Willingness and Challenges to Change among Female Emerging Adults Compulsively Viewing Pornography: Impact for the Motivational Interviewing (MI) Approach

Norulhuda Binti Sarnon, Nor Hamizah Binti Mohd Sharif

Abstract


Engaging in compulsive pornography viewing during adolescence poses significant risks to self-esteem, mental health, and sexual development, with potentially lasting consequences into adulthood. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is recognised as a useful approach in addressing behavioural addictions, including pornography use. This study aims to identify suitable keywords and themes for use in MI, based on findings from a preliminary qualitative study exploring female adolescents’ readiness to stop watching pornography and the challenges they face. Using a phenomenological approach, the study involved five emerging adult females who voluntarily participated in a pornography prevention program and met the criteria for purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews grounded in the Transtheoretical Model, focusing on participants' readiness and barriers to behavioural change. Findings revealed that all participants expressed a desire to change and acknowledged the negative impact of pornography. Five key challenges to cessation were identified, (i)inability to control desire, (ii) the allure of internet content, (iii) coping with loneliness, (iv) habitual behavior, (v)perceived lack of harm to others. The study provides meaningful guidance on how to effectively apply MI by highlighting themes that reflect the lived experiences and psychological readiness of adolescent females. These themes are mapped to suggest suitable components for MI, including empathetic dialogue, affirmations, and targeted reflections that address both emotional and cognitive dimensions. Overall, this study offers insights into tailoring motivational strategies that support adolescent girls in overcoming pornography use, enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of MI in therapeutic settings.


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