Examining the Feasibility of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Self-Help for Problematic Pornography Viewing: Results From a Pilot Open Trial. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Levin, Michael E.; Heninger, Scott T.; Pierce, Benjamin G.; Twohig, Michael P.
• Is Part Of: Family journal. Volume 25:Number 4(2017:Oct.)
• Page Start: 306
• Page End: 312
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: acceptance and commitment therapy -- self-help -- bibliotherapy -- pornography; Family psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Marital psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Family counseling -- Periodicals; Marriage counseling -- Periodicals; 616.8915605
• DOI: 10.1177/1066480717731242
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1066-4807

Abstract

This pilot study evaluated the feasibility of an acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) self-help program for problematic pornography viewing (PV). A sample of 19 adults seeking help for problematic PV was recruited in an open trial. Participants reported adequate program acceptability, although only 45% of those completing postassessment read at least half of the self-help book. Significant improvements on problematic PV and cognitive fusion were found over the 8-week intervention period, with effects sustaining at 8-week follow-up. Participants who read more improved more on PV problems and psychological inflexibility. Overall, an ACT self-help approach appears feasible and potentially efficacious for PV.