The Science of Pornography Use | An Interview with Brian Willoughby

Brian J. Willoughby, Ph.D. is a professor in the School of Family Life at Brigham Young University and a research fellow at The Wheatley Institute. He received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from BYU and masters and doctoral degrees in Family Social Science from the University of Minnesota. Brian’s research generally focuses on how adolescents, young adults, and adults move toward and form long-term committed relationships, and has been widely cited in the media. He is also the author of The Millennial Marriage and The Marriage Paradox: Why Emerging Adults Love Marriage Yet Push it Aside. Brian and his wife Cassi have been married for 23 years and they have four children. Links Wheatley Institute research reports Addressing Pornography Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Kurt and Brian discuss the complexities of pornography use within religious contexts. Brian emphasizes that young adults will encounter pornography, often leading to shame and guilt. He highlights the importance of understanding the motivations behind pornography use, which can range from curiosity to emotional coping mechanisms. Brian also addresses the stigma surrounding addiction labels. He explains that only about 10% of users experience compulsive behavior, while many others face problematic use. Church leaders should focus on creating a safe environment for youth to discuss these issues. By asking questions about triggers and providing coping strategies, leaders can help youth navigate their experiences. Brian encourages a balanced approach to discussing pornography, emphasizing hope, understanding, and the potential for growth through repentance. 03:35 – Brian Willoughby’s Expertise in Pornography Research 04:26 – Overview of BYU and the Wheatley Institute 05:57 – Research Impact on Policy and Society 06:57 – Teaching Future Therapists and Family Studies 07:37 – The Stigma of Pornography in Religious Contexts 08:50 – Understanding the Broader Impact of Pornography 09:51 – Meta-Analyses and Key Findings on Pornography 11:38 – The Concept of Addiction and Compulsive Behavior 12:58 – Potential for DSM Inclusion of Hypersexual Disorder 13:47 – Brain Chemistry and Pornography Use 15:29 – Distinction Between Addictive and Problematic Use 17:34 – Scripting Expectations from Pornography 19:24 – Social Media and Its Impact on Mental Health 20:34 – The Need for Open Conversations About Pornography 21:09 – The Role of Church Leaders in Addressing Pornography 22:13 – The Importance of Avoiding Labels of Addiction 23:47 – Understanding Youth Experiences with Pornography 25:56 – The Normative Context of Pornography Use 27:06 – Creating Positive Conversations Around Pornography 28:51 – The Role of Fear and Anxiety in Youth Discussions 30:05 – Normalizing Sin and Repentance 31:04 – Distinction Between Guilt and Shame 34:02 – Motivating Youth Through Guilt vs. Shame 36:57 – The Importance of Understanding Triggers 39:11 – Building Coping Skills for Youth 41:27 – Final Thoughts on Support and Guidance The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.