C O M B A T I N G P O R N O G R A P H Y : Replacing Darkness with Light

Accurately Assessing the Scope of a Member’s Pornography Use

When a member comes to you (the bishop) seeking help to overcome the use of pornographic materials, it is important to conduct
one or more interviews that will help you and the member understand the degree of the member’s involvement (it may take several
interviews to help you assess the extent of the problem). Be careful not to categorize all members who use pornography as having
the same issues. Certainly every member who has intentionally sought out pornographic materials is in need of repentance. Some
may also need to go through a process of recovery from addiction. The overriding issue is how to best help the member experience
a “mighty change of heart” and take full advantage of the Savior’s Atonement. It may also be necessary for the member to seek
professional counseling in dealing with this issue.

To help understand the extent of the member’s involvement in pornography and its impact on the member’s life, consider the
following:

• Not all members who use pornographic materials become addicted.

• Dealing with members in an individual way is the best way of helping them repent and, if necessary, work through the process of
addiction recovery.

There are four indicators that will help assess how deeply a member has become involved with these materials: frequency, duration,
intensity, and risk taking.

FREQUENCY

Frequency refers to how often an individual engages in the behavior. If an individual views pornography sporadically, that individual’s
behavior is not likely an addiction, although the conduct is clearly inappropriate. If the person views pornography frequently, an
addiction is more probable.

DURATION

Duration refers to how long an individual has been engaged in the behavior. If an individual has been unable to stop viewing
pornography for a period of years, the probability of addiction is higher. However, if an individual has been involved with
pornography for a short period of time, it is less likely that this behavior has become addictive.

INTENSITY

Intensity refers to the nature of the material used. While all pornographic images and content are inappropriate, some types of
material are significantly more intense. Movies that depict sexual acts are more intense and graphic than photographs of individuals
wearing little or no clothing. The viewing of more hard-core, intense pornography increases the likelihood of an addiction.

RISK TAKING

Risk-taking tendencies or behaviors are another primary indicator of an addiction. The stronger the addiction, the more an
individual is willing to take risks. Risk-taking activities may include missing school or work, neglecting high-priority needs, engaging
in unlawful or covert behavior to obtain sexual gratification, dishonesty, escalation of immoral behaviors, sexual abuse, or similar
behaviors. Risk-taking behavior in adults may lead to loss of employment, divorce, family disruption, or criminal activity.

Based on your evaluation and the member’s self-evaluation of these indicators, an appropriate, individualized plan should be
made to help the member become free from the use of these materials. (See “Helping Members Develop a Plan to Overcome
Pornography.”)