Abstract

Empirical research suggests that married women may more commonly experience spousal pornography use as a relational attachment threat and are more likely to experience negatively associated relational outcomes such as distress and loss of trust. The purpose of this study was to develop a grounded theory of women’s response to concealed spousal pornography use. This study included the experiences of 30 women who reported spousal pornography use as a threat to relational attachment and demonstrated evidence of individual and relational healing thereafter. The research question, “How do women describe the experience of learning of their spouse’s pornography use and the individual and relationship sequelae that follow?” was explored using grounded theory methods to analyze de-identified blog accounts emphasizing response to a spouse viewing pornography in marital relationships. The results describe a process model highlighting three interrelated informant categories— emotional response, mental response, and physical response—and one resultant category—behavioral response. Implications include the importance of open communication regarding pornography use within relationships, the necessity for individual and relational healing following betrayal trauma, and the role of therapeutic intervention in shaping adaptive healing processes.

Degree

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Family Life

Rights

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