The Emperor Has No Clothes: A Review of the ‘Pornography Addiction’ Model

Abstract

The addictionmodel is rarely used to describe high- frequency use of visual sexual stimuli (VSS) in research, yet common in media and clinical practice. The theory and re- search behind ‘pornography addiction’ is hindered by poor experimental designs, limited methodological rigor, and lack of model specification. The history and limitations of addic- tion models are reviewed, including how VSS fails to meet standards of addiction.These include howVSS use can reduce health-risk behaviors. Proposed negative effects, including erectile problems, difficulty regulating sexual feelings, and neuroadaptations are discussed as non-pathological evidence of learning. Individuals reporting ‘addictive’ use ofVSS could be better conceptualized by considering issues such as gender, sexual orientation, libido, desire for sensation, with internal and external conflicts influenced by religiosity and desire discrepancy. Since a large, lucrative industry has promised treatments for pornography addiction despite this poor evi- dence, scientific psychologists are called to declare the emper- or (treatment industry) has no clothes (supporting evidence). When faced with such complaints, clinicians are encouraged to address behaviors without conjuring addiction labels. Keywords