The Psychological Effects of Pornography
- Catholic Charities
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 15 minutes ago
By Mark R. Sanders, LPC, CAS
St. Raphael Counseling
Note: In this second part of a four-part mini-series, we delve into what psychology has to say about pornography. Mark Sanders, a counselor at St. Raphael's Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities, considers how pornography has become so ubiquitous, what effects it has on our psyches, behaviors and relationships, and how to move forward. Given recent survey data that show a worrisome and marked increase in societal acceptance of pornography in the United States, this series might be more timely than ever.
In our human weakness, we often take gifts that are meant for our good and distort them into something far less than what God intended. This is especially true of sex, which was created by God to be a beautiful, intimate expression of love within the sacred bond of marriage. Tragically, our culture has turned it into something transactional, impersonal and harmful — especially through the widespread consumption of pornography.
The Culture
Pornography has become one of the most pervasive spiritual and moral challenges of our time. Thanks to technology, it’s no longer hidden or difficult to access. Catholic apologist Matt Fradd puts it bluntly: “Today, it takes no small effort to avoid pornography. Thanks to the Internet, porn can be viewed wherever you are: on your office computer, streamed on your TV at home, even on your phone. Our culture not only makes it easier to access porn, it has casually admitted porn into everyday society. In every way, pornography has gone mainstream.”
The impact is vast. Parents, spouses, priests, theologians and mental health professionals are witnessing an explosion of pornography use in this century — and with it, the destruction it leaves in its wake. Denny Burk, professor at Boyce College, notes, “The Sexual Revolution promised us more sex and more pleasure. It has actually delivered to us a generation of men who think of women as objects to be used and abused for their sexual pleasure. It has not given us men who know what virtue and honor are. It doesn’t teach men to pursue their joy in self-sacrificially loving and being sexually faithful to one woman for life. It teaches young men to use women for sex and then discard them when they become unwilling or uninteresting.”
This is not just a men’s issue. More women than ever are now consuming pornography. Studies show a growing acceptance and use of porn by women, often fueled by social media, entertainment and shifting cultural norms. Regardless of gender, the consequences remain the same: broken intimacy, distorted expectations and deep spiritual and emotional wounds.
The Research
One common argument is that people should be allowed to do whatever they want, as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else. But does porn really not hurt others?
Extensive research suggests otherwise. Pornography use is consistently linked to lower marital satisfaction, a higher likelihood of infidelity and increased risk of divorce. One study found that porn use is a factor in 56% of divorce cases (Doran & Price, 2014). Beyond marital breakdown, porn can erode commitment and foster unrealistic expectations about sex and relationships — expectations that real-life spouses cannot fulfill.
On a societal level, pornography’s effects are even more alarming. It’s tied to sex trafficking, exploitation and increased sexual violence. While not every viewer becomes violent, porn normalizes behaviors and beliefs that can lead to harm. In a review of 304 popular pornographic scenes, 88% depicted physical violence, 49% included verbal aggression, and in 95% of cases, victims (94% of whom were women) responded with either neutrality or pleasure, sending dangerous messages about consent and abuse.
The Effects
Pornography also has significant personal consequences. Many individuals experience sexual dysfunction and dissatisfaction as a result of regular use. This often leads to a painful cycle of guilt, shame and continued consumption. As a therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how pornography can function like a behavioral addiction, similar to gambling or compulsive shopping. The user begins to build tolerance — needing more frequent exposure or more extreme material — and experiences withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit.
Among young people, the effects can be even more damaging. With the average age of first exposure now around 9 or 10 years old, many children encounter pornography before they even understand what they’re seeing. Early exposure can rewire neural pathways in the brain, altering how they process pleasure and relationships for years to come. It distorts the development of healthy sexuality before it even has a chance to begin.
The Way Forward
At St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities of Denver, I often work with individuals struggling under the weight of pornography addiction.
One of the key spiritual and emotional distinctions I help clients make is between guilt and shame. Guilt, when understood correctly, is a healthy signal that something is off — that we’ve made a wrong choice and need to seek healing. Shame, on the other hand, is far more damaging. It speaks to who we are, not what we’ve done. Shame says, “I am broken beyond repair,” while guilt says, “I did something wrong, and I can change.”
That distinction matters. Guilt can lead to repentance and transformation. Shame leads to despair.
Over time, I’ve seen that confronting shame and embracing hope is essential to recovery. Isaiah 43:19 says, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” God’s promise of renewal is real. He meets us in our brokenness, and through his grace, we can become whole again.
So what can we do — both as individuals and as the Body of Christ?
First, we must acknowledge the scope and power of pornography in our culture. It’s not enough to say “just stop.” We need to replace pornography with something better: a renewed vision of love, relationship and human dignity. As Catholics, we can offer this countercultural message. The Church’s teachings on sexuality are not simply a list of prohibitions — they are a beautiful, life-affirming vision of what it means to love and be loved.
We also need to encourage integration: prayer, community, spiritual direction and the theological virtues of faith, hope and love. These are not optional tools — they are lifelines. Healing from pornography addiction doesn’t happen overnight. It’s not a sprint; it’s a marathon. But it is possible. With support, grace and perseverance, individuals and families can find restoration.
There is hope. There is healing. There is a way forward.
