Women’s Lived Experiences with Self-Identified Problematic Pornography Use: A Qualitative Study

Abstract The present study included seven U.S. women, each interviewed twice. Thematic analysis resulted in seven themes: (a) discovering sexuality, masturbation, and sexual orientation; (b) pornography usage; (c) pornography as a coping mechanism; (d) pornography preferences; (e) distress and stigma; (f) conflict with religious beliefs and values; and (g) normalization of pornography usage and sexuality. All women reported problematic pornography use; they wanted to stop using but could not stop despite repeated and consistent efforts. Recommendations include reducing female stigma surrounding pornography use, making acceptance and commitment therapies specifically targeted toward women more widely available, and improving sexuality education for women.