Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Intentional Pornography Access Among Spanish Adolescents

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of intentional access to pornography among Spanish adolescents and its relationship with possible personal variables and risk behaviors. The sample consisted of 4,024 adolescents aged 14 to 17 from all over Spain, with a mean age of 15.4 years. Of the participants, 52.6% were girls. Information was collected on pornography consumption over the past year, as well as risk behaviors (alcohol consumption and running away from home) and personal characteristics (gender, age, sexual orientation, country of origin, impulsivity, and moral emotions). The results show that 51.6% of participants had consumed pornography in the past year, with 10.6% of them doing so daily. Differences were observed in terms of gender and age, with higher consumption among boys and older adolescents. It was also found that young people who accessed pornography exhibited lower moral emotions and more risk behaviors related to alcohol consumption and running away from home. This study highlights the need to adopt a public health approach and for professionals to advocate for the importance of affective-sexual education among Spanish youth.