Date of Conferral
4-23-2025
Date of Award
April 2025
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Psychology
Advisor
Magy Martin
Abstract
Religious individuals who engage in pornography use often experience guilt, shame, and cognitive dissonance, creating internal conflict that may lead to anxiety, depression, and strained personal and spiritual relationships. Guided by cognitive dissonance theory, this qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of 15 adult Christian men (ages 18-44) who struggled with problematic internet pornography use and scrupulosity. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and analyzed using Yin’s five-step process to identify recurring themes. Findings revealed that faith served both as a source of strength and a contributor to emotional distress, with participants experiencing cycles of guilt, secrecy, and relapse. Additionally, scrupulosity intensified moral conflict, reinforcing obsessive guilt and ritualistic coping behaviors. Participants emphasized the importance of nonjudgmental spiritual and community support in fostering recovery and resilience. These findings may inform faith-integrated interventions, support systems, and therapeutic strategies aimed at promoting emotional and spiritual well-being among Christian men navigating pornography-related struggles.
Recommended Citation
Jemison, Chiante' Josiah, "Lived Experiences of Adult Christian Men Navigating Religious Beliefs and Internet Pornography Use" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 17517.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/17517
