Abstract

The concept of pornography addiction remains controversial and as such there are no diagnostic criteria. Despite this, individuals present to services with self-perceived problematic pornography use. Current treatment generally focuses on the pornography use, yet people's relationship with pornography is complex, and other factors may be relevant for therapy. Drawing on cognitive theory literature, this study explored whether thinking styles, influenced how people evaluate their pornography use. Self-reported (n = 265) “pornography addicts”, “somewhat pornography addicts”, and “non-addicts” were compared on their perceived effects of their pornography use, cognitive distortions, impact of religious beliefs, social desirability, and shame, within the values theory framework. Findings showed that groups differed significantly in their propensity for cognitive distortions, reported effects of their pornography use, the impact of their religious beliefs, and time spent viewing pornography. Significant differences were not found for the shame scales or social desirability. Regression analysis demonstrated that thinking styles mediated the relationship between time spent viewing pornography and the overall perceived negative impact of pornography. In light of this study's findings, thinking styles should be a focus in future research and treatment as it may help to reduce cognitive dissonance and engender agency.