Dávid Pócs

@u-szeged.hu

Department of Behavior Sciences, University of Szeged
University of Szeged, Faculty of Medicine

Dávid Pócs


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https://researchid.co/drpocsdavid

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Behavioral Psychology
Smoking Cessation
Motivational Interviewing
14

Scopus Publications

Scopus Publications

  • Sexual Dysfunction in Individuals with Paraphilic Interests: Findings from a Large Matched Cross-Sectional Study
    Dávid Pócs, Csaba Erdős, Ádám Tőtös, Jezdancher Watti, Gergely Tari, Oguz Kelemem
    Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 2026
    BACKGROUND: Paraphilic interests are common in nonclinical populations, yet their relationship with sexual dysfunction remains underresearched. Understanding this association may support clinical assessment and treatment planning in sexual health settings. AIM: To examine the associations between paraphilic interests/disorders and DSM-5 sexual dysfunctions in a large nonclinical adult sample, using sociodemographic matching. METHODS: An online survey of 8,282 participants (aged 18-35) classified individuals into paraphilic disorder, paraphilic interest, and control groups based on DSM-5 criteria. A 1:1 manual sociodemographic matching procedure was applied. Sexual dysfunctions were assessed according to DSM-5 criteria A-C. RESULTS: < .05). These associations were independent of sociodemographic factors. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Screening for sexual dysfunction may be warranted when paraphilic interests or related distress are disclosed in clinical contexts. Awareness of potential comorbidities may support earlier recognition. CONCLUSION: Paraphilic interests and disorders were significantly associated with multiple sexual dysfunctions in a nonclinical population. These findings highlight clinically relevant comorbid patterns.
  • Pornography-Watching Disorder and Its Risk Factors Among Young Adults: Cross-Sectional Survey
    Csaba Erdős, Oguz Kelemen, Dávid Pócs, Edit Paulik, András Papp, Edina Horváth, Arbel Golan, Krisztián Széll
    Journal of Medical Internet Research, 2025
    Background The widespread availability of internet-based pornography has led to growing concerns about its impact on mental health, particularly among young adults. Despite increasing recognition of problematic pornography use, standardized diagnostic criteria for pornography addiction are lacking. Objective This study aimed to address this gap by applying adapted DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [Fifth Edition]) criteria to evaluate “pornography-watching disorder” (PWD) in a large sample of young adults in Hungary. The primary objective was to assess the prevalence of PWD among young adults and identify key risk factors associated with its development using DSM-5 criteria adapted for pornography use. It also aimed to advance the understanding of PWD as a potential behavioral addiction. Methods A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted between September and December 2018, targeting young adults aged 18-35 years in Hungary. Participants were recruited through social media and the University of Szeged Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School’s web page. Of the 9397 respondents, 7187 (76.5%) had previously consumed pornography and were included in the analysis. PWD was measured using 10 statements adapted from the DSM-5 substance use disorder criteria. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify significant predictors of PWD. Results The prevalence of PWD in the sample was 4.4% (n=315). Frequent pornography consumption was a significant risk factor, with weekly users (odds ratio [OR] 0.45, 95% CI 0.33-0.62, P&lt;.001), monthly users (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.11-0.28, P&lt;.001), and less than monthly users (OR 0.05, 95% CI 0.03-0.10, P&lt;.001) showing significantly lower odds compared with daily users as a reference category. Male sex was associated with a higher risk (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.39-0.72, P&lt;.001), as were early exposure to pornography (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.90-0.98, P=.006), paraphilia (OR 3.95, 95% CI 2.37-6.56, P&lt;.001), dissatisfaction with sexual life (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.90-0.98, P=.006), difficulty forming personal relationships (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.88-0.98, P=.005), and strong adherence to religious norms (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.06-1.19, P&lt;.001). Protective factors included adequate sexual education (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.53-0.87, P=.02) and residing in the capital (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.30-0.91, P=.02). The use of an anonymous web-based questionnaire likely reduced the influence of stigma, resulting in more accurate self-reporting of sensitive behaviors. Conclusions This study is among the first to apply DSM-5 criteria to evaluate PWD, providing important insights into its prevalence and associated risk factors in young adults. The findings highlight the need for standardized diagnostic tools for PWD and suggest targeted interventions, particularly for high-risk groups. These results contribute to the ongoing discussion about whether pornography addiction should be recognized as a distinct behavioral disorder.
  • Emerging adulthood in medical school. Gender, school-related factors and Big Five traits related to medical students' quarter-life crisis
    Csaba Hamvai, Dániel Baricz, Dávid Pócs, Oguz Kelemen
    Mentalhigiene Es Pszichoszomatika, 2024
    Background: Quarter-life crisis is the anxiety and discomfort the young might experience at the end of their studies and at the beginning of their career. Objectives: Factors related to medical students’ quarter-life crisis were explored in this study. Methods: in the cross-sectional study, 351 medical students (74.6% female, mean of age: 23.79 years, SD: 1.53 years) filled in the online questionnaire that contained Quarter-life Crisis Questionnaire, International Personality Item Pool version of Big Five markers, and questions about different aspects of medical school. Independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and linear regression analysis were performed. Results: Women reported higher quarter-life crisis (t = –3.44, p = 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.42). Higher quarter-life crisis displayed among those students who did not apply to medical university right after high school (U = 2865.5, p = 0.03, Cohen’s d = 0.24). Students who would have not applied to medical school again (t = –7.93, p &lt; 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.90); would have not encouraged their children to apply to medical school (U = 10414.5, p &lt; 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.57); were uncertain to finish university (t = 6.68, p&lt; 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.74) showed higher quarter-life crisis. Students who failed at least one term for academic reason (U = 11809.5, p = 0.04, Cohen’s d = 0.23); did not feel to get proper knowledge to accomplish a medical job (t = –3.90, p &lt; 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.54); were not satisfied with their grades (U = 11560.5, p = 0.01, Cohen’s d = 0.27) reported higher quarter-life crisis. Students who did not plan to work in a clinical field and patient care (t =–5.974, p = 0.00, Cohen’s d = 0.93); wanted to work abroad in the future (U = 12931.5, p = 0.00; Cohen’s d =0.27) had higher quarter-life crisis. Personality traits, such as extraversion (β = –0.20, p &lt; 0.001), conscientiousness (β = –0.10, p = 0.01) were significant negative, neuroticism significant positive predictor of quarter-life crisis (β = 0.61, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: The explored variables might be indicators of quarter-life crisis, and can be the basis of university counseling, when medical students’ quarter-life crisis and emerging adulthood is in focus.
  • The End of the Smoking Path: The Aspects of Changing Smoking Habits in Psychiatric Care
    Psychiatria Hungarica A Magyar Pszichiatriai Tarsasag Tudomanyos Folyoirata, 2024
  • Medical support of cessation for pregnant smokers
    Jezdancher Watti, Dávid Pócs, Gergely Tari, Oguz Kelemen
    Orvosi Hetilap, 2023
    A dohányzó nők életük során a legnagyobb valószínűséggel a várandósság során szoknak le a dohánytermékek használatáról. Ez az időszak az egészségügy számára kiváló esély, amely során kettős – anyai és magzati – egészségnyereség érhető el a leszokási kísérlet szakszerű támogatásával. A dohányzás felfüggesztése kiemelt jelentőségű a várandósság alatt a magzat és az anya érdekében egyaránt. Összefoglaló kéziratunk irodalmi áttekintés, melynek célja, hogy aktuális és praktikus kiegészítő információkkal szolgáljon a várandós dohányzók leszokását támogató szakemberek számára. A jelen áttekintés a PubMed adatbázisban elérhető publikációkon, valamint hazai és nemzetközi irányelveken és összefoglalókon alapul, melyek gyakorlati jelentőségük alapján kerültek beválogatásra. A várandósság alatti dohányzás szülészeti, neonatológiai és pediátriai szövődményeit tanácsos pozitívan átkeretezni, inkább a leszokás előnyeiről beszélni. A minimálintervenciót ajánlott kiegészíteni a gesztációs hétnek megfelelő tanácsadással, szakellátásra irányítással, illetve a várandós nő dohányzó partnerét célzó leszokástámogatással. Várandósok számára elsődlegesen a gyógyszermentes leszokás javasolható, ha azonban ez nem lehetséges vagy eredménytelen, indokolt lehet a nikotinpótló készítmények használata. Az általános nikotinpótló kezeléstől alapvetően három pontban tér el a várandósok nikotinpótló terápiája. Érdemes inkább az orális készítményeket használni a transdermalis nikotinbevitel helyett; óvatosabb titrálási időszak ajánlott; és a kezelés időtartamát tanácsos lerövidíteni. A várandós dohányzók leszokástámogatása során a magatartás-orvoslási módszerek intenzív alkalmazása javasolt. Nagy hangsúly helyeződik a stresszkezelésre, az érzelemszabályozásra, a viselkedésbeli és biológiai visszajelzésekre, az önjutalmazásra és a külső ösztönzők használatára. Ezek a módszerek a kognitív viselkedésterápiás modellen és a motivációs interjús technikákon alapulnak, amelyekre több gyakorlati példát is bemutatunk az összefoglaló közleményben. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(30): 1194–1203.
  • Female Sexual Dysfunction in Association with Sexual History, Sexual Abuse and Satisfaction: A Cross-Sectional Study in Hungary
    Csaba Erdős, Oguz Kelemen, Dávid Pócs, Edina Horváth, Nóra Dudás, András Papp, Edit Paulik
    Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2023
    Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) has a negative impact on women’s quality of life, self-esteem, and physical health. The aim of the present study was to explore the prevalence and the factors associated with FSD using an online questionnaire. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among young adults (18−35 years old) in Hungary using the DSM-5 criteria. The participants (n = 5942) were divided into three major groups: FSD (20.3%), an intermediate group (43.9%), and a control group (35.6%). Most of the women showing FSD were affected with female orgasmic disorder (9.2%) and genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (4.6%), while female sexual interest/arousal disorder was found in altogether 100 women (1.7%); 4.8% of women were affected by more than one definite disorder. The occurrence of female sexual dysfunction was related to the women’s previous sexual history (first sexual experience, sexual education, early encounter with pornographic content, and sexual abuse), their self-satisfaction (with their own body, genitalia, and sexual attraction), and their sexual orientation. Sexual dysfunction showed a strong association with abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, and self-esteem. The present study identified the relationship between sexual dysfunctions and other health conditions, which can be the basis for some form of screening and early assistance programs for FSD.
  • How to Avoid Lower Priority for Smoking Cessation Support Content on Facebook: An Analysis of Engagement Bait
    Jezdancher Watti, Máté Millner, Kata Siklósi, Csaba Hamvai, Oguz Kelemen, Dávid Pócs
    International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2023
    Facebook demotes “engagement bait” content that makes people interact. As a result of this sanctioning, public health content can reach fewer Facebook users. This study aims to determine the negative effect of engagement bait and find alternative techniques. In a three-year period, 791 smoking cessation support content was included (n = 791). The Facebook posts were classified into “engagement bait”, “alternative techniques” and control groups. Facebook metrics were compared between the study and control groups. The reach of Facebook page fans was significantly lower in the engagement bait group compared to the control group. On the other hand, the alternative techniques had a significantly lower rate of negative Facebook interactions, as well as significantly higher click rates compared to the control group. This is the first study to reveal the sanctioning of engagement bait on smoking cessation support Facebook posts. “Engagement bait” content has a lower ranking on the Facebook Fans’ Newsfeed page. Nevertheless, alternative techniques can circumvent the restrictions on engagement bait. At the same time, alternative techniques can stimulate the click rate and inhibit the rate of negative interactions.
  • Smokers’ Engagement Behavior on Facebook: Verbalizing and Visual Expressing the Smoking Cessation Process
    Jezdancher Watti, Máté Millner, Kata Siklósi, Hedvig Kiss, Oguz Kelemen, Dávid Pócs
    International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2022
    The “processes of change” and “motivational language” are common in smoker Facebook users’ comments under smoking cessation support contents. Smokers can combine this verbalization of the smoking cessation process with visual expression when they use comments and Facebook reactions at the same time. The aim of this study was to understand the relationship between processes of change, motivational language, and the Facebook reaction buttons. A total of 821 smokers’ comments were analyzed in the current study (n = 821), which responded to image-based smoking cessation support contents. The processes of change and the motivational language used in the investigated comments were identified. These linguistic categories were compared with the usage of reaction buttons. The Facebook users who used the “Haha” reaction button wrote a significantly higher proportion of sustain talk than those who used the “Like” or “Love” reaction buttons. The Facebook users who combined the comment and “Love” reaction wrote significantly more change talk than those who did not utilize these buttons. We suggest that the “Haha” reaction may be a negative indicator, the “Like” reaction may be a neutral indicator, and the “Love” reaction may be a positive engagement indicator in terms of the smoking cessation process during Facebook-based interventions. These results may highlight how to evaluate Facebook reactions relating to smoking cessation support contents.
  • How to create social media contents based on Motivational Interviewing approach to support tobacco use cessation? A content analysis
    Dávid Pócs, Tímea Óvári, Jezdancher Watti, Csaba Hamvai, Oguz Kelemen
    Journal of Substance Use, 2022
    Objective This study aimed at identifying which types of social media content could achieve positive differences in Facebook users’ interactions and smokers’ motivational language between posts with and without motivational interviewing (MI) content.Methods We included 701 Facebook posts (N = 701) which were categorized into five different groups according to specific MI strategies. The control group comprised entertaining and informative posts. Primary outcomes were Facebook users’ interactions: engagement rate, negative feedback, and fan-total reach ratio. Secondary outcomes were Facebook post comments reflecting smokers’ motivational language: change talk and sustain talk.Results Facebook posts which used MI strategies were associated with significantly higher engagement rate, higher fan-total reach ratio, and more change talk compared to the control group. Of specific MI strategies, “elaborating change talk” strategies elicited considerably more change talk. “Affirming change talk” strategies obtained higher fan-total reach ratio and generated significantly more change talk. Finally, “relational MI” strategies achieved significantly higher engagement rate..Conclusions Social media contents based on MI increased engagement and generated conversation about tobacco use cessation without relevant negative feedback. The findings suggest that MI strategies may play a promising role in creation of social media contents to support tobacco use cessation.
  • Facebook Users' interactions, organic reach, and engagement in a smoking cessation intervention: Content analysis
    Dávid Pócs, Otília Adamovits, Jezdancher Watti, Róbert Kovács, Oguz Kelemen
    Journal of Medical Internet Research, 2021
    Background Facebook can be a suitable platform for public health interventions. Facebook users can express their reaction to the given social media content in many ways using interaction buttons. The analysis of these interactions can be advantageous in increasing reach and engagement of public health interventions. Objective This research aimed at understanding how Facebook users’ interactions correlate with organic reach and engagement regarding the same smoking cessation support contents. Methods The study population consisted of Facebook users who were reached by a public smoking cessation support page without advertising. We included 1025 nonpaid Facebook posts (N=1025) which used smoking cessation strategies based on a motivational interviewing counseling style. The following data were collected from the “Post Details”: the number of people who saw the given nonpaid content (organic reach) which consisted of fan and nonfan reach according to previous “page like” activity; each rate of “engagement indicators” (such as the symbols of “like,” “love,” “haha,” “wow,” “sad,” “angry”; or other interactions: “shares,” “comments,” “clicks”); and the rate of negative Facebook interactions (eg, “post hides” or “unlike of page”). Overall, these data were analyzed with the Spearman correlation method. Results Surprisingly, we found a significant negative correlation between organic reach and the “like” reaction (rs=–0.418; P&lt;.001). The strongest significant positive correlations of organic reach were observed with the “haha” reaction (rs=0.396; P&lt;.001), comments (rs=0.368; P&lt;.001), and the “love” reaction (rs=0.264; P&lt;.001). Furthermore, nonfan reach correlated positively with “shares” (rs=0.388; P&lt;.001) and clicks (rs=0.135; P&lt;.001), while fan reach correlated positively with the “haha” reaction (rs=0.457; P&lt;.001), comments (rs=0.393; P&lt;.001), and the “love” reaction (rs=0.310; P&lt;.001). Contrary to expectations, the “like” reaction was sharply separated by significant negative correlations from “wow” (rs=–0.077; P=.013), “sad” (rs=–0.120; P&lt;.001), “angry” reactions (rs=–0.136; P&lt;.001), and comments (rs=–0.130; P&lt;.001). Additionally, a high rate of negative Facebook interactions was significantly associated with “wow” (rs=0.076; P=.016) and “sad” reactions (rs=0.091; P=.003). Conclusions This study has shown that it is possible to hypothesize a disadvantage of the “like” reaction and advantages of other interactions (eg, the “haha” reaction or “comments”) in content algorithmic ranking on Facebook. In addition, the correlational analysis revealed a need of a further categorization to fan-specific interactions (eg, “haha” or “love” reactions) and nonfan-specific interactions (eg, “shares” and “clicks”). Regarding the direction of the correlations, these findings suggest that some interactions (eg, negative Facebook interactions, “wow,” “sad,” and “angry” reactions) may decrease the engagement, while other interactions (“like,” “love,” “haha” reactions, “shares,” and “clicks”) may increase the engagement during Facebook-based smoking cessation interventions. This hypothesis-generating research offers an important insight into the relationship between organic reach, engagement, and Facebook users’ interactions for public health professionals who design Facebook-based interventions.
  • Tobacco reduction on Facebook among 14-35-year-olds
    Dávid Pócs, R. Kovács, Tímea Óvári, Csaba Erdős, O. Kelemen
    Orvosi Hetilap, 2019
  • Interventions in medical practice to reduce tobacco use among adolescents
    Dávid Pócs, Katalin Barabás, Oguz Kelemen
    Orvosi Hetilap, 2018
  • Health behavior change: Motivational interviewing
    Dávid Pócs, Csaba Hamvai, Oguz Kelemen
    Orvosi Hetilap, 2017
  • Fear of medical care: Epidemiology and prevention among 5-6 years old children
    Lege Artis Medicinae, 2013