The dangers of pornography have been a vastly debated subject as some call for bans on it completely. Addiction to pornography has been particularly controversial, and a new study says that pornography can take a toll on your relationship if you think you have a problem, whether you’re addicted or not.

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Researchers studied 350 men and 336 women to see if pornography viewing was linked to increased relationship anxiety, according to a story on PsyPost. They found that those with relationship anxiety watched more porn, had a greater perception of their own addiction, and were more religious. Further, simply watching porn didn’t cause the anxiety unless viewers thought they had a problem and unhealthy habits.

PsyPost reports that people who thought they had a problem with porn agreed with statements like, “I feel unworthy to go on dates because of my pornography use,” “I stop dating when I am using pornography,” and “I have withheld details about my pornography use because I am afraid my partner will react negatively.”

Those who affiliated with a religion believed they had a problem with pornography even if they didn’t watch excessive amounts.

The publication interviewed the lead researcher, Nathan D. Leonhardt of Brigham Young University, about the findings.

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“Basically, those that believe themselves to have a problem with pornography start to believe they are undesirable as a romantic partner, or ‘damaged goods’ in the dating market,” he explained to PsyPost. “Ironically, if they actually have a problem controlling pornography use and are trying to stop, this isolation and secrecy are some of the most counterproductive ways to stop uncontrollable use. This is especially noteworthy for religious individuals, as our study showed that they are more likely to report difficulties in stopping their pornography use.”

According to the American Psychological Association, international research shows porn viewership rates at 50 to 99 percent in men, and 30 percent to 86 percent in women. They report that a Kinsey Institute survey estimates that about 9 percent of respondents admitted to not being able to kick the habit.

See Also:

Watching Porn In Intimate Relationships: Men Who View X-Rated Content May Be Less Satisfied With Sex Life

There Are 3 Types Of Pornography Watchers, And Only 1 Is Healthy: Which Group Do You Fall In?