Porn, Christ, and You

 Hey, so this week I had to write a paper for my psych class, hope you enjoy: 

In the following paper, one will see the psychological and emotional effects of pornography on young adult males. Through the analysis of articles written in the study of this subject, facts and evidence will be given to prove the findings of this research.

As one looks into this issue, they must first understand who, and how many participate in the action of observing pornographic material; studies have shown that 87% of young adult males have used pornography to some degree, and for woman, 31%. Of that 87% of young men, 67% see nothing wrong with this behavior, thinking it is acceptable and it has no ramifications. Also making this claim is 49% of women, along with 37% of fathers, and 20% of mothers (Nelson, 2010). However, research has been done to see for certain if interaction with pornography does cause any negative, or dangerous effects to ones emotional, and psychological being.

Over the years studies have shown, opposite of some certain beliefs, that usage of pornography can bring on emotional and psychological problems. Excessive use of pornography can cause; vocational issues, family dysfunction, legal consequences, interpersonal isolation and psychological distress (Grubbs, 2015). Other studies have shown similar results such as; sexual dysfunction, relationship dissatisfaction, religious and spiritual concerns, increased negative emotions, aggressive behavior, and sexual deviancy (Levin, 2012). This evidence clearly shows that although the 67%, 49%, 37% and 20% of men, woman, fathers and mothers believe that it is appropriate and helpful, that is clearly can be damaging to an individual.

Most of this research found however, that these results are mainly due to an addictive behavior, seen in participation beyond 11 hours a week. When the behavior excels beyond just casual usage, to excessive use is likely to end in some damaging effects. In a survey done of 9,265 people, it showed that 8% of  those who partook in pornographic material for more then 11 hours per week, (Grubb, 2015), had experienced a negative response emotionally or psychologically. Even those who where not considered to have an addictive behavior, reported it as problematic to thier overall emotions and psychological behavior. However, those who had a higher sexual compulsivity as well as engaging in pornography as an addiction, showed that only 18% and 28% had no interference or life threatening issues due to their addictive behavior (Levin, 2012). Therefore one can simply conclude that it is not just due to an addiction, but if one feels it is causing difficulties interpersonally, vocationally, or personally.

This addictive behavior towards pornographic material is associated with the act of ‘experiential avoidance’. Experiential avoidance is a result of a compulsive response and behavior, it comes into play when one is trying to avoid or reduce difficult emotions. It can be done through many forms, such as the use of drugs, hair pulling, or participating in self-harm. Many have studied this and in the studies associated with pornography usage have argued that it is a result of experiential avoidance.

The issue here is, that by partaking in this response more psychological problems may occur. In a study done by Abramowitz, Tolin and Street in 2001 it was found that experiential avoidance many times increases the regularity and depth of the emotion or experience that is trying to be avoided! This causes amplification of the avoidance and in doing so limits and narrows one’s life (Levin, 2012). In light of this with a connection to frequent pornography use, which is mainly used to avoid stress, only in the end causes more.

In a study done by Levin and his associates in 2012, his findings were that addictive behavior with pornography is highly connected with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, stress, and poorer social functioning behaviors. Joshua Grubbs and his associates did a similar study in which they found a connection with psychological distress and mental health, which is supported by research done previously with hyper sexuality. These two studies have done a very throe and precise analysis of the issues surrounding pornographic material in young men.

As one approaches this topic from a Christian perspective they must be careful. In a world that is so indorsing and accepting with a topic such as pornography one must come to this with respect, lenience, and guidance. The material used for this paper was extremely enlightening not only to one from a Christian worldview but also in general.

For many males this is clearly an issue and struggle, and for Christian males especially it is a huge temptation. However the evidence provided from the source material brings clarity to what God had already placed in scripture. As addressed in the articles, the issues and problems produced with experiential avoidance are so clear. Many approach pornography as a copping mechanism for hard emotions, or stress. However, as addressed before, this action can actually bring about more pain emotionally and psychologically. This is echoed in scripture with passages such as; 1 Corinthians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 and Matthew 5:28. These verses echo that God knows the harmful result that things like pornography can and will cause.

It not only shows this but it reveals that from the beginning God knew the harm humankind could, would and is inflicting on themselves. God’s grace is reflective through this. The fact that every word penned in scripture was done so for a specific reason; that being a desire for the Lord God and in a result a casting away and shedding of a worldly sinful life.

Through the analysis in this paper one can clearly see the harmful results pornography has on an individual’s emotions and psychological behaviors. From a Christian standpoint and evaluation, it is seen that this evidence is a reflection of what scripture has already stated. God’s grace is revealed through His words and actions. Specifically to this subject, He has set in place a motion so that the harmful acts of sexual sin would be obverted. This paper has presented the facts of how and showed why pornographic material is harmful to the human individual.  

References

Nelson, L. J., Padilla-Walker, L. M., & Carroll, J. S. (2010). “I believe it is wrong but I still do it”: A comparison of religious young men who do versus do not use pornography. Psychology Of Religion And Spirituality, 2(3), 136-147. doi:10.1037/a0019127

Grubbs, J., Volk, F., Exline, J., & Pargament, K. (2015). Internet Pornography Use: Perceived Addiction, Psychological Distress, and the Validation of a Brief Measure. Sex & Matiral Therapy, 84-106. Retrieved March 31, 2015

Levin, M., Lillis, J., & Hayes, S. (2012). When is Online Pornography Viewing Problematic Among College Males? Examining the Moderating Role of Experiential Avoidance. Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, 169-180. Retrieved March 31, 2015, from PsycArticles.