Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Problematic Internet Pornography Use: A Randomized Trial

A Randomized Controlled Study of Group-Administered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Hypersexual Disorder in Men

“…The studies have supplied interesting results and vary in their conceptualization of hypersexuality, but basically address complexes of symptoms in accordance with HD. Crosby and Twohig (2016) examined the efficacy of a treatment protocol based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for problematic use of online pornography using a randomized trial design (n = 26). The treatment group reported a 93% decrease in pornography use, in comparison to a reported 21% decrease in the control condition.…”

Perceived Addiction to Pornography, Level of Distress and Their Correlates

“…One possibility might be that the people are experiencing low self-control and that this is causing them to fall into an addiction cycle. Finding the correct treatment for this addiction is vital for the well-being of these individuals who have become extremely distressed (Crosby, 2012;M. Adams, 2001).…”

“…It seems that there is a bit of a weird cultural stigma against people openly talking about sex, which can put limits on what sex addicts will share with those close to them and to professionals. People may become extremely shameful and embarrassed due to their addiction, but open communication is what is needed most in their situations (Crosby, 2012). There is a low amount of research done on the treatment, as sex addiction isn't a diagnosable disorder as of yet, which makes it rather hard to research (Weinstein, 2014).…”

“…This study resulted in high drops in sexual behavior for people outside the control group. This form of therapy helps a person become aware of their maladaptive emotions/distress (Crosby, 2012).…”

“…Behavioral addiction is different than typical drug addictions. It is more comparable to gambling addiction, which is recognized as a real disorder (Crosby, 2012). These behavioral addictions are tied to the reward pathway of the brain and can become attached to stress reduction mechanisms in a person… this potential for addictive behaviors along with associations to negative psychological states makes the case for sex addiction being a very real disorder (Crosby, 2012).…”