Running head: WOMEN ADDICTED TO PORNOGRAPHY

Women Addicted to Pornography

Ivy Rice
Brigham Young University-Idaho

WOMEN ADDICTED TO PORNOGRAPHY

Abstract
The research presented is a realistic concern affecting the world today: Women addicted to
pornography. The rapid growth of women addicted to pornography is alarming. In this discourse
the author will present reasons why and how women can be addicted to pornography,
specifically addicted to romantic literature; in addition, fair argument of opposing views will be
summarized and answered. The author calls for women and men to awake to the dangers and
follies and recommit to vigilance. The keywords are pornography, sex addiction, hypersexual
behavior, and hypofrontal syndromes.

WOMEN ADDICTED TO PORNOGRAPHY

The story of David and Goliath is famous. David, the young shepherd, and Goliath, the fierce
Philistine giant, face off against each other. And David, in the name of the Lord, he kills Goliath.
Nevertheless, the story of that same David years later is another matter. It is the infamous story
of King David and the beautiful Bath-sheba. One evening King David left his bed and went onto
the roof of the kings house (2 Sam. 11:2) where he saw a woman bathing. She was very
beautiful to look upon (2 Sam. 11:2). Once King David learned who she was, and that she was
married, he still sent for her and lay with her (2 Sam. 11:4). It was not long before Bath-sheba
learned that she was with child (2 Sam. 11:5). Bath-shebas husband, Uriah, was sent to his
death by King David, and the child conceived (2 Sam. 11:5) in adultery died.
Like Goliath, David had fallen. He had gazed upon a womans form and, thus, he took
her (2 Sam. 22:4) and great was his fall. That is still the problem today: Pornography.
In the late 1960s and 1970s, with the rise of womens liberation there was also a rise in
pornography (Bronstein, 2011, p.2). Feminist liberals and conservatives created Feminist Media
Reform Groups such as the Women Against Violence Against Women (WAVAW), and
Women Against Violence in Pornography and Media (WAVPM), Women Against Pornography
(WAP), and more, yet these were the most prominent during that era (p.2). These organizations
would protest, seeking equality and an awareness of stereotypical and heterosexual thinking
which led to the feminine liberation (p.2).
WAVAW was an anti-media and violence group, and they did not focus on pornography.
WAVAW was founded in Los Angeles in 1976 by Marcia Womongold, an anti-pornography
activist (WAVAW). WAVAW feared the myth that women were sexually aroused by brutal
treatment (Bronstein, Wikipedia).

WOMEN ADDICTED TO PORNOGRAPHY

The WAVPM was an anti-pornography group founded in San Francisco and was active
from 1976-1983, this group was responsible for being the founder of WAP (Wikipedia).
WAP was an anti-pornography group based in New York. WAP was crucial to the battle
considered the sex wars in which, pro-sex feminism, or sex-positive feminists and WAP
debated fiercely against one another (Bronstein, Wikipedia). Unfortunately, in the mid-90s WAP
was disbanded. Yet the beauty of the technological age is that anyone can start a group and
inform, inspire, and persuade a change.
The problem today is still pornography. The victims are not only men, but women and
children. The focus of this discussion will be on women addicted to pornography, specifically
romantic literature. I will discuss how women can be addicted to pornography, the effects of
pornography, the multimodal pornographic industry, and the programs that are available to
combat this addiction.
How Women Can Be Addicted To Pornography
Pornography is sexually explicit material (Bronstein, 2011, p. 2). Hypersexual behavior
is also known as sexual addiction and sexual compulsivity (Giordano, et al., 2014, p. 225). The
terms porn addiction and sex addiction [are] interchangeably in reference to disinhibited or
exaggerated or compulsive and intrusive expressions of sexual arousal and appetites
(Montgomery-Graham, et al., 2015, p. 247). Thus, a woman, like a man, can become addicted to
pornography if they continue to be exposed to it.
One example is found in the scriptures. In the Old Testament is the story of Joseph who
was sold into Egypt. Potiphar was Josephs master. It was Potiphars wife who looked upon
Joseph. She had cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me (Genesis 39:7). Joseph
did not succumb to temptation. Yet day by day (Genesis 39: 10) she looked at him, and desired

WOMEN ADDICTED TO PORNOGRAPHY

him to lie by her (Genesis 39:10), and like a porn addict whos addiction grows, she went too
far and caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me (Genesis 39:12), but Joseph had fled
(Genesis 39: 12). Women can look at men and objectify them as men, who view pornography,
do to women. Thus, women can become addicted to pornography; however they access it, and as
often as they succumb to it, it only gets worse the more they are exposed to it.
Another example of how women can be addicted to pornography is due to early sexual
exposure. (Understanding first that pornography can lead to sexual behaviors such as
masturbation, premarital or extrarelational sex) a study on the etiological factors (McKeague,
2014, p. 204) to sex addiction there were alarmingly high rates of childhood traumas in the
backgrounds of those with sex addiction, but for women the rates and severity of traumas are
much higher ( p. 204) . Further, McKeague (2014) acknowledges the inference of another
researcher, stating that women are less likely than men to experience sexual addiction but that
when they do childhood sexual abuse may be highly correlated (p.205). Additionally, Opitz et
al. (2009) studied a sample of 99 sexually addicted women and found significant positive
correlations for female sex addiction and childhood sexual, emotional, and physical abuse,
emotional neglect, and physical neglect (McKeague, 2014, p. 205). Therefore, women can
become addicted to pornography. Like men, women can view pornographic mediums and
become sexually aroused, and eventually addicted the more they are exposed to it. Similarly,
women who are porn or sex addicts are most likely victims of early sexual exposure (pp.204205).
The Effects of Pornography
The effects of pornography are not just chemical (Hilton, Jr., et al., 2011, para. 1). All
addictions create, in addition . . . anatomical and pathological changes which result in cerebral

WOMEN ADDICTED TO PORNOGRAPHY

dysfunction collectively labeled hypofrontal syndromes (para.1). Hypofrontal syndrome is

damage to the braking system of the brain (para.1). Neurologists are aware of the term and
have seen [similar damage] with tumors, strokes, and trauma (Hilton Jr., et al., 2011, para.1).
The key of hypofrontal syndromesimpulsivity, compulsivity, emotional liability, [and]
impaired judgment (para. 1) is found in addiction.
Another study in Germany found that a sexual compulsion can cause physical, anatomic
change in the brain, the hallmark of brain addiction (Hilton Jr., et al., 2011, para.5). Thus, our
brains can be rewired the more we watch, listen, or touch, any drug including pornography.
I have often heard the saying that knowledge is power. It is true that the more educated
a woman is the more she can change her circumstances. Pornography addiction innocently can
start out because of curiosity. However, I doubt the porn addict thinks about trying to understand
how they are addicted to porn than just trying to recover from the addiction. If more people
understood the chemical changes that can occur, women (and men) might be less inclined to start
consuming pornography (Hilton Jr., et al., 2011, para. 1).
Struthers (2009) describes how the body digests food and then gets rid of the waste (p.
20), then he contrast that with pornography consumption that is taken via our senses, primarily
through sight and touch (p.20) with no place to eradicate the waste (p. 20). Struthers (2009)
says that porn can alter our brain in a way that is difficult to undo (p. 20). Thus, porn is the
consumption of sexual poison that becomes part of the fabric of the mind (p. 20).
Furthermore, addiction occurs when pleasure/reward pathways are hijacked by
exogenous drugs such as cocaine . . . or by natural processes essential and inherent to survival
such as food and sex (Hilton Jr., et al., 2011, para. 7).

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Montgomery-Graham, et al., (2015) quoted the Washington Post stating that

pornography desensitizes men to their wives, increases depression and increases the likelihood
of infidelity, all of which ultimately leads to divorce (p. 244). Therefore, the effects of
pornography are extensive. It affects our brains, bodies, and relationships. Therefore, how is a
woman to know she is consuming pornography, if it is so subtle and in disguise as it is inflicting
pleasure?(Postman, 2012, p. 449). And two, how is a woman to stay vigilant and/or stop and get
help when she acknowledges her addiction to pornography?
Pornography Is Multimodal
Pornography is multimodal (McKeague, Montgomery-Graham, et al.) meaning it is found
in books, the internet, movies, magazines, et cetera. It is through books that women are
susceptible to pornography, specifically romantic books. Due to the boom in technology in the
1990s and the current Age of Information, pornography is easily accessible and mostly free.
Women, who read more than men (Zickuhr, 2014) can physically check out a book or download
e-books on e-readers, cell phones, or tablets. It is through romantic books the sex industry
reaches the women demographics. The romance genre is a successful industry. For instance, the
self-published author, E.L. James wrote Fifty Shades of Grey, an erotica trilogy, and in just six
weeks . . . sold more than 10 million copies in the U.S. alone (Berube, 2012). Romantic fiction
is the most popular and profitable genre in twenty-first century fiction publishing (Tapper,
2014, p. 249). Moreover, Romance Writers of America (RWA) shows that romance revenues
actually increased from $1.368 billion in 2011 to $1,438 billion in 2012 (p. 250).
I have heard it said that sex sales. The consumption of pornography by women alone
has increased over time. In the 1970s, 14% of women consumed pornography, in the 1980s

WOMEN ADDICTED TO PORNOGRAPHY

18%, the 1990s 17%, and the 2000s 16% (Wright, et al., 2013, p.1135). And from 1996 to
2010 . . . 33% of women consumed pornography between the ages 18-30 (p. 1136).
Struthers (2009) calls it the law of supply and demand [that] ensures . . . there will always be
another video, magazine or website (p. 20). And it is through the books that women are being
tricked under the false beliefprimarily fostered via literature and the media, which often
portrays love as sex (McKeague, 2014, p. 208). Thus, women need to become more vigilant
because pornography is multimodal; it is everywhere. Women need to acknowledge that the
romantic books they are reading may be sexually explicit material (Bronstein, 2011, p.2). If
what they watch, read, or listen to isnt considered pornographic, then they should go a step
further and see if they are in denial, minimizing the addiction, or accepting that it is part of
cultural conformity and it is normal (Struthers, 2009, pp.50-52).
The Treatments
A man is on his way to recovery when he can finally look a woman in the eyes and not
objectify her by focusing on her hips, legs, or breasts (Struthers, 2009). However, how does a
woman know she is on her way to complete recovery from her addiction to pornography,
particularly romantic books?
If a mans sign is that he is on the road to recovery when he can look a woman in the eye,
a womans is to not have cravings to read those romance books (Montgomery-Graham et al.,
2015, p.247). Thus, the addict withdrawal (Montgomery-Graham, et al., 2015, p. 247) is
normal. Furthermore, studies have shown higher levels of religion/spirituality are linked with
lower levels of substance use among students (Giordano, 2014, p. 227). And compulsive
sexual behavior has been linked to a lack of meaning/purpose . . . a reason for existing (pp. 228,

WOMEN ADDICTED TO PORNOGRAPHY

230). Thus, young women and less religious women . . . [are] . . . more likely to consume
pornography (Wright, et al., 2013, p. 1141).
Additionally, group and individual psychotherapy and 12-step programs akin to
Alcoholics Anonymous (Montgomery-Graham, et al., 2015, p. 247) are also good. McKeague
(2014) suggests psycho-dynamic and cognitive-behavioral components . . . and techniques like
cognitive restructuring (p. 212). Moreover, an all-Female 12-Step group and to participate in
a 30-to 90-day period of abstinence from all sexual behaviors . . . to reduce shame (p. 214).
Examples of 12-Step programs by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are a Mens
Pornography Addiction Recovery Meeting, and Addiction Recovery Program. Thus, women
addicted to pornography may consider the positive outlook on gaining religion/spirituality or at
least making prayer essential (McKeague, 2014, p. 220), and joining a 12-step program, or
other anti-pornography groups in the community.
Opposing Views
There is a reason why some people are not ashamed to watch, for example, pornography.
Some people might think it is normal to watch pornography (Struthers, 2009). And that is
because pornography is good for relationships. Popular American sex therapists . . .
recommended pornography use by couples to help them explore fantasies, reduce inhibitions,
and avoid boredom with their sexual routines (Montgomery-Graham, et al., 2015, p. 248). Also,
a therapy blog stated: Porn can be an igniter, a sexual interest peaker, initiator, instigator,
something to shake things up, or make things more exciting (p. 248).
But some women will always consider pornography to be a form of adultery. Women are
shocked and traumatized to learn of their [male partners] porn use (Montgomery-Graham, et

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10
al., 2015, p. 249). Women equate [it to] men . . . bringing another woman into the
relationship (p. 249).
Another reason pornography is good is because it is normally rejected because of
religious/moral perspective (Hilton Jr., et al., 2011, para. 14). If not it is dismiss[ed] . . . as
First Amendment infringements (para. 14).
It is true that people of religious and/or moral perspectives are anti-pornography, and the
sex industry may win because of First Amendment rights. Nevertheless, the science does not lie:
Pornography is harmful to men and women including chemically, anatomically, socially, and
psychologically (Hilton Jr., et al., 2011, para. 1).
Lastly, not all romantic literature is pornographic. For example, works by William
Shakespeare, Jane Austen, The Bronte sisters, Suzanne Collins, Janette Rallison, Debbie
Macomber, and more.
Yet, if not based in the nineteenth or twentieth century most clean romance books are
geared to teenagers. Nevertheless, there are clean adult romance books that are popular which are
Christian and/or LDS.
Conclusion
In conclusion men are not the only ones addicted to pornography. Women can be
addicted to pornography too via romantic literature. There are many ways women can become
addicted such as through early sexual exposure. The effects of pornography are biological and
extensive. Pornography is multimodal, but there is help. There are group meetings and 12-Step
programs that women can join. Although something is not shown on the news does not mean it is
not newsworthy or in danger of becoming an epidemic. Women (and men) need to be educated
of the dangers of pornography, and be like Joseph of Egypt and flee, not like King David and

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continue to look (Genesis 39, 2 Samuel) at what sexually stimulates them. What is considered
pornography? Anything that is sexually explicit and even implicitly suggested is
pornographic. If you think something is normal when it is not, then you might be a porn addict.

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