Understanding the Processes and Outcomes of the LDS Addiction Recovery Program's Pornography Addiction Support Groups

• Main Author: Scalese, Adam Michael
• Format: Others
• Published: BYU ScholarsArchive 2019
• Subjects: addiction recovery program; pornography addiction; perceived pornography addiction; hypersexual disorder; 12-step; collaborative hermeneutics
• Online Access: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/8593; https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=9593&context=etd

This study qualitatively investigated the processes and outcomes associated with the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ (LDS) Addiction Recovery Program (ARP), with a specific focus on their Pornography Addiction Support Group (PASG) meetings. Researchers interviewed 24 (21 males, 3 females) individuals with varying experiences in PASG meetings. Their interview content was broken down into themes. Primary findings suggest that PASG participants experience a significant amount of shame due to their pornography use behaviors. Member-to-member sharing in meetings facilitates self-compassion and lessens shame. Participants reported strong spiritual process in PASG meetings and some spiritual outcomes. Attendance in PASG meetings impacts the way participants viewed their treatment conceptualization, problematic pornography use (PPU) behaviors, self, and God. Further, negative aspects of PASG meetings include the use of an addiction model, a focus on PPU behaviors, and some shaming experiences.