Excerpt:
McCormack and Wignall (2017) assert that pornography has become more commonplace due to the internet’s influence on popular culture. This phenomenon is known as ‘the pornographic action of mainstream’ culture (McNair, 2013, p. 3), which some people view as a way of augmenting their relationship (Kohut et al., 2018). However, the idea that viewing relational pornography together might increase a couple’s level of sexual satisfaction has little evidence to back it up (Grubbs et al., 2019; Weiss, 2020). Consuming pornography has been shown to harm partners’ well-being since it undermines relationship trust and weakens the integrity of the relationship (Hastings & Lucero Jones, 2023; Maas et al., 2018; Schneider et al., 2012; Steffens & Means, 2009).
Maddox et al. (2011) found a substantial correlation between compulsive pornography consumption (a type of SA) and relationship betrayal. Furthermore, the second Australian Longitudinal Study of Health and Relationships (Richters et al., 2014) found that while the number of males viewing X-rated films decreased, the number of men accessing online sex sites increased. According to Richters et al. (2014), this might point to increased availability of the large range of easily accessible sexually explicit materials made possible by developments in digital technology. Several studies indicate that watching pornography has a detrimental impact on intimacy, sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction in heterosexual relationships—both dating and married—even though it shows acts that are relational in nature. This is especially true when the pornography user is a man (Maddox et al., 2011; Minarcik et al., 2016; Perry & Hayward, 2017; Vieira & Griffiths, 2024).
Counselling and Psychotherapy Research
25, e12850. (2025) https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.12850
Fakri Seyed Aghamiri, Johannes M. Luetz, Karenne Hills
Abstract
Background
Studies on sexual addiction (SA) and compulsive sexual behaviour (CSB) outline a new area of counselling research touching on a variety of social, gendered, and cultural repercussions for those who are affected, including individuals, families, intimate partners, and society. Taboos surrounding SA/CSB frequently cast the topic in an ignorant and shameful light.
Aims/Methods
Although SA/CSB in men is gaining scholarly attention, very few studies have examined the complex relational effects on intimate female partners (FPs). This study closes this knowledge gap through a descriptive phenomenological research design. Using in-depth semi-structured interviews, FPs (n = 12) and professional therapists (n = 15) articulated relational impacts and experiences.
Results/Discussion
The results reveal intra- and inter-relational fractures, often contributing to detective work, self-harm, and suicidal ideation in SA/CSB-affected women.
Conclusion
For a variety of stakeholder groups, this study is important because it highlights methods by which academics, therapists, and religious organisations might provide more specialised support during the healing and recovery process.
Implications for Practice and Policy
- For a variety of stakeholder groups, this study is important because it highlights methods by which academics, therapists, and religious organisations might provide more specialised support during the healing and recovery process.
- Based on the results, there are indications with implications for policy that female partners benefit from multifaceted support systems suited to transcend the challenging, complex and stressful processes of discovery/disclosure. Meeting expressed felt needs in these areas will also augment associated recovery prospects.