Pornography and Its Effects on Behavioral Health

Pornography and behavioral health are inextricably linked, with their relationship extending far beyond sexual behavior.

The relationship between behavioral health and mental health

The terms “behavioral health” and “mental health” are often used interchangeably. While they have some overlap, they also have distinct differences. Behavioral health is a broader term that includes how mental health, behaviors, cultural influences, and daily choices can impact a person.  Mental health, on the other hand, emphasizes a psychological focus, such as a specific mental health diagnosis or a person’s mood.

As it relates to pornography specifically, behavioral health and mental health are interconnected. A person’s mental health can make them more susceptible to porn addiction, while excessive porn use can harm their mental well-being.

How does porn consumption impact behavioral health?

At the simplest level, a high level of porn consumption is a behavioral health issue. However, because compulsive behaviors often stem from underlying mental health issues, both are important to consider. 

As a person navigates cultural, spiritual, and relationship agreements, it is easy to see how outside influences can impact people’s perception. For example, if a religious institution is against porn use, it often motivates people to see pornography through the lens of their congregation or temple. Once this takes place, feelings such as guilt and shame often arise. 

Combine this with the fear of a partner finding out, and it is easy to see why people feel they need to protect themselves from other people’s judgement or from abandonment. This is often when a person may tell themselves that lying and secrecy are a necessity instead of a choice.

Behavioral health encompasses the whole person, including mental health. From a research perspective, the brain changes in porn addicts consistently show that compulsive behaviors produce negative consequences. 

Neuropsychologists have proven that frequent pornography consumption harms the ventral striatum, which directly influences a person’s ability to control their urges ^[1]. This can lead to issues such as compulsive masturbation, promiscuity, cyber stalking, pedophilia, and other behaviors that demonstrate a lack of relational empathy and impulse control. Additional issues reported include premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, challenges with arousal, problems concentrating, social awkwardness, and connection with loved ones becoming increasingly difficult ^[1].

As someone consumes more pornography, the negative outcome on their behavioral health becomes more pronounced.

In the case of porn addiction specifically, the inability to control one’s  thoughts, emotions, and impulses, leaves many people feeling powerless. The more all-consuming pornography becomes, the more detrimental the consequences.

What causes porn addiction?

Currently the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM) does not classify pornography addiction as a diagnosable addiction that can be treated. Despite this oversight, scientific research has shown that high levels of porn consumption can impact a person’s neurobiology in the same way as other chemical and behavioral addictions ^[2].

The addictive cycle is created when the reward system of the brain, emotional dysregulation, altered neurochemistry, and the need for soothing are combined. Given addiction creates chemical, anatomical, and pathological changes in the brain, people are fighting a battle that is multifaceted from a neuroscience standpoint alone ^[2]. Add in past trauma, mental health issues, isolation, and behaviors to self-sooth, and addictive habits become alluring. 

The challenge with porn addiction is that it doesn’t actually work. It starts as a way to avoid unpleasant emotions, but it ultimately results in disconnection and dissatisfaction. The negative impact of addiction does not discriminate, and can affect people from all backgrounds and walks of life.

How porn impacts men’s behavior?

It has already been established that high levels of porn use, and the consumption of aggressive porn, are directly linked to negative behavioral consequences. 

Studies have shown that regular porn consumption for men results in lower sexual self-competence, a decrease in sexual functioning, and an increased chance of partner sexual dissatisfaction ^[3]. 

Additionally, when men turn to pornography for instant gratification, they can be influenced by scripts that promote impossible sexual performance standards, objectification, and self-importance. These messages are often then transferred to their romantic relationships, resulting in a reduced sense of sexual satisfaction from both partners.  

It is worth noting that when men consume pornography that encourages violent or humiliating behavior, there is a greater chance they may engage in similar behavior themselves. 

Watching porn that depicts violence against women, can desensitize the viewer into believing women want to be harmed ^[4]. One study reported that men who watch porn that humiliates women are more likely to videotape them without their permission, and then use the footage as blackmail once the relationship ends ^[4].

How porn impacts women’s behavior?

On average, women consume less porn than men, and the data surrounding their relationship with porn is conflicting. While some women find fault with porn’s patriarchal view and objectification of women, others report a greater level of sexual self-competence, sexual functioning, and improved partner-reported satisfaction ^[3].  

Unfortunately, overall, the research remains contradictory. One study will state women report consuming porn for masturbation and arousal, while another study reports women watch porn for relational or bonding purposes ^[5]. Despite the difference in findings related to motivation for use, women have consistently shown their neurological response to porn is identical to that of men. 

From a behavioral health perspective, women’s mental health and quality of life generally decrease from regular porn consumption. Feelings of low self-worth, shame, and depression are reported at the same capacity as men. While their behavior isn’t likely to become aggressive due to porn consumption, there is a chance for extreme submission, unhealthy role playing, and going against their own value system in order to please their partner.

How porn impacts adolescent’s behavior?

Adolescents who watch pornography experience shifts in their mental health and their behavioral health. Concerns about pornography’s impact on anxiety levels and depression are a real concern given how easy it is for younger people to consume porn through the internet on a daily basis.

It is widely agreed upon that a developing brain and psyche are impacted by porn through a less-resourced system. This can result in emotional flooding and challenges processing sexually explicit material. If this is combined with mental health issues of any kind, the impact can be detrimental on well-being. 

Additionally, when a person has limited sexual experience, it is harder to discern porn scripts from what would be appropriate in real-life. For instance, pornography emphasizes the physical aspects of sex, while off-screen sexual relationships include emotional intimacy. Until a young person has enough life experience, they run the risk of being educated about sex and romance through the lens of pornography alone. 

Like adults, adolescents who consume porn on a regular basis, often become preoccupied with sex and engage in more promiscuity ^[6]. Additionally, young men that consume aggressive forms of porn, show more accepting attitudes toward teenage dating aggression and sexual violence ^[6].

Despite these attitudes, many adolescents are experiencing a conflict between their personal values and their actions.

Cognitive dissonance and porn use

Cognitive dissonance occurs when people’s behavior does not reflect their thoughts and beliefs. It is a very common theme for those who consume pornography, and can easily be seen in situations such as:

• Believing violence and underage sexual relations are immoral, yet seeking out content that encourages this behavior.
  
• Valuing open and honest communication in relationships, yet choosing to lie about porn usage.

• Holding religious or spiritual beliefs that conflict with porn use, yet denying its impact and engaging with it anyway.

While this list is not exhaustive, it shows the moral dilemma many people face around pornography a daily basis. 

Cognitive dissonance can also arise when a person disapproves of their partner’s porn use, but chooses to stay in the relationship. This is slightly nuanced given relationships require compromise, yet there is still a disconnect between their belief system and their choice to remain in the relationship regardless of it rubbing up against their personal beliefs.

When cognitive dissonance becomes a part of someone’s daily life, it can impact their mental and behavioral health. A simple example of this is when a person is drawn to perverted content. While it is taboo to talk about topics such as bestiality, it does arouse some people, and the cognitive dissonance required to keep consuming it is quite high. In order to watch pornography that is not natural, whatever the theme, a person has to cover up their shame by living in denial. 

Self-denial is extremely common for people who consume pornography. From “it is not that big of a deal because everyone does it,” to “I do not have a real problem,” protects people from the changes that would need to be made if they were honest with themselves about its negative impact in their lives.

Healing from pornography misuse

Healing from pornography misuse starts with understanding the underlying factors that drive a person to engage with porn in ways that harm themselves and others. This cannot be reduced down to neurological findings, a mental health condition, or lack of coping skills alone. Instead, it requires an exploration of the whole person. 

Carl Jung emphasized the importance of including the subconscious, sometimes referred to as “the shadow,” in therapeutic work. The shadow refers to the parts of a person that are repressed or denied. Ultimately, these parts need to be brought to conscious awareness so a person can accept and heal what is driving their behavior at the unconscious level. 

Mental health professionals are trained to help their clients identify how their unconscious wounds drive their choices. Whether it is uncovering forgotten traumas from childhood, or exploring the link between a trigger and behavior, professionals can often see what is out of awareness to the person struggling.

Seeking professional help to overcome problematic porn use

Once a person is ready to look for professional support for their porn use, they often have spent a significant amount of time suffering already. It is important to know how to find the appropriate help needed. Many individuals choose to work with mental health professionals who specialize in sex and intimacy issues. 

Sex addiction counselors, certified sex therapists, and couple therapists are trained to help with matters surrounding sexuality, including problematic behavior. They strive to create a safe environment where individuals can work through their behavioral health challenges and get to the root causes of their compulsivity. 

If additional concerns are present, such as mental health issues or chemical addiction, it is customary to address the co-occurring disorders in effort to effectively address the whole person. In cases where more specialized care is needed for a dual diagnosis, a referral can be placed.

Seeking professional help enables individuals and couples address their specific challenges with the guidance of a trained therapist or counselor. This process often involves exploring unconscious patterns, developing new coping skills, and cultivating boundaries around behavior. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to work through past trauma, which is often essential for ongoing success.