Introduction - There are conflicting on ideas as to the effect of pornography and mental health. Some feel that it can be a healthy outlet for sexual needs. Others have the opinion that pornography can contribute to a distorted view of sex and unhealthy personal relationships. In examining the evidence, it would seem apparent, that for some people, pornography can have affect mental health, contribute to depression and anxiety. It might have a destabilizing affect on some which contributes to some symptoms associated with bipolar disorder.
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Avoid isolation as one step in overcoming pornography addiction.
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Pornography is Anti-Love - How Pornography Viewing May Contribute to Depression
Love is one of the most important factors in maintaining good mental health. Pornography has been described as anti-love. It contributes to the view that other person as are sex objects for our exploitation. Sex with a partner, ideally, is two-sided, both partners receiving satisfaction in not just a physical act, but an emotional exchange and bond. The permanent bond of marriage provides a healthy emotional commitment that better facilitates emotionally satisfying sexual relations.
This is not to say that all married persons have satisfying sexual relations, but that the more stable relationship of marriage can provide an arrangement whereby the emotional element of sex, which is very significant, finds greater fulfillment for both partners.
Because pornography is one-sided, only one person receiving satisfaction, the emotional exchange is lacking and that can lead to a void, afterwards, as pornography viewing is usually accompanied by
masturbation, when viewed alone. As a result, loneliness can be accentuated, loss of self-esteem, and
depression can also be initiated and augmented.
There are clinical studies which seem to possible indicate a correlation between
masturbation and depression. Sexual Functioning and Self-Reported Depressive Symptoms Among College Women,
by Penny Frolich and Cindy Meston, University of Texas, Austin (2003)
Sexual and Relationship Difficulties Can Result from Pornography Addiction
The ability to maintain a healthy relationship with a partner can also result for many.Pornography can also interfere with normal and mutually satisfying sexual relations with a partner. Some men who are married or have a partner can become impotent as a result of pornography addiction, or unable to fulfill their mates sexual needs. It is likely that in many cases of
OCD and
bipolar disorder, as well as
depression and major depression, pornography might be a contributing factor.
What Can Help in Overcoming Pornography Addiction
Indulgence in pornography and pornography addiction is certainly common, however, for many, it can affect not only relationships, but also one's mental health. Breaking free from pornography addiction is by no means easy. For some, it can become as strong an addiction as smoking or heroin. For some, help necessary, whether that be from a parent, a minister or a professional.
Also, some have found that
spiritual strategies such as prayer and
Bible reading are of value in overcoming pornography addiction.
Practical Measures and Use of Art in Breaking Free from Pornography Addiction
Engaging in creative
art works, as a self help measure, self-therapy, or even utilizing professional art therapy, can help one to break free from the repressive chain of pornography addiction, replacing the strong visual attraction of pornography, with a socially positive and visually pleasing activity that increases self-fulfillment and self-esteem.
Additionally, practical measures such as exercise, keeping the TV out of the bedroom, avoiding isolation, along with pursuing art as a hobby and
therapy can be helpful in overcoming pornography addiction.
Some people are very visually oriented. For these, visual stimulation is a necessary part of life. These can very well be the artists of our society, who might be attracted to the visual stimulation and excitement of pornography. Art can fill that need for many. An interest in art helps to develop self esteem, as well as aiding in developing abilities of concentration, and has been used successfully in many forms of therapy. It can be an essential element in breaking free from pornography addiction.
References and Resources - Pornography Effects
1. Layden, Mary Anne. Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology. Psychiatry Department, University of Pennsylvania. Co-Director, Sexual Trauma and Psychopathology Program.
Mary Anne Layden (off-site link). On the subject of pornography.
2. Mashall, Graemme. Are You Saying 'NO' to
Internet Pornography? (off-site).
Commentary on this Week's News. Report given at a science, technology, and space hearing, for US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, Transportation, on pornography.
3.
Child Pornography Article Outside link
A surprising 500,000 in the U.S. are said to be involved in child pornography. Much child pornography also gets through the cracks through animation and Photoshop type photos. The public library, then, when not carefully monitored has become a local for viewing pornographic images, including sexual images of minors, children, and even babies.
4. Frolich, P., Meston, C. (2003).
Sexual Functioning and Self-Reported Depressive Symptoms Among College Women. University of Texas, Austin (2003)
5.
Pornography, Harmless or Harmful? (July 22, 2003)
Awake!
Pages Related to Pornography, Mental Health and Pornography Addiction
The Effects of Pornography on Individuals, Marriage, Family and Community
Patrick F. Fagan, Ph.D.
Effects of Pornography.
Robert A. Baron, Ph.D. Sociology summary.
Analysis of Pornography and Pornography Addiction - Adapted from Sean Covey's book, The 6 Most Important Decisions You Will Ever Make.
How Exposure to
Pornography Effects Children
K9 -
Free Parental Internet Filtering Software
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