Cognitive behavioral therapy in the treatment of problematic pornography use
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Uniwersytet Medyczny w Lublinie, Szkoła Doktorska
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Uniwersytet Medyczny w Lublinie, Katedra Psychospołecznych Aspektów Medycyny, Zakład Psychologii
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Uniwersytet Medyczny w Lublinie, Wydział Lekarsko-Dentystyczny
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Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Piastów Śląskich we Wrocławiu, Wydział Lekarski
Submission date: 2026-01-02
Final revision date: 2026-05-12
Acceptance date: 2026-05-12
Publication date: 2026-10-28
Psychoter 2026;217(2):73-87
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ABSTRACT
Problematic pornography use (PPU) is a complex clinical phenomenon increasingly addressed in
the context of compulsive sexual behavior disorders (CSBD), introduced in the ICD-11 classification.
The literature emphasizes that PPU is associated with loss of control over sexual behavior,
emotional dysregulation, reduced quality of life, and significant psychological distress, with no
clear diagnostic criteria or treatment standards. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is currently
the most widely described and best documented form of intervention for PPU, encompassing both
classic second-wave CBT techniques and newer third-wave approaches such as acceptance and commitment
therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based interventions. Available studies suggest that CBT
interventions lead to a significant reduction in the frequency of pornography use, sexual compulsivity,
and internalizing symptoms, as well as improvements in self-control and emotional regulation.
Particularly promising results are obtained in programs that integrate elements of acceptance and
mindfulness, which promote greater consistency between behavior and personal values and reduce
moral incongruence. A growing body of evidence also points to the effectiveness of online CBT as
an alternative to traditional forms of treatment, especially among individuals who avoid direct contact
with a therapist due to shame or fear of stigmatization. Limitations of existing research include
small sample sizes, a predominance of male participants, and a lack of uniform criteria for assessing
effectiveness. Further well-designed studies involving diverse patient groups and comparing different
CBT interventions are needed. Overall, available evidence indicates that cognitive-behavioral
therapy, in both traditional and remote formats, remains the most empirically justified therapeutic
approach for problematic pornography use.