context of PPU is largely unexplored. Methods This study investigated differences between individuals with high versus low problem severity of PPU regarding decision making and executive functions. The sample of the laboratory study consisted of N = 102 male adults. Besides measures of trait impulsivity, we used standard neuropsychological tests (Trail Making Test and three-back working memory task) and an intertemporal risky choice paradigm, the Cards & Lottery Task (CLT). Results The results show heightened impulsivity (urgency and deficits in perseverance) in individuals with high PPU, but no differences regarding performance in the CLT and executive function tasks. Discussion The findings indicate that PPU might be associated with impulsive behavior when experiencing strong emotions (urgency) and deficient cognitive performance especially in the presence of sexual stimuli but not in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke M. Müller
- Department of General Psychology, Cognition and Center for Behavioral Addiction Research (CeBAR), University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Essen, Germany
| | - Stephanie Antons
- Department of General Psychology, Cognition and Center for Behavioral Addiction Research (CeBAR), University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Essen, Germany
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4
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Seyedzadeh Dalooyi SI, Aghamohammadian Sharbaaf H, Abdekhodaei MS, Ghanaei Chamanabad A. Biopsychosocial Determinants of Problematic Pornography Use: A Systematic Review. ADDICTION & HEALTH 2023; 15:202-218. [PMID: 38026725 PMCID: PMC10658102 DOI: 10.34172/ahj.2023.1395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Although some studies have examined the determinants of problematic pornography use (PPU), few systematic comparisons of risk profiles have been conducted so far. Research on risk profiles can shed a bright light on our knowledge of both the early diagnosis and etiology of such highly prevalent disorders. Accordingly, the present study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the determinants of PPU. Methods Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and PsycINFO databases were systematically searched, and relevant English articles, including longitudinal and cross-sectional studies on risk factors published from January 2000 to February 2022 were reviewed. Findings The determinants of PPU extracted from the investigated studies (n=66) were summarized and clustered into biological, psychological, and social categories. The findings indicated that ventral striatum activity is a consistent biological factor which plays a key role in the development of PPU, while there were other psychological factors influencing PPU as mentioned in several studies, including craving, low self-esteem, sexual arousal, coping styles, stress, frequent pornography watching, avoidance, negative beliefs, and emotional deficiency. In addition, the social factors affecting PPU have been reported to be male gender, age, religion, moral incompatibility, and loneliness. According to these results, the identified factors could be considered in preventive treatment. Conclusion This systematic review provided a comprehensive overview of the biopsychosocial determinants of PPU by analyzing 66 articles mostly from Europe and North America. Most studies showed that ventral striatum activity, craving, self-esteem, stress, frequent pornography watching, gender, age, and religion are related to PPU.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mohammad Saeed Abdekhodaei
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Ghanaei Chamanabad
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
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5
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Hernández-Mora Ruiz Del Castillo M, Bonnet P, Varescon I. Profiles of Pornography Use Based on Addictive Mechanisms and Psychopathological Features. Int J Ment Health Addict 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37363758 PMCID: PMC10235843 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-023-01087-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies using person-centered approaches to further explore the profiles of pornography users throw their psychiatric features are lacking. This study was designed to examine the different profiles of pornography users based on the addictive dimensions of Problematic Pornography Use (PPU) and to characterize these profiles according to psychopathological variables such as depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). A sample of 1001 French adults participated to a survey containing scales related to psychopathological variables, cybersexual addiction and PPU. PPU was assessed with the French Version of Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale (Fr-PPCS-18). An Agglomerative Hierarchical Classification was performed on the basis of FR-PPCS-18. A student's t-test was used to observe PPU and psychopathological differences between profiles. Findings revealed three profiles of users: non-problematic users (66.5%), at-risk users (29.9%), and problematic users (3.6%). There were significant differences between the three profiles concerning levels of global PPU, PPU mechanisms, cybersexual addiction symptoms, ADHD symptomatology and depressive symptomatology. Results confirmed the existence of different levels of severity of pornography use corresponding to three different profiles. Also, findings revealed the influence of ADHD symptoms, obsessive-compulsive symptoms and depressive symptoms on PPU.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Hernández-Mora Ruiz Del Castillo
- Laboratoire de Psychopathologie Et Processus de Santé (URP 4057, Université Paris Cité, 92100 Boulogne Billancourt, France
- Laboratoire Vision Action Cognition (URP 7326), Université Paris Cité, 92100 Boulogne Billancourt, France
| | - Philippe Bonnet
- Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, Université Paris Cité(URP 4057, Université Paris Cité), 92100 Boulogne Billancourt, France
| | - Isabelle Varescon
- Laboratoire de Psychopathologie Et Processus de Santé (URP 4057, Université Paris Cité, 92100 Boulogne Billancourt, France
- Laboratoire Vision Action Cognition (URP 7326), Université Paris Cité, 92100 Boulogne Billancourt, France
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6
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Liu S, Zhang D, Tian Y, Xu B, Wu X. Gender differences in symptom structure of adolescent problematic internet use: A network analysis. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:49. [PMID: 37029403 PMCID: PMC10082539 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00590-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gender differences in problematic Internet use (PIU) have long been discussed. However, whether and how female and male adolescents differ in central symptoms and symptom associations are not fully understood. METHODS As a national survey in the Chinese mainland, 4884 adolescents (51.6% females; Mage = 13.83 ± 2.41) participated in the present study. This study applies network analysis to identify central symptoms of PIU networks in female and male adolescents and compares whether and how global and local connectivity of PIU networks differ by gender. RESULTS Female and male network structures of PIU were different and global strength was stronger in males than females, indicating a higher risk of chronicity of PIU among male adolescents. Specifically, "Reluctant to turn off Internet" exerted the largest effect on both genders. "Increase time online to achieve satisfaction" and "Feel depressed once not online for a while" were particularly critical to female and male adolescents, respectively. Moreover, females scored higher centralities in social withdrawal symptoms and males did so in interpersonal conflicts owing to PIU. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide novel insights into gender differential risks and features of adolescent PIU. Differences in the core symptoms of PIU suggest that gender-specific interventions focusing on core symptoms might effectively relieve PIU and maximize treatment effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihan Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Beijing Normal University, No.19, Xinjiekouwai St, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Di Zhang
- Education and Counseling Center of Psychological Health, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yuxin Tian
- School of Psychology, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Boya Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Beijing Normal University, No.19, Xinjiekouwai St, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Xinchun Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Beijing Normal University, No.19, Xinjiekouwai St, Haidian District, Beijing, China.
- School of Applied Psychology, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China.
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7
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Büsche K, Stark R, Brand M, Antons S. Self-regulatory Processes in Problematic Pornography Use. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40429-022-00447-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
A core symptom of problematic pornography use (PPU) is the repeated failure to control sexual impulses resulting in pornography use; however, the field of self-regulation research has rarely been applied to PPU.
Recent Findings
Various goals can underly the use of online pornography. These goals can conflict with other self-regulatory goals a person holds, which leads to moments of self-control. The outcome of such self-control moments depends on multiple internal factors, including the strength of the desire to use pornography, whether a person perceives a conflict with their behaviour, and the motivation to resist their desire, as well as external, situational factors. Findings on the contribution of volition towards self-regulation in PPU are inconclusive.
Summary
More research is needed to further explore what influences moments of self-control, specifically in PPU. The proposed model of self-control moments can be used to derive research questions for further studies as well as to develop prevention and intervention approaches.
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8
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Qi Y, Liu Y, Yan Z, Hu S, Zhang X, Zhao J, Turel O, He Q. Slow-Wave EEG Activity Correlates with Impaired Inhibitory Control in Internet Addiction Disorder. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052686. [PMID: 35270377 PMCID: PMC8910405 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Impaired inhibitory control is a core feature of internet addiction disorder (IAD). It is therefore of interest to determine the neurophysiological markers associated with it. The present study aimed to find such biomarkers with a resting-state electroencephalogram (EEG). We specifically used scores on the Chinese Internet Addiction Scale revised edition (CIAS-R) to divide 46 participants into two groups: the IAD group (>53, n = 23) and control group (<46, n = 23). Both behavioral aspects (Go/NoGo responses and impulsivity) and EEG were measured in the lab. The results suggest that the IAD group presented a decreased slow-wave (1−8 Hz) absolute power across the whole brain. The slow-wave activities in the frontal areas were also correlated with the commission error rate in the Go/NoGo task in the IAD group. These results imply that the frontal slow-wave EEG activity may serve as a neurophysiological marker of IAD, helping to understand the underlying neural mechanisms of inhibitory control deficits in IAD and point to possible interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawei Qi
- Faculty of Psychology, MOE Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (Y.Q.); (Y.L.); (Z.Y.); (S.H.); (X.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Yuting Liu
- Faculty of Psychology, MOE Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (Y.Q.); (Y.L.); (Z.Y.); (S.H.); (X.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Ziyou Yan
- Faculty of Psychology, MOE Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (Y.Q.); (Y.L.); (Z.Y.); (S.H.); (X.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Shiqi Hu
- Faculty of Psychology, MOE Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (Y.Q.); (Y.L.); (Z.Y.); (S.H.); (X.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Xinhe Zhang
- Faculty of Psychology, MOE Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (Y.Q.); (Y.L.); (Z.Y.); (S.H.); (X.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jia Zhao
- Faculty of Psychology, MOE Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (Y.Q.); (Y.L.); (Z.Y.); (S.H.); (X.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Ofir Turel
- School of Computing and Information Systems, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Qinghua He
- Faculty of Psychology, MOE Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (Y.Q.); (Y.L.); (Z.Y.); (S.H.); (X.Z.); (J.Z.)
- Southwest University Branch, Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment toward Basic Education Quality, Chongqing 400715, China
- Correspondence:
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9
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Yao YW, Zhang JT, Fang XY, Liu L, Potenza MN. Reward-related decision-making deficits in internet gaming disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Addiction 2022; 117:19-32. [PMID: 33861888 DOI: 10.1111/add.15518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To estimate the aggregated effect sizes of reward-related decision-making deficits in internet gaming disorder (IGD) and to explore potential moderators on the variability of effect sizes across studies. DESIGN Review of peer-reviewed studies comparing reward-related decision-making performance between IGD and control participants identified via PubMed, Web of Science and ProQuest databases. Random-effects modeling was conducted using Hedge's g as the effect size (ES). The effects of decision-making situation, valence, sample type, testing environment, IGD severity and self-reported impulsivity on decision-making differences were examined by moderator analyses. SETTING No restrictions on location. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-four studies (20 independent samples) were included in the meta-analysis, resulting in 604 IGD and 641 control participants and 35 ESs. MEASURES Reward-related decision-making differences between IGD and control groups. FINDINGS The overall ES for decision-making deficits in IGD was small (g = -0.45, P < 0.01). The effects were comparable across risky, ambiguous and inter-temporal decision-making. Larger aggregate ESs were identified for pure-gain and mixed compared with pure-loss decision-making. Studies based on clinical and community samples showed similar effects. No significant difference between behavioral studies and those with extra measurements was observed. Decision-making alterations were not closely associated with IGD severity or self-reported impulsivity differences at the study level. CONCLUSIONS Internet gaming disorder appears to be consistently associated with reward-related decision-making deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Wei Yao
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Einstein Center for Neurosciences Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.,Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jin-Tao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning and IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.,Center for Collaboration and Innovation in Brain and Learning Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Yi Fang
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Decision Neuroscience and Nutrition, German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE), Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, USA.,Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, CT, USA
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10
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Wang J, Chen Y, Zhang H. Electrophysiological evidence of enhanced early attentional bias toward sexual images in individuals with tendencies toward cybersex addiction. J Behav Addict 2021; 10:1036-1047. [PMID: 34817398 PMCID: PMC8987427 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2021.00082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Attentional bias is a key factor in addictive behavior maintenance. However, whether attentional bias has a similar effect on cybersex addiction is unclear. We investigated differences in the attentional processing of sexually explicit images between individuals with high tendencies toward cybersex addiction (TCA) versus low tendencies using behavioral and electrophysiological indices. METHODS Twenty-eight individuals with high TCA and 29 with low TCA performed an addiction Stroop task comprising sexual and neutral images in colored frames. Participants were asked to respond to the frame color and not the image contents, and behavioral and event-related potentials were recorded. RESULTS Behaviorally, an addiction Stroop interference effect was found in the high TCA group, as shown by the longer reaction times to judge the frame colors of sexual images. Electrophysiologically, a P200 (150-220 ms) enhancement was present in response to sexual images compared with neutral ones, which was absent in the low TCA group. The event-related potential correlates with the addiction Stroop interference effect, indicating that the attentional bias underlying the addiction Stroop interference operates at an automatic level. A general, sexually related bias was found in the late positive potential (300-700 ms) amplitude, although between-group differences were insignificant. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that sexual stimuli grab the attentional resources of individuals with high TCA at early automatic stages of attentional processing. Increased cue reactivity to sexual stimuli may contribute to pornographic consumption and play a crucial role in sustaining problematic excessive use of online pornography.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hui Zhang
- School of Psychology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, China
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11
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Sharpe M, Mead D. Problematic Pornography Use: Legal and Health Policy Considerations. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2021; 8:556-567. [PMID: 34518793 PMCID: PMC8426110 DOI: 10.1007/s40429-021-00390-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Reports of sexual violence, especially towards women and children, are rapidly increasing. At the same time, rates of problematic pornography use (PPU) are accelerating across the world too. The purpose of this review is to consider the recent research on PPU and its contribution to sexual violence. The article offers guidance to governments on possible health policy interventions and legal actions to prevent the development of PPU and to reduce the incidence of sexual violence in society. Recent Findings Working from the consumer’s point of view, we identify PPU and ask how much pornography is needed to cause PPU. We examine how PPU drives sexual offending in children, adolescents and adults. The impact of PPU on some consumers’ behaviour suggests significant links to domestic violence. Sexual strangulation is highlighted as an example. Artificial intelligence algorithms play a key role in the pornography industry and appear to be driving escalation to more violent material, inducing high levels of sexual dysfunction in consumers and creating appetites for viewing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Summary Easy access to internet pornography has led to an increase in PPU and sexual violence. Diagnoses and treatments for PPU are examined, as are legal transgressions of a civil and criminal nature arising from PPU. Legal remedies and government policy implications are discussed from the point of view of the precautionary principle. Strategies covered include age verification for pornography, public health campaigns and embedded health and legal warnings for users at the start of pornography sessions along with lessons for pupils about pornography’s impact on the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Sharpe
- The Reward Foundation, The Melting Pot, 15 Calton Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8DL UK.,Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0BU UK
| | - Darryl Mead
- The Reward Foundation, The Melting Pot, 15 Calton Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8DL UK
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12
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Golec K, Draps M, Stark R, Pluta A, Gola M. Aberrant orbitofrontal cortex reactivity to erotic cues in Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder. J Behav Addict 2021; 10:646-656. [PMID: 34437297 PMCID: PMC8997235 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2021.00051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) is characterized by increased reactivity to erotic reward cues. Cue-encoded reward parameters, such as type (e.g. erotic or monetary) or probability of anticipated reward, shape reward-related motivational processes, increase the attractiveness of cues and therefore might enhance maladaptive behavioral patterns in CSBD. Studies on the neural patterns of cue processing in individuals with CSBD have been limited mainly to ventral striatal responses. Therefore, here we aimed to examine the cue reactivity of multiple key structures in the brain's reward system, taking into account not only the type of predicted reward but also its probability. METHODS Twenty Nine men seeking professional help due to CSBD and 24 healthy volunteers took part in an fMRI study with a modified Incentive Delay Task with erotic and monetary rewards preceded by cues indicating a 25%, 50%, or 75% chance of reward. Analyses of functional patterns of activity related to cue type and probability were conducted on the whole-brain and ROI levels. RESULTS Increased anticipatory response to cues predictive of erotic rewards was observed among CSBD participants when compared to controls, in the ventral striatum and anterior orbitofrontal cortex (aOFC). The activity in aOFC was modulated by reward probability. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Type of anticipated reward (erotic vs monetary) affects reward-related behavioral motivation in CSBD more strongly than reward probability. We present evidence of abnormal aOFC function in CSBD by demonstrating the recruitment of additional subsections of this region by erotic reward cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Golec
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland,Corresponding author. E-mail:
| | - Małgorzata Draps
- Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rudolf Stark
- Department of Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany,Bender Institute of Neuroimaging, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Mateusz Gola
- Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland,Swartz Center for Computational Neuroscience, Institute for Neural Computations, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
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Wang Y, Qin Y, Li H, Yao D, Sun B, Gong J, Dai Y, Wen C, Zhang L, Zhang C, Luo C, Zhu T. Identifying Internet Addiction and Evaluating the Efficacy of Treatment Based on Functional Connectivity Density: A Machine Learning Study. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:665578. [PMID: 34220426 PMCID: PMC8247769 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.665578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Although mounting neuroimaging studies have greatly improved our understanding of the neurobiological mechanism underlying internet addiction (IA), the results based on traditional group-level comparisons are insufficient in guiding individual clinical practice directly. Specific neuroimaging biomarkers are urgently needed for IA diagnosis and the evaluation of therapy efficacy. Therefore, this study aimed to develop support vector machine (SVM) models to identify IA and assess the efficacy of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) based on unbiased functional connectivity density (FCD). Resting-state fMRI data were acquired from 27 individuals with IA before and after 8-week CBT sessions and 30 demographically matched healthy controls (HCs). The discriminative FCDs were computed as the features of the support vector classification (SVC) model to identify individuals with IA from HCs, and the changes in these discriminative FCDs after treatment were further used as features of the support vector regression (SVR) model to evaluate the efficacy of CBT. Based on the informative FCDs, our SVC model successfully differentiated individuals with IA from HCs with an accuracy of 82.5% and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.91. Our SVR model successfully evaluated the efficacy of CBT using the FCD change ratio with a correlation efficient of 0.59. The brain regions contributing to IA classification and CBT efficacy assessment were the left inferior frontal cortex (IFC), middle frontal cortex (MFC) and angular gyrus (AG), the right premotor cortex (PMC) and middle cingulate cortex (MCC), and the bilateral cerebellum, orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and superior frontal cortex (SFC). These findings confirmed the FCDs of hyperactive impulsive habit system, hypoactive reflecting system and sensitive interoceptive reward awareness system as potential neuroimaging biomarkers for IA, which might provide objective indexes for the diagnosis and efficacy evaluation of IA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- School of Rehabilitation and Health Preservation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yun Qin
- Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Hui Li
- School of Medicine, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dezhong Yao
- Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Sun
- Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinnan Gong
- Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- School of Computer Science, Chengdu University of Information Technology, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Dai
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Chengdu Eighth People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Chao Wen
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zigong Fifth People’s Hospital, Zigong, China
| | - Lingrui Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Leshan Vocational and Technical College, Leshan, China
| | - Chenchen Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, TCM Hospital of Longquanyi District, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Luo
- Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Research Unit of NeuroInformation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Tianmin Zhu
- School of Rehabilitation and Health Preservation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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14
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Castro-Calvo J, Cervigón-Carrasco V, Ballester-Arnal R, Giménez-García C. Cognitive processes related to problematic pornography use (PPU): A systematic review of experimental studies. Addict Behav Rep 2021; 13:100345. [PMID: 33948482 PMCID: PMC8080450 DOI: 10.1016/j.abrep.2021.100345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Some people experience symptoms and negative outcomes derived from their persistent, excessive, and problematic engagement in pornography viewing (i.e., Problematic Pornography Use, PPU). Recent theoretical models have turned to different cognitive processes (e.g., inhibitory control, decision making, attentional bias, etc.) to explain the development and maintenance of PPU, but empirical evidence derived from experimental studies is still limited. In this context, the present systematic review aimed to review and compile the evidence around cognitive processes related to PPU. METHODS A systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines to compile evidence regarding cognitive processes related to PPU. We retained and analyzed 21 experimental studies addressing this topic. RESULTS Studies were focused on four cognitive processes: attentional bias, inhibitory control, working memory, and decision making. In brief, PPU is related to (a) attentional biases toward sexual stimuli, (b) deficient inhibitory control (in particular, to problems with motor response inhibition and to shift attention away from irrelevant stimuli), (c) worse performance in tasks assessing working memory, and (d) decision making impairments (in particular, to preferences for short-term small gains rather than long-term large gains, more impulsive choice patterns than non-erotica users, approach tendencies toward sexual stimuli, and inaccuracies when judging the probability and magnitude of potential outcomes under ambiguity). CONCLUSION This systematic review offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the cognitive features related to PPU, and points out new areas that warrants further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Castro-Calvo
- Department of Personality, Assessment, and Psychological Treatments, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - V. Cervigón-Carrasco
- Department of Basic and Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Universitat Jaume I, Spain
| | - R. Ballester-Arnal
- Department of Basic and Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Universitat Jaume I, Spain
| | - C. Giménez-García
- Department of Basic and Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Universitat Jaume I, Spain
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15
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Wang J, Dai B. Event-related potentials in a two-choice oddball task of impaired behavioral inhibitory control among males with tendencies towards cybersex addiction. J Behav Addict 2020; 9:785-796. [PMID: 32903206 PMCID: PMC8943673 DOI: 10.1556/jba-9-785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Impaired behavioral inhibitory control (BIC) is known to play a crucial role in addictive behavior. However, research has been inconclusive as to whether this is also the case for cybersex addiction. This study aimed to investigate the time course of BIC in male individuals with tendencies towards cybersex addiction (TCA) using event-related potentials (ERPs) and to provide neurophysiological evidence of their deficient BIC. METHODS Thirty-six individuals with TCA and 36 healthy controls (HCs) were given a Two-Choice Oddball task that required them to respond differently to frequent standard stimuli (images of people) and infrequent deviant stimuli (pornographic images) within 1,000 ms. Electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded as the participants performed the task. RESULTS Despite the similarity of standard stimuli between the groups in terms of reaction times (RTs), the RTs of the TCA group to deviant stimuli were much slower than those of the HC group. The behavioral difference was accompanied by group differences in the averaged amplitudes of N2 (200-300 ms) and P3 (300-500 ms) components in the deviant-standard difference wave. More specifically, compared to the HC group, the TCA group demonstrated smaller N2 and P3 amplitude differences for deviant than standard stimuli. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Individuals with TCA were more impulsive than HC participants and shared neuropsychological and ERP characteristics of substance use disorder or behavioral addictions, which supports the view that cybersex addiction can be conceptualized as a behavioral addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Wang
- School of Psychology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, China
| | - Bing Dai
- School of Psychology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, China
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16
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Wang J, Dai B. Event-related potentials in a two-choice oddball task of impaired behavioral inhibitory control among males with tendencies towards cybersex addiction. J Behav Addict 2020; 9:785-796. [PMID: 32903206 PMCID: PMC8943673 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2020.00059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Impaired behavioral inhibitory control (BIC) is known to play a crucial role in addictive behavior. However, research has been inconclusive as to whether this is also the case for cybersex addiction. This study aimed to investigate the time course of BIC in male individuals with tendencies towards cybersex addiction (TCA) using event-related potentials (ERPs) and to provide neurophysiological evidence of their deficient BIC. METHODS Thirty-six individuals with TCA and 36 healthy controls (HCs) were given a Two-Choice Oddball task that required them to respond differently to frequent standard stimuli (images of people) and infrequent deviant stimuli (pornographic images) within 1,000 ms. Electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded as the participants performed the task. RESULTS Despite the similarity of standard stimuli between the groups in terms of reaction times (RTs), the RTs of the TCA group to deviant stimuli were much slower than those of the HC group. The behavioral difference was accompanied by group differences in the averaged amplitudes of N2 (200-300 ms) and P3 (300-500 ms) components in the deviant-standard difference wave. More specifically, compared to the HC group, the TCA group demonstrated smaller N2 and P3 amplitude differences for deviant than standard stimuli. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Individuals with TCA were more impulsive than HC participants and shared neuropsychological and ERP characteristics of substance use disorder or behavioral addictions, which supports the view that cybersex addiction can be conceptualized as a behavioral addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bing Dai
- Corresponding authors. E-mail: E-mail:
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