What are the signs and clinical presentations?

Problematic porn usage presentations vary amongst young people, but generally include personal distress or despair, numerous unsuccessful efforts to control or reduce use, impacts on real-world functioning, the behaviour becoming a central focus of the individual’s life, and persistent use despite adverse effects, manifesting over a period of six months or more (65).

In a workplace setting, a young person feeling behaviourally addicted may describe:

feeling their porn use is ‘out of control’
watching porn with increasing frequency and duration
being unable to cut down despite attempts
feeling that porn is impacting core aspects of their life, such as sleep, work or school life
withdrawing from social activities and relationships to watch porn.

They may also raise concerns more subtly in conversation. For example: “My partner says I am addicted to porn, but I don’t think I am.”

Of note, some young people have porn-related distress compounded

by factors such as a moral position on porn use, disapproval from others, preoccupation with porn, peer pressure to watch porn, or shame over sexual fantasies or impulses.

Others may have high levels of sexual interest and behaviour (e.g. masturbation) and associated distress, and they may self-identify as feeling ‘addicted to porn’ but not exhibit the specific signs associated with problematic porn usage. In these cases, it’s always important to validate concerns, affirm help-seeking behaviour, and offer further assessment and support as required.

“I 100% tautoko this kaupapa, there’s so many rangatahi that struggle with this kind of stuff and it’s okay to talk about these things if that means you’re finding the help you need!”

Male, 18 years

Of note, some young people have porn-related distress compounded

Previous