The Feasibility and Impact of a Brief Internet Intervention for Pornography Reduction

Abstract

Abstract The internet can deliver scalable and accessible treatments for addiction and sexual health. This study investigated reasons for changing pornography use and the feasibility and impact of a brief internet-delivered intervention. The intervention delivered goal setting and goal review, action and coping planning, self-monitoring, social support and shaping knowledge through the provision of information on how others have reduced their pornography use. Participants (n = 84) were predominantly from Australia or New Zealand and spent an average of 6.9 (SD = 6.6) hours per week viewing pornography. Reasons to reduce were addiction related (i.e., tolerance, repeated attempts to change, mood modification and negative affect such as guilt, shame, hiding) and decrements to mental health, relationships, achievement, and sexual satisfaction. Participants who enrolled in the intervention (n = 25) selected an abstinence goal (76%) and developed plans associated with avoidance of sites, people or devices and urge management. Barriers to action plans were related to temptation, triggers, and sub-optimal plan implementation. Post-treatment evaluation (n = 14) indicated reduced frequency (d = 1.04) and days spent viewing pornography (d = 0.83) as well as improved self-efficacy, mental well-being, and psychological distress. The study indicates that a brief intervention may be feasible for addressing problematic pornography use.