Cybersex temptation and use among clergy: Prevalence and path analysis of the role of sexuality education, isolation, and consequences as vulnerability factors

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2009-12

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Abstract

An online survey was administered to a non-random, snowball sample of ministers to determine characteristics of their involvement in internet pornography (cybersex). Ministers were surveyed regarding their temptation and use of internet pornography, the risk of internet pornography interfering with important aspects of their lives, and were screened for sexual addiction. Additionally, four potential vulnerability factors were investigated to determine their mediating effects upon the above variables. A total of 542 responses were analyzed, with a focus on 460 male ministers. Descriptive analyses determined that 27.2% of male ministers (n = 125) struggled with internet pornography temptation at least weekly, and 11.1% (n = 51) accessed internet pornography at least weekly. More than 10% did so at least 25 times in the last year. Screening instruments yielded 34.7% (n = 153) of male ministers in the at risk and 6.3% (n = 28) in the high risk category for cybersex interfering with important life aspects, and 10% (n = 43) in the sex addict category. Structural equation modeling path analysis determined significant directional path relationships between cybersex temptation and cybersex use, between cybersex temptation and risk of cybersex interfering with important life aspects, between cybersex use and risk of cybersex interfering with important life aspects, and between cybersex interfering with important life aspects and sexual addiction screening. Hypothesized mediation by vulnerability factors was not supported. Limitations of this study and future research suggestions are presented.

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Internet pornography

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