Exploring the etiological pathways of Problematic Pornography Use in NoFap/PornFree rebooting communities: A critical narrative analysis of Internet forum data

Journal article


Chasioti, D. and Binnie, J. (2021). Exploring the etiological pathways of Problematic Pornography Use in NoFap/PornFree rebooting communities: A critical narrative analysis of Internet forum data. Archives of Sexual Behavior. 50, pp. 2227-2243. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-021-01930-z
AuthorsChasioti, D. and Binnie, J.
Abstract

Objective: Problematic pornography use (PPU) has been extensively studied in terms of its negative implications for various life domains. The empirical literature reveals measured outcomes of interpersonal and intrapersonal dysfunction in participants’ everyday living, supporting its classification as a disorder. The increasing number of complaints around PPU opens the door to the creation of online self-help rebooting communities.

Method: This qualitative study aims to provide a better understanding of this behavior by investigating potential etiological pathways contributing to the onset of PPU, as they were expressed by members of the online NoFap/PornFree self-help communities with self-perceived PPU.
Results: The critical narrative analysis reveals a complex web of mutually informing causal connections. The dialectical relationship between situational resources, material conditions and an embodied spectator gives rise to an online persona with motivations of self-exploration, experimentation and socializing. A sense of vulnerability, also, renders the use of pornography as a means of escape and validation. Furthermore, commitment to abstinence, framed by the notions of recovery and relapse, is found to be a major factor for maintaining distress.

Conclusions: The study highlighted the need for a thorough understanding of the etiological pathways of PPU for a more effective and targeted intervention. Moving beyond biomedical conceptualizations suggests an intervention whereby PPU is placed in a context of a crisis of meaning.

KeywordsProblematic pornography use; Etiology; Critical narrative analysis; Online self-help communities
Year2021
JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior
Journal citation50, pp. 2227-2243
PublisherSpringer
International Academy of Sex Research
ISSN0004-0002
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-021-01930-z
Publication dates
Print20 Jan 2021
Publication process dates
Accepted19 Jan 2021
Deposited01 Feb 2021
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Open
Accepted author manuscript
License
File Access Level
Controlled
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