Problematic and Non-problematic Pornography Use and Compulsive Sexual Behaviors Among Understudied Populations: Children and Adolescents

Purpose of Review The aim of the current review is to define problematic and non-problematic pornography use, and to show that this definition is dependent on the perspective that one adopts—mental health, feminist, and/or religious.

Recent Findings The definition of problematic and non-problematic pornography use among adolescents is highly dependent on perspective. Pornography use is not reliably linked with mental health problems. However, pornography use is linked with objectification processes, sexual permissiveness, and risky sexual behavior. The current review suggests that to define pornography use as problematic, we need to assess whether or not it relates to compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) but when treating CSBD, we must consider the specific perspective that the patient holds (religious, feminine, and/or mental health).

Summary There is a need for an objective definition of problematic pornography use—one that could be found in the framework of CSBD. Recent studies indicate the potential of using CSBD as an indicator of problematic pornography use for both basic understanding and therapeutic approaches.