In an April 2000 General Conference address, Elder Richard G. Scott said:


One of the most damning influences on earth, one that has caused uncountable grief, suffering, heartache, and destroyed marriages, is the onslaught of pornography in all of its vicious, corroding, destructive forms. Whether it be through the printed page, movies, television, obscene lyrics, the telephone, or on a flickering personal computer screen, pornography is overpoweringly addictive and severely damaging. (Emphasis added.)


In his book Finding Peace in Our Lives, Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin also acknowledges the detrimental nature of pornography in all forms:


"Satan would have us believe that infractions of the moral code are acceptable because they seem to be so common. 'Why worry,' he asks, 'if you do not control your thoughts or if you allow pornographic or immoral entertainment to be part of your life? Everybody's doing it. It isn't so bad. You can handle it.'… And he teaches others to ask, "Are we so unworthy when we watch just two or three questionable programs on the cable television channel? Are the sexually explicit romance novels of the day really so bad?
These rationalizations, prompted by Satan, become great deterrents to our spiritual growth. Pornography in all of its forms is found at the movies, on television, and in printed form. It constitutes a spiritual poison that is addictive and destructive. Every ounce of pornography and immoral entertainment will drain away a part of our spirituality. Only a little immoral material and entertainment can cause us to lose all of our spiritual strength. The Lord's spirit will not dwell in an unclean tabernacle." (Emphasis added.)


Women’s Services and Resources (WSR) provides support to women who have loved ones with pornography problems through support groups and counseling, but we also recognize that there are women in the BYU community who also struggle with pornography addiction.

The rate of pornography addiction among women is not insignificant. According to familysafemedia.com, 17% of women are struggling with pornography addiction. The site also notes that women, far more than men, are likely to act out their behaviors in real life, such as having multiple partners, casual sex, or affairs. The most important thing to note about female pornography addicts is that for women, pornography is more influential on paper than it is onscreen. An article in the July 2003 Ensign entitled “Addicted to Romance Novels?” was submitted by an anonymous author who was addicted to pornography in the form of romance novels. She writes:

Often when we hear about the evils of pornography, we think of pornographic magazines, movies, and Web sites. Because men are more visually oriented, such material seems to appeal primarily to them. Yet the sexually explicit literature targeted at women, who are more verbally oriented, can be damaging as well. Like visual pornography, such literature presents a warped view of sexuality and is arousing and addictive. It dulls our spiritual senses, which distances us from God, and it can impair our ability to have healthy, lasting relationships.

If you are a woman and have a problem with pornography, or if you know someone who does, our office can help. Contact us for a confidential consultation at 801-422-4877.


Helpful articles:

"A Look at Popular Romance Fiction (Confessions of an English Teacher)" by Marilyn Arnold (February 1987 Ensign)

"Addicted to Romance Novels?" (July 2003 Ensign)