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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.
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 an effect on mental health.
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. See:
Sexual Functioning and Self-Reported Depressive Symptoms Among College Women
by Penny Frolich and Cindy Meston, University of Texas, Austin (2003)
states:
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.
So while indulgence in pornography is certainly common, for some, it can effect not only relationships, but also one's mental health. Breaking free from pornography addiction is by no means easy. For many help from others is necessary, whether that be 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 art
Involvement with
art can help break the negative chain of pornography and replace it with a socially positive and visually pleasing activity.
Additionally, practical measures such as exercise, keeping the TV out of the bedroom, avoiding isolation, and pursuing art as a hobby and
therapy can be helpful in overcoming pornography addiction. Some 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.
Also See page on children and pornography effects:
From book
Social Psychology
Links and References to Pornography Effects pages:
Layden, Mary Anne. Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology. Psychiatry Department, University of Pennsylvania.
Mary Anne Layden off-site link
On the subject of pornography.
Co-Director, Sexual Trauma and Psychopathology Program
Center for Cognitive Therapy, University of Pennsylvania
Given at a science, technology, and space hearing
US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation
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. This week a man was observed in viewing sexual pictures of babes at the public library (Newark, NJ).
Frolich, P., Meston, C. (2003).
Sexual Functioning and Self-Reported Depressive Symptoms Among College Women. University of Texas, Austin (2003)
