Leading Saints Podcast

The Science of Pornography Use | An Interview with Brian Willoughby

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Apr 19, 2025

Dr. Brian Willoughby

In this conversation, Brian Willoughby, a professor at Brigham Young University and an expert on relationships, delves into the complexities of pornography use, especially among young adults in religious settings. He highlights the emotional struggles tied to shame and guilt, urging leaders to create safe spaces for discussion. Brian clarifies misconceptions about addiction, noting that only a small percentage of users experience compulsive behaviors. He emphasizes the importance of understanding motivations behind use and fostering open dialogues about sexuality and personal experiences.

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INSIGHT

Negative Relationship Effects of Pornography

Pornography use links to lower relationship and sexual satisfaction and increased aggression toward women.
It universally presents negative relationship outcomes across adult users.

INSIGHT

Addiction Vs Problematic Use

Only about 10% of porn users show addictive compulsive behaviors affecting brain chemistry.
A larger group struggles with problematic use causing distress but without full addiction.

INSIGHT

Pornography Scripts Unrealistic Intimacy

Pornography scripts unhealthy, non-normative expectations about intimacy.
These scripts cause frustration in real relationships and reinforce problematic pornography use as an emotional coping tool.

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Brian J. Willoughby, Ph.D. is a professor in the School of Family Life at Brigham Young University and a research fellow at The Wheatley Institute. He received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from BYU and masters and doctoral degrees in Family Social Science from the University of Minnesota. Brian’s research generally focuses on how adolescents, young adults, and adults move toward and form long-term committed relationships, and has been widely cited in the media. He is also the author of The Millennial Marriage and The Marriage Paradox: Why Emerging Adults Love Marriage Yet Push it Aside. Brian and his wife Cassi have been married for 23 years and they have four children.

Links

Wheatley Institute research reports
Addressing Pornography
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Highlights

Kurt and Brian discuss the complexities of pornography use within religious contexts. Brian emphasizes that young adults will encounter pornography, often leading to shame and guilt. He highlights the importance of understanding the motivations behind pornography use, which can range from curiosity to emotional coping mechanisms.

Brian also addresses the stigma surrounding addiction labels. He explains that only about 10% of users experience compulsive behavior, while many others face problematic use. Church leaders should focus on creating a safe environment for youth to discuss these issues. By asking questions about triggers and providing coping strategies, leaders can help youth navigate their experiences. Brian encourages a balanced approach to discussing pornography, emphasizing hope, understanding, and the potential for growth through repentance.

03:35 – Brian Willoughby’s Expertise in Pornography Research
04:26 – Overview of BYU and the Wheatley Institute
05:57 – Research Impact on Policy and Society
06:57 – Teaching Future Therapists and Family Studies
07:37 – The Stigma of Pornography in Religious Contexts
08:50 – Understanding the Broader Impact of Pornography
09:51 – Meta-Analyses and Key Findings on Pornography
11:38 – The Concept of Addiction and Compulsive Behavior
12:58 – Potential for DSM Inclusion of Hypersexual Disorder
13:47 – Brain Chemistry and Pornography Use
15:29 – Distinction Between Addictive and Problematic Use
17:34 – Scripting Expectations from Pornography
19:24 – Social Media and Its Impact on Mental Health
20:34 – The Need for Open Conversations About Pornography
21:09 – The Role of Church Leaders in Addressing Pornography
22:13 – The Importance of Avoiding Labels of Addiction
23:47 – Understanding Youth Experiences with Pornography
25:56 – The Normative Context of Pornography Use
27:06 – Creating Positive Conversations Around Pornography
28:51 – The Role of Fear and Anxiety in Youth Discussions
30:05 – Normalizing Sin and Repentance
31:04 – Distinction Between Guilt and Shame
34:02 – Motivating Youth Through Guilt vs. Shame
36:57 – The Importance of Understanding Triggers
39:11 – Building Coping Skills for Youth
41:27 – Final Thoughts on Support and Guidance

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