Abstract

This study evaluated the therapy process for married couples recovering from addictive use of pornography. The author's proposal was that in conjoint couple therapy, clinicians are able to help organize the relationship to sponsor recovery while helping both members of the relationship heal individually. The prevalence and effects of pornography are discussed through a review of the current literature. Six couples were interviewed following the termination of their treatment in marital therapy to gain a holistic view of the process of recovery and gain groundwork for future development of a concise model of treatment. Results demonstrated that an increase in understanding of each other's position in the sexual addiction and recovery process (i.e., emotional, cognitive and behavioral) increases a) marital trust and faith in the future, b) softening towards each other, c) the ability to discern key points of intervention in helping the other spouse during recovery, and d) client-perceived marital enhancement. These preliminary findings suggest that couples perceive that conjoint marital therapy is a useful component in treating addiction to pornography.

Degree

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Family Life; Marriage and Family Therapy

Rights

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