The Role of Meta-Cognitive Certainty on Pornography Consumption

  1. Borja Paredes 1
  2. Luz Martínez 2
  3. Ubaldo Cuesta 2
  4. Pablo Briñol 1
  5. Richard Petty 3
  6. Lorena Moreno 1
  1. 1 Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
    info

    Universidad Autónoma de Madrid

    Madrid, España

    ROR https://ror.org/01cby8j38

  2. 2 Universidad Complutense de Madrid
    info

    Universidad Complutense de Madrid

    Madrid, España

    ROR 02p0gd045

  3. 3 The Ohio State University
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Journal:
Psicothema

ISSN: 0214-9915,  1886-144X

Year of publication: 2021

Issue Title: Monográfico Mariano Yela

Volume: 33

Issue: 3

Pages: 442-448

Type: Article

DOI: 10.7334/PSICOTHEMA2021.8 DIALNET GOOGLE SCHOLAR lock_openOpen access editor

More publications in: Psicothema

Abstract

Background: The Problematic Pornography Use Scale (PPUS) was originally designed to help predicting pornography consumption. Despite the frequency with which this scale is used in the scientific literature, there is still relatively little evidence regarding the predictive validity of this important instrument. This current research introduces a construct capable of improving the ability of the scale to predict pornography consumption (meta-cognitive certainty). Method: Over two studies, participants completed the PPUS and the meta-cognitive certainty in their responses to the scale was measured (Study 1) or manipulated (Study 2). Self-reported porn consumption was the criterion measure in both studies, with an additional actual overt behavior relevant to consumption of porn included in Study 2. Results: As expected, the PPUS significantly predicted porn consumption, confirming the predictive validity of the scale. More importantly, meta-cognitive certainty was capable of moderating the extent to which scores on the PPUS could predict porn consumption, with greater consistency between the PPUS and reported behavior from those with high (vs. low) meta-cognitive certainty. Conclusions: These data suggest that considering meta-cognitive certainty may be useful for predicting when the link between the PPUS and porn consumption is stronger.

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Funding information

Research was supported by the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación y Universidades, Gobierno de España (ES) [PSI2017-83303-C2-1-P]. Grant to Pablo Briñol.

Funders

    • PSI2017-83303-C2-1-P

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