Date

4-2018

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision (PhD)

Chair

Fred Volk

Keywords

Function of Use, Negative Consequences, Pornography, Self-Compassion

Disciplines

Clinical Psychology | Counseling Psychology

Abstract

Pornography use appears to be associated with many psychosocial problems for a subset of pornography users. Previous research indicates constructs such as experiential avoidance and shame-proneness may be related to pornography use. Research also suggests that self-compassion may be helpful in decreasing experiential avoidance, shame, and other predictors of problematic pornography use. To date, no research has been done examining self-compassion in pornography users. This may be an important construct to study in this population because the way people treat themselves during difficult times may be associated with the development of problematic pornography viewing patterns and negative outcomes related to their pornography use (e.g., problems in relationships with family and friends, occupational problems, legal problems). This study examined the correlation between the frequency of pornography use and self-compassion. The results suggested there was a significant but weak negative correlation between weekly frequency of pornography use and total self-compassion. Regarding the subscales, there were statistically significant weak negative correlations between frequency of pornography use and all three of the positive subscales: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. There were also weak but statistically significant positive correlations between frequency of pornography use and two of the negative self-compassion subscales: self-judgment and over-identification. It was hypothesized that self-compassion would moderate the relationship between frequency of pornography use and negative consequences of sexual behavior that pornography users experience; however, the results indicated there is no interaction between frequency of use and self-compassion. This research also hypothesized that the function of pornography use would also moderate this relationship. The results indicated that there was no interaction between frequency of use and self-compassion or between frequency of use and sexual curiosity or emotional avoidance. There was a statistically significant interaction between frequency of use and excitement seeking as well as between frequency of use and sexual pleasure.

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