Baring it all : effects of pornography addiction on young people’s wellbeing

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to look into the effects of pornography addiction on young people’s wellbeing from the perspective of counsellors, psychologists and psychotherapists. Several studies have illustrated a number of extremely harmful effects of pornography addiction on young individuals’ quality of life. The dissertation aimed at finding out the effects of pornography addiction on young people's daily functioning, including the dynamics of their intimate relationships. Data was collected from six informants by means of qualitative interviewing. Findings were analysed through Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis method. The results highlighted numerous difficulties in daily functioning such as lack of sleep and distancing from oneself and others. Informants also reported on the important role sex education holds in helping young people avoid addiction to pornography. The study puts forward a number of recommendations intended for the field of youth work practice. In light of the findings, this study recommends that youth work practitioners in Malta should be able to safely explore young peoples’ queries about issues concerning sexuality and pornography, empathise with young individuals’ curiosities instead of pathologising their vulnerabilities, and provide peer-led sex education regarding multiple issues related to pornography. Moreover, youth workers who do not feel confident in discussing issues related to pornography and sexuality should be provided with specific training in order to support young people and their wellbeing.