Introduction
In recent years, the predominance of pornography utilization, especially among youths and youthful grown-ups, has raised concerns about its potential impact on mental health and behaviour. The expansion of the Internet has made pornography more easily accessible and widely available (Owens et al. Reference Owens, Behun, Manning and Reid2012). There are many explanations behind consuming pornography, even though social change might raise its pinnacle and cause conduct disorder. Although the exact cause of the correlation is yet unknown, there appears to be a link between the usage of pornography and non-sexual violence (Mestre-Bach, Villena-Moya, and Chiclana-Actis Reference Mestre-Bach, Villena-Moya and Chiclana-Actis2023). Here, taking into account conduct disorder from the perspective of pornography, there is a paucity of studies that have been conducted in this area. The literature shows that conduct disorders have several symptoms, expanding up to animal cruelty. Sexual entertainment utilization is legitimate in our country (India), and the general public might deal with its driving issue, which is the reason it is muddled.
The issue of addiction to pornography is still not recognized as a disorder, but it can have severe social and epidemiological consequences (Privara and Bob Reference Privara and Bob2023). Pornography dehumanizes women, and when somebody is dehumanized, committing violence against them is simpler; besides, pornography is known for its high levels of verbal and physical aggression, which makes it more likely to occur in real-world settings (Fight The New Drug 2021, 2024), which makes it more likely to occur in real-world settings. Pornography seekers reported delinquent behaviour four times more frequently (Ybarra and Mitchell Reference Ybarra and Mitchell2005), and early usage can lead to high-risk delinquency, substance abuse and sexual behaviour (Adarsh and Sahoo Reference Adarsh and Sahoo2023). Similarly, pornography consumption is associated with general risky behaviours such as delinquency, substance use, and alcohol or cigarette consumption (Paulus et al. Reference Paulus, Nouri, Ohmann, Möhler and Popow2024).
Intentional use of pornography is estimated to occur in 7–59% of adolescents (Peter and Valkenburg Reference Peter and Valkenburg2016), 46% of men and 16% of women in an average week (Regnerus, Gordon, and Price Reference Regnerus, Gordon and Price2015). In line with these findings, a large percentage of adolescents (82.7%) reported engaging in cyber pornography consumption, with significant gender differences noted between male and female adolescents (Sandhu, Kaur, and Kaur Reference Sandhu, Kaur and Kaur2017). Adolescent pornography use may have negative effects on mental well-being (Kohut and Štulhofer Reference Kohut and Štulhofer2018). Disorders can be effectively overwhelmed with their potential treatment techniques, yet the problems because of pornography addiction might be relieved socially and need a reasonable psychological environment. Based on a conduct survey report, 21% of people have ever spent at least three minutes on a pornographic website (Stahl and Fritz Reference Stahl and Fritz2002), and it is undeniable that pornography has huge potential to be used as a tool for influencing deviant behaviour (Johnson Reference Johnson2014). The purpose of the present study is to provide the first investigation of the association between pornography and conduct disorder.
Conduct Shaped by Pornographic Content
A content analysis of the top-selling pornographic videos revealed that 88% of all the acts portrayed concern some form of violent action that includes hitting, gagging and slapping (Bridges et al. Reference Bridges, Wosnitzer, Scharrer, Sun and Liberman2010). When physical violence is portrayed in pornography, it may result in actual physical violence. In particular, the frequency with which males consume pornographic work may be the primary factor that has the potential to transform them into perpetrators of physical violence such as slapping, hitting and choking (Sun et al. Reference Sun, Bridges, Johnson and Ezzell2014). When one is dishonest and deceives their partner about pornography use, trust in the relationship plummets (Brower Reference Brower2023). There is no question that verbal aggression or cyberbullying is recognized as a symptom of conduct disorder, yet 48% of explicit content appears to show signs of coercive language, insulting, threatening, etc. (Bridges et al. Reference Bridges, Wosnitzer, Scharrer, Sun and Liberman2010). Problematic pornographic use has a direct connection with physical assault, alcohol use and substance abuse (Brem et al. Reference Brem, Garner, Grigorian, Florimbio, Wolford-Clevenger, Shorey and Stuart2018). Particularly, watching violent pornography will increase men’s later aggressive behaviour and motivation to consider it that a male should be rewarded for coercive aggression versus a female victim (Yang and Youn Reference Yang and Youn2012). Chowdhury et al. (Reference Chowdhury, Chowdhury, Kabir, Perera and Kader2018) reported that a significant amount of pornography is used by students who gather with their friends late at night.
Method
This study employed a qualitative research design to explore individuals’ lived experiences and perspectives regarding pornography consumption and its potential links to conduct-related behaviours. A case-study approach was adopted to gain in-depth insights into participants’ experiences, with data collected through in-depth interviews.
Participants and Procedure
Four participants were identified using a purposive sampling method with referrals from professionals in mental health and counselling who work with individuals experiencing pornography-related issues. Researchers used offline and online environments for the interviews, ranging from online applications such as Google Meet to parks and a textile shop parking area. Participants were allowed to choose a meeting location based on their comfort and convenience. Respondents felt online environments were much more comfortable when participating in the in-depth interview. Finally, case studies were recorded, transcribed verbatim and pseudonymized. All the interviews were held in Tamil and all translations are ours.
Qualitative Findings
Case 1: The Divorced Professional
Subject
A 30-year-old divorced female lawyer from an urban area in Tirunelveli.
Background
Anita (pseudonym) initially turned to pornography as a temporary distraction, finding it a convenient way to divert her mind from the distressing thoughts and feelings related to her divorce. Following her divorce, she found herself struggling to cope with the emotional turmoil and loneliness. However, the end of her marriage left her feeling isolated and seeking an escape from her harsh reality. What started as an occasional viewing soon escalated into a daily habit; the temporary relief and sense of relaxation she experienced from watching pornography quickly became an addiction. As months passed, Anita noticed that the usual pornography she consumed no longer provided the same level of satisfaction and distraction it once did. In an attempt to regain the initial effect, she began watching more extreme and hardcore genres, including spanking and BDSM (bondage and discipline/dominance and submission/sadism and masochism). This escalation in content marked a significant shift in her consumption patterns and had a pronounced impact on her behaviour and mental health.
Behavioural Impact
Anita’s addiction to pornography began to seep into various aspects of her life, most notably her work performance. Once known for her careful attention to detail and high productivity, Anita started missing time limits and showing up late to client meetings. Her colleagues and clients began noticing her declining performance, and her professional reputation suffered. The pressure from her worsening work life only fuelled her need to escape further into pornography. Her addiction also manifested in aggressive behaviours and destructive tendencies at home. During moments of frustration and withdrawal from not watching pornography, Anita’s temper would flare uncontrollably. In one particularly intense episode, she destroyed a smart television (TV) worth ₹45,000 and an air fryer costing ₹3,500. These acts of destruction were a physical manifestation of her inner chaos and the escalating nature of her addiction. Anita’s addiction also had a severe impact on her relationships. She became increasingly withdrawn and irritable, and her social isolation further deepened her dependency on pornography as a source of comfort.
Psychological and Social Ramifications
The constant need to consume more extreme content to achieve the same level of satisfaction is indicative of a deepening addiction akin to the tolerance seen in substance abuse disorders. Anita’s aggressive outbursts and destructive behaviour point to significant emotional dysregulation. The transition from using pornography as a simple distraction to a full-blown addiction demonstrates how coping mechanisms can evolve into detrimental habits when underlying emotional issues remain unaddressed.
Conclusion
This case illustrates the destructive potential of pornography addiction, especially when used as a coping mechanism for significant emotional distress. The progression from casual use to addiction, the escalation to hardcore content and the resulting behavioural changes highlight the need for comprehensive mental health support. Addressing the root causes of this addiction, such as unresolved emotional pain, is crucial for recovery.
Case 2: The Unemployed Youth
Subject
A 26-year-old unemployed male living in a semi-urban area.
Background
Rajesh (pseudonym) is a 26-year-old male residing in a semi-urban area. After completing his education, he struggled to secure stable employment, leading to prolonged unemployment. With sufficient free time and minimal supervision, Rajesh began consuming large amounts of pornography as a means to escape his frustrations and boredom. Initially, watching pornography was a way for Rajesh to pass the time and distract himself from the stress of job hunting. However, what began as a casual habit quickly spiralled into an addiction. He started spending several hours a day viewing various types of pornographic content, which soon dominated his daily routine. The need to satisfy his growing addiction led him to seek more intense and varied forms of sexual gratification.
Escalation and Criminal Behaviour
Addiction progressed to the point where traditional pornography no longer sufficed. Rajesh became fixated on the idea of using sex toys to enhance his experience. Despite having no income, he was determined to acquire these toys, particularly a discreet masturbator costing over ₹15,000 and other one-time usable self-pleasure toys. Lacking the financial means to support his habit, Rajesh resorted to criminal activity. He began stealing livestock, specifically goats, from distant villages. Over time, he stole more than three goats, intending to sell them to fund his purchases. However, the money he gained from these thefts was spent on other immediate needs, preventing him from achieving his original goal of buying sex toys. His criminal activities were driven by the addiction and the compulsion to satisfy his sexual urges. The constant cycle of stealing and spending led to increasing guilt and fear of getting caught, which only worsened his stress and reliance on pornography.
Psychological and Behavioural Impact
Rajesh’s addiction to pornography and his subsequent criminal behaviour had significant psychological and behavioural repercussions. The constant need to fulfil his sexual desires through increasingly extreme measures reflected a deepening addiction. His actions also highlighted a considerable lapse in moral judgment and an inability to control his impulses. The stress and anxiety from his criminal activities, combined with the shame of his addiction, led to a deteriorating mental state. He began to experience feelings of hopelessness and despair, recognizing that his actions were leading him down a destructive path. Despite his plans to continue purchasing sex toys, he confessed to having no money and lacked the courage to continue stealing.
Conclusion
This case illustrates the destructive potential of pornography addiction, especially when compounded by unemployment and lack of supervision. The link between pornography consumption and criminal activities aimed at sexual gratification highlights the severe consequences of untreated addiction. Addressing the root causes of this behaviour, such as providing employment opportunities and mental health support, is crucial for preventing further escalation.
Case 3: The Abusive Marriage
Subjects
A 28-year-old male (husband) and a 26-year-old female (wife).
Background
Raj and Anjali (pseudonyms) had been married for three years and were living in an urban apartment. Their marriage seemed happy and stable initially, but issues began to surface over time. Raj, who worked long hours at a corporate job, started using pornography as a means of relaxation and escape from his daily stresses. His homemaker wife initially tried to understand and accommodate Raj’s interests. However, his pornography consumption started to dominate their relationship, and he often asked her to imitate the acts he watched in the videos, making her increasingly uncomfortable. Despite her unwillingness, Anjali felt pressured to obey and maintain peace in the household.
Escalation of Abuse
As Raj’s addiction grew, so did his demands. He began insisting on more extreme and degrading acts, mirroring the hardcore content he consumed. When Anjali expressed her discomfort or refused, Raj would become verbally abusive. Over time, the verbal abuse escalated to physical violence, and he would beat Anjali during arguments, particularly when she resisted his sexual demands. One particularly violent incident resulted in Anjali suffering a miscarriage. The physical and emotional trauma of losing their unborn child was devastating. Despite the severity of the incident, he showed no regret and continued his abusive behaviour.
Psychological and Behavioural Impact
Anjali’s mental health deteriorated rapidly due to the constant abuse and trauma. She became withdrawn, depressed and fearful. The miscarriage and ongoing violence left her feeling isolated and helpless. Raj’s behaviour also reflected deep psychological issues. His pornography addiction had changed his perception of sexual relationships and intimacy. The violence and coercion were displays of his inability to distinguish between fantasy and reality, driven by his compulsive consumption of extreme pornographic content.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
In the supportive environment of the women’s shelter and through consistent counselling, Anjali began to rebuild her sense of self-worth and autonomy. Legal aid helped her file for a restraining order against Raj and initiate divorce proceedings. Faced with the potential loss of his wife and the intervention of his family, Raj reluctantly agreed to enter a rehabilitation programme for pornography addiction and anger management. Through a combination of individual intensive therapy and support groups, he started to understand the harmful impact of his actions and the need for profound change in his behaviour and attitudes.
Conclusion
This case underscores the severe impact that pornography addiction can have on intimate relationships, particularly when coupled with abusive tendencies. Escalating demands and violent behaviour illustrate how addiction can distort perceptions of sexuality and intimacy, leading to negative impacts. In addition, this case proves the importance of early intervention, support systems, and professional help in addressing both addiction and domestic abuse.
Case 4: The Fitness Enthusiast and the Escalating Addiction
Subjects
A 32-year-old male (husband) and a 29-year-old female (wife).
Background
Vikram and Priya (pseudonyms) were a seemingly happy couple married for two years. Vikram, a dedicated gym-goer, prided himself on his muscular physique, while Priya supported his passion for fitness. To add excitement to their intimate life, they began watching pornography together to add more intimacy to their sexual life. Initially, this mutual activity was enjoyable and brought them closer.
Escalation and Substance Abuse
As time passed, Vikram’s consumption of pornography began to change. He increasingly prioritized hardcore content, becoming particularly fixated on the performances of a male pornstar, Jax Slayher. Vikram admired Jax’s physique and sexual prowess, developing an obsession with emulating him. This obsession drove Vikram to start abusing anabolic steroids in regular intervals, including Deca-Durabolin (nandrolone decanoate), testosterone and Dianabol (metandienone), in an attempt to achieve a similar body and enhance his sexual performance. Under the influence of steroids, Vikram experienced heightened sexual activity and increased aggression. The steroids significantly altered his behaviour, making him more violent and aggressive. Priya soon became uncomfortable with Vikram’s coercive sexual demands and overall behaviour.
The Onset of Violence
The combination of hardcore pornography and steroid abuse led to a significant deterioration in Vikram’s behaviour. His once controlled and supportive demeanour turned into one of anger and violence. He would often lose his temper over trivial matters, becoming physically abusive towards his wife. She recounted multiple instances where Vikram, in a fit of rage, would hit her, causing physical and emotional trauma. Priya’s mental health rapidly declined as she endured the continuous abuse. The initial enjoyment they found in watching pornography had transformed into a source of trauma and fear. Priya became increasingly withdrawn, suffering from anxiety and depression. Vikram’s addiction to steroids and hardcore pornography also took a toll on his physical health. The misuse of anabolic steroids resulted in severe mental side effects, including mood swings, increased aggression, and potential long-term health risks for both of them.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Unable to seek help from her family, who were living abroad with her sister, Priya decided to seek refuge with a long-distance friend. She travelled to another state and stayed with that friend. In the supportive environment, she began rebuilding herself and returning to normal. Although far from her partner Vikram, the distance gave her a sense of safety and the opportunity to focus on her well-being. She also spoke with him over the phone to check on his mental health.
Conclusion
This case highlights the destructive potential of pornography addiction, especially when coupled with substance abuse. Escalating demands and violent behaviour illustrate how addiction can distort perceptions of sexuality and intimacy, leading to devastating consequences. Besides, the path to recovery and empowerment is a testament to the strength and resilience required to overcome such profound challenges.
Discussion
The findings offer a comprehensive examination of pornography addiction and its behavioural, psychological and social consequences. The cases of Anita (The Divorced Professional), Rajesh (The Unemployed Youth), Raj and Anjali (The Abusive Marriage), and Vikram and Priya (The Fitness Enthusiast and the Escalating Addiction) provide valuable insights into the correlation between pornography consumption, conduct disorder symptoms and the associated behavioural changes. Additionally, these cases explore the impact of different types of pornography consumption and the psychological and social factors contributing to addiction, offering a nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between pornography use and behavioural disorders.
Frequency of Pornography Consumption and Conduct Disorder Symptoms: Is There a Connection?
In all four cases, the escalation of pornography consumption directly correlated with an increase in the severity of conduct disorder symptoms, particularly aggressive behaviour, impulsivity and a disregard for social norms. Anita’s case (Case 1) demonstrates how increased pornography consumption led to emotional dysregulation and impulsivity, as seen in her aggressive outbursts and destructive behaviours at home. This escalation in pornography consumption, particularly to more extreme content, mirrors the behavioural pattern of conduct disorder, which often manifests as increased aggression and impulsivity.
In Rajesh’s case (Case 2), the increase in pornography consumption contributed to the development of criminal behaviour. Rajesh’s escalating need for sexual gratification, driven by his addiction to pornography, culminated in stealing livestock to fund his purchase of sex toys. His impulsivity, lack of regard for the law and difficulty controlling his desires are typical symptoms of conduct disorder, suggesting that the frequent consumption of pornography exacerbated these traits. Similarly, Raj’s behaviour in Case 3 (The Abusive Marriage) highlights how increased pornography consumption led to more severe violent tendencies. Raj’s transition from a passive viewer of pornography to demanding violent and coercive acts reflects the behavioural changes commonly associated with conduct disorder, particularly in the context of aggression and disregard for his wife’s well-being. As pornography consumption intensified, so did his demands, which eventually escalated to physical violence, showcasing the detrimental effects of such consumption on his behaviour and relationships.
Behavioural Changes Due to the Impact of Pornography Consumption
Pornography consumption played a significant role in the behavioural changes observed in the case subjects. In Anita’s case (Case 1), what began as a coping mechanism for the emotional distress of her divorce turned into a full-blown addiction. The increased frequency of consumption led to an escalation in the type of pornography viewed, moving from mild to more extreme content. This shift in content directly influenced her behavioural changes, particularly in her emotional turmoil and aggressive outbursts. Her tendency to destroy property, such as her smart TV and an air fryer, reflects the manifestation of inner chaos and frustration, typical of individuals whose addictive behaviours spiral out of control.
In Case 4, Vikram’s behaviour changed notably as a result of his pornography consumption coupled with steroid abuse. His fixation on hardcore content and emulating a male pornstar resulted in increasingly aggressive behaviour. The combination of pornography and steroids contributed to mood swings, increased irritability and violent tendencies, particularly towards his wife. The behavioural transformation seen in Vikram exemplifies how pornography can lead to significant changes in both emotional and behavioural responses, with an increased likelihood of aggression and violence. These behavioural shifts highlight the broader implications of pornography addiction on personality and emotional regulation, which often leads to destructive actions.
The Influence of Pornography Categories on Conduct Disorder Symptoms
The type of pornography consumed by the individuals in the case studies significantly influenced the nature and severity of their conduct disorder symptoms. Anita (Case 1) initially consumed more conventional pornography, but as her addiction deepened, she sought out more extreme genres, including BDSM and spanking. This escalation mirrors the behavioural escalation often seen in individuals with conduct disorder, where more extreme actions are pursued to achieve the same level of satisfaction. Her desire for more intense and violent content led to increased emotional dysregulation, manifested through her violent outbursts and destructive behaviours.
Similarly, Rajesh’s consumption of pornography (Case 2) initially began as a way to cope with boredom and stress but eventually led him to seek more intense forms of sexual gratification, including the use of sex toys. His reliance on increasingly extreme sexual content and the desperation to fulfil these desires led him to engage in criminal behaviour, underscoring the link between certain types of pornography (e.g. fetish or extreme content) and conduct disorder symptoms, such as impulsivity, aggression and moral disengagement.
In Case 3, the impact of extreme, violent pornography led to the development of coercive and abusive behaviours. Raj’s demands for increasingly degrading sexual acts, influenced by the content he viewed, are a direct reflection of how pornography consumption, especially violent or extreme content, can exacerbate aggressive behaviours and lead to a complete disregard for the well-being of others. His behaviour aligns with the antisocial traits commonly seen in conduct disorder, such as aggression, deceit and a lack of empathy.
Age of First Exposure and its Psychological and Social Impact on Addiction and Conduct Disorder
The age of first exposure to pornography is a critical factor in the development of addiction and conduct disorder symptoms. In Case 2, the prolonged period of unemployment and lack of supervision in Rajesh’s semi-urban environment likely contributed to his early and frequent exposure to pornography. His early exposure, coupled with boredom and a lack of positive social connections, led to the development of a habitual pornography consumption pattern. This early exposure played a role in the development of his addiction and eventual criminal behaviour, as the need to satisfy his growing addiction led him to commit illegal activities.
In Case 3, Raj’s early use of pornography as a coping mechanism for work-related stress and his subsequent exposure to extreme content suggest that psychological factors, such as stress and dissatisfaction with work life, played a significant role in his addiction. Raj’s addiction was exacerbated by his inability to process these psychological factors healthily, instead relying on pornography to escape from his emotional turmoil. The resulting addiction and the subsequent escalation in the type of content consumed contributed to his violent and abusive behaviour toward his wife. In Case 4, Vikram and Priya’s initial engagement with pornography, paired with Vikram’s obsession with bodybuilding, created a complex interplay between body image issues and pornography addiction. His early exposure to pornography, combined with his desire to emulate certain male pornstars, led to his reliance on steroids to achieve the desired physique, which further contributed to his aggression and emotional instability. The psychological need to conform to an idealized image of masculinity, reinforced by the pornography he consumed, triggered his aggressive behaviour, resulting in significant harm.
Furthermore, the psychological and social factors leading to addiction in these cases are deeply intertwined with early exposure to pornography, emotional distress and a lack of positive coping mechanisms. The early onset of addiction, combined with social isolation and emotional turmoil, set the stage for the progression of conduct disorder symptoms and the escalation of destructive behaviours.
Conclusion
As far as we know, this study is the first direct assessment of the association between pornography consumption and conduct disorder. In conclusion, repeated exposure to pornographic content, particularly when it becomes habitual or addictive, has been shown to exacerbate behavioural issues that align with the symptoms of conduct disorder, such as physical harm, destruction, lying, cyberbullying, stealing, cruelty, etc. These symptoms can lead to strong deviance or criminal behaviour. The frequent viewing of pornography over a long period by young adults contributes more to the development of such antisocial conduct, and this is particularly true if it contains violent or deviant content. It is important to note the mental health of those watching pornography. It causes a behaviour change and then leads to a real-life disorder such as conduct disorder.
Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that not all pornography habits lead to conduct disorder. From this, we can easily observe how the digital world’s impact transfers its role to a real-world context. Further research is needed to explain fully the extent of this association between pornography and conduct disorder symptoms and to elaborate on measures to reduce these risks.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to the participants who shared their deeply personal experiences for the purpose of this research. We recognize the emotional strength it takes to speak about such sensitive matters, and we are humbled by their openness and trust. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to mental health professional Mr A. Rajasekar and his team for their invaluable support and guidance throughout the data collection process. Their assistance was instrumental in creating a safe and respectful rapport that allowed participants to speak freely in familiar, comfortable settings. This study would not have been possible without them.
Competing interests
No potential competing interests were reported by the authors.
G. Arun Kumar is a research scholar from the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University. His primary research interests include cyber pornography, police and policing, cyber sexual crimes, criminal justice and cyber victimology. He emphasizes comprehensive sex education to prevent sexual crimes. Arun previously worked as a research assistant on an Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)-funded project. He has participated in and presented papers at several international conferences.
R. Renjini has a strong criminology background and is a doctoral student in forensic psychology at Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education. She has secured three gold medals for her valuable contribution to criminology, victimology and forensic science. The author focuses more on criminological and psychological research, behavioural issues and mental health. In addition to recent advancements in psychology, she specializes in applying psychotherapies and modern technologies to improve individuals’ mental health.
R. Sivakumar is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, where he also completed his PhD. As a criminologist, Lt Dr Sivakumar specializes in criminology and criminal justice, with research interests that include policing, victimology, cyber pornography and cyber policing. He has published extensively in academic journals and edited several books in his field. Dr Sivakumar has organized numerous educational conferences and received recognition and awards from various international universities and organizations for his significant contributions to criminology.
M. C. Janaki is currently an Associate Professor of Forensic Science at Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education and holds a PhD from Mysore University. As a forensic practitioner, she is interested in various topics, including psychological analysis, criminological thoughts, social studies, police administration, criminal law, analytical instrumentation and dactyloscopy. In addition to being awarded a junior research fellowship, she has published numerous scholarly works in reputed journals.
