Validation of the Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale: Short Form (PPCS-6) in a Spanish Clinical Population with Gambling Disorder

Abstract

The prevalence of problematic pornography use (PPU) and its potential negative effects have raised concerns, necessitating the availability of accurate assessment tools. This study aimed to validate the Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale (PPCS-6) in a Spanish sample with gambling disorder. The sample consisted of 359 adults (92.2% men, M = 39.5 years, SD = 13.6) seeking treatment for gambling disorder. Other than the PPCS-6, various psychometrically sound instruments were used to assess variables related to PPU, gambling behavior, psychopathology, emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and personality features. Confirmatory factor analysis and correlation coefficients were used for data analysis to examine the factor structure and assess convergent-discriminative validity of the PPCS-6. The psychometric properties of the PPCS-6 were supported in the present treatment-seeking population, showing a one-dimensional solution with good fit and internal consistency. Higher PPCS-6 scores were associated with more severe psychopathology, higher impulsivity, more emotion regulation difficulties, and lower self-directedness. Additionally, positive correlations were observed between PPCS-6 scores and specific motivations for using pornography. This study validates the Spanish version of the PPCS-6 as a reliable screening tool for assessing PPU in clinical populations, specifically in individuals with gambling disorder.