Psychometric Evaluation of the Nonmainstream Pornography Use Extent Scale

Researchers are increasingly interested in the types of pornography individuals view and how these patterns relate to sexual behavior and problematic pornography use (PPU). However, few studies evaluate the psychometric properties of scales assessing the use of different types of pornography. The Nonmainstream Pornography Use Extent Scale (NPUES) was initially proposed to examine the extent of use across five types of nonmainstream pornography. Since the release of the NPUES, the scale has not been psychometrically evaluated. In the present study, we examined the psychometric properties of the NPUES in a diverse sample of American adults (N = 791) who reported viewing pornography at least monthly. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a one-factor, five-item scale best fit the data. Measurement invariance results supported the strictest level of invariance for gender and PPU status. The NPUES is an adequate measure to assess the extent of nonmainstream pornography use. Men reported viewing pornography more frequently and for longer durations of time than women. Women reported viewing all types of nonmainstream pornography use more than men. Those with PPU viewed pornography more frequently, for longer duration, and endorsed viewing all types of nonmainstream pornography more than those without PPU.