Pornography consumption and relationship satisfaction among married individuals: A moderated mediation model of sexual satisfaction and gender

Tay, Xue Jie and Wong, Wei Zhong (2025) Pornography consumption and relationship satisfaction among married individuals: A moderated mediation model of sexual satisfaction and gender. Final Year Project, UTAR.

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Abstract

The relationship between pornography consumption, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction remains contentious, with studies showing mixed results. In Malaysia, there is a lack of studies around this topic as sexuality studies are a culturally sensitive topic. Furthermore, prior research often treats sexual satisfaction as a single variable, neglecting the distinction between personal and perceived partner sexual satisfaction. This prompted the present study, which examines the relationship between pornography consumption and relationship satisfaction among married individuals in Malaysia, with sexual satisfaction (personal and perceived partner) as mediators and gender as a moderator. A cross-sectional survey was conducted, which included 200 Malaysian married adults who had consumed pornography in the past six months, with 59% male participants (n=118) and 41% female participants (n=82). 95% were Chinese (n=190), and 5% were Malay (n=10). Validated scales measured pornography consumption, personal and perceived sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction. Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative association between pornography consumption and relationship satisfaction. Moderated mediation analysis conducted using Hayes’ PROCESS Model 59 revealed that personal and perceived partner sexual satisfaction did not significantly mediate the relationship overall but showed significant indirect effects for males, with higher pornography consumption linked to lower sexual satisfaction and, in turn, reduced relationship satisfaction. Gender significantly moderated these pathways, with stronger negative effects in men than women. Findings highlight pornography’s detrimental impact on relationship satisfaction through sexual satisfaction among Malaysian men, contributing novel insights into a culturally sensitive topic and informing targeted interventions for marital counselling in conservative contexts.

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