"Am I Really Prone to Pornography Addiction?"... Be Careful If You Experience This Emotion [Health Talk]

[The Financial News] A recent study has found that individuals who struggle with emotional regulation are more vulnerable to pornography addiction. In particular, those who are easily overwhelmed by negative emotions such as sadness, anger, and shame—and who have difficulty overcoming them—are at greater risk of developing an addiction to pornography.

To examine the correlation between emotional regulation and pornography addiction, a research team from the Department of Psychology at Ferdowsi University in Mashhad recruited 392 study participants. The participants were between 15 and 25 years old, with 78% being male. Their average age was 21, and all reported having viewed pornography within the last six months.
Through an online survey, the researchers assessed both the presence and severity of pornography addiction among participants. The survey included questions about how much pornography viewing interfered with daily life and the level of stress it caused. The team also evaluated participants’ emotional regulation abilities, such as recognizing their own feelings, controlling impulses, and maintaining focus even when experiencing negative emotions.

According to the analysis, individuals who frequently experience negative emotions and struggle to regulate them are more likely to have a higher degree of pornography addiction. This is interpreted as a tendency to use pornography as a way to cope with negative feelings. For example, some people who perceive themselves as bad or deserving of punishment may watch pornography to intensify their feelings of shame.

The most effective way to escape pornography addiction is to stop viewing it immediately. If quitting right away is difficult, it is recommended to gradually reduce viewing time by 10 to 30 minutes at a time. Engaging in positive activities that provide pleasure, such as exercising or playing a musical instrument, can also help. If self-recovery proves challenging, seeking help from a Department of Psychiatry specialist is an option. In such cases, medication that suppresses Dopamine secretion may be considered to reduce cravings for pornography.
The results of this study were recently published in the international journal Psychology & Sexuality.
hsg@fnnews.com Han Seung-gon Reporter