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Understanding How Religiousness Shapes Perceptions of Compulsive Sexual Behavior
Sydney A Sorrell1, G Tyler Lefevor1, Samuel J Skidmore1
1Department of Psychology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA.
Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy
|May 14, 2024
Summary
Religious activity increases compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) perception through moral disapproval of pornography, especially with frequent viewing. This highlights moral incongruence in understanding distress related to pornography use.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Religious Studies
Background:
- Moral incongruence theory suggests psychological distress arises from conflicts between personal values and behaviors.
- Organizational religious activity can influence individual moral frameworks and behavioral norms.
- Pornography consumption is a prevalent behavior with potential links to psychological distress and moral conflict.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the moral incongruence model in the context of pornography use and religious activity.
- To examine if moral disapproval of pornography mediates the link between religious activity and compulsive sexual behavior (CSB).
- To investigate if pornography viewing frequency moderates the relationship between moral disapproval and CSB.
Main Methods:
- The study analyzed two samples: a general population and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Statistical analyses explored mediation by moral disapproval and moderation by pornography viewing frequency.
- Self-report measures assessed organizational religious activity, moral disapproval of pornography, pornography viewing frequency, and perceived CSB.
Main Results:
- Pornography viewing frequency moderated the indirect effect of religious activity on perceived CSB via moral disapproval in both samples.
- Moral disapproval mediated the relationship between religious activity and CSB when pornography was viewed monthly or more.
- Individuals with higher religious activity perceived their pornography use as more compulsive at higher frequencies, linked to moral incongruence.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the moral incongruence model, suggesting that distress from pornography use is amplified by moral conflict, particularly for those with higher religious involvement.
- The study indicates that even infrequent pornography viewing can be perceived as compulsive when it conflicts with deeply held moral beliefs fostered by religious activity.
- Understanding the interplay of religious factors, moral disapproval, and pornography use is crucial for addressing related psychological distress.
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