Processes and Outcomes of Pornography Addiction Support Groups

Abstract

This study investigated the processes and outcomes associated with religiously sponsored pornography addiction support group meetings. We identified a variety of themes using a collaborative hermeneutic interpretation method. Results showed that participants experienced shame due to their pornography use and that member-to-member sharing in meetings facilitated self-compassion, cohesion, shame reduction, and spiritual experiences. Participants reported outcomes such as adopting a lifelong recovery approach, viewing pornography use as a symptom, and prioritizing their relationship with God. In some cases, participants reported increased shame and distress from the significant focus in group on their pornography use, in addition to specific shame-inducing experiences in meetings.