Re-Release: What Research has to say about Porn Viewing

About this Podcast:

This episode is being re-released. It was originally recorded in June 2016, but is full of great information.

Natasha Helfer Parker interviews Dr. Nicole Prause, founder of the Sexual Psychophysiology and Affective Neuroscience (SPAN) Laboratory, in regards to the research she has personally done (and is aware of) concerning our relationships with pornography and erotic viewing materials.

They cover all types of topics such as: What are some common correlations that are made in regards to porn viewing research that are completely inaccurate? Are we aware that those who view porn tend to be more egalitarian in their relationships? Why does it matter if we call problematic behavior by the right name (i.e. addiction vs. compulsivity vs. out-of-control, etc.)? Did you know that women respond to erotica in similar ways as men do and even share similar sexual tastes? Did you know that people who view erotic films report having increased desire for sexual activity with their spouse/partner? Objectification of women is definitely a problem, but violence? Not so much. Did you know that those who report having “out of control” behavior with porn viewing actually watch the same or less than those who don’t identify with having a problem? And that research is now showing that those who see their behavior as problematic tend to come from religious or conservative backgrounds?

Get up to date with what we think is science versus what is actually science in regards to positives and negatives that can come from porn/erotic viewing.

Natasha has an upcoming group that you can sign up for:

Pornography Dilemma Online Group with Natasha

This group has been developed to help couples overcome the common struggles with pornography use within the marital contract.

During this group, we will:

• Begin to deal with and repair the typical secrecy/betrayal cycles that have historically occurred in the relationship with sexual media.

• Understand evidence-based information about sexual media allowing well-informed decisions to be made based on science and our values instead of myths and folklore.

• Help couples understand the importance of balancing the need for individual autonomy and relational connection that can often feel contraindicated.

• Learn to move from “ownership” models of sexuality to “partnership” models of sexuality.

• Guide couples through agreement work based on principles of sexual and marital health (honesty, shared values, transparency, and differentiation).

• Begin repairing trust and building a relationship where relational, erotic sexuality can flourish if that’s what both partners want moving forward.

WHEN: TUESDAYS 8 PM MT

• November 5, 12, 19, 26 & December 3, 10, 17

WHERE: Online

Register here: https://symcounseling.com/group-registration/ or call: 1-208-391-7804

Go here for more: https://symcounseling.com/pornography-dilemma/

About the Guest:

Nicole Prause obtained her PhD at Indiana University with joint supervision from The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction in 2007. Her concentrations were in neuroscience and statistics. She completed her APA/APPIC clinical internship at the Boston Consortium. Her clinical rotations were in neuropsychological assessment and behavioral medicine; her research fellowship was at Harvard University in alcoholism treatment. She was promoted to Associate Scientist at UCLA in 2014. Current laboratory interests include primary rewards, transcranial brain stimulation, and approach motivation.

She is licensed as a psychologist in the state of California. Dr. Prause currently holds positions as the founder of Liberos LLC, an independent research institute, and Data Scientist in Los Angeles.

Podcast Notes/Resources:

• Religion, Spirituality and Sexual Addiction: A Critical Evaluation of Converging Fields

• Treating Out of Control Behavior by Doug Braun-Harvey and Michael Vigorito

• the latest falsification of addiction predictions Prause et al. (2015)

This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so care for yourself accordingly.

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of the Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions. Thank you for listening.

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To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha’s channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.

Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro music by Otter Creek.

Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini