(Prepared by Jill Manning from page 22 of the Understanding Pornography & Betrayal Trauma Manual)
Healthy Sexuality Vs. Pornography
Many people erroneously think of pornography as a substitute or preparation for healthy sexual relations. Healthy
sexuality and intimacy, however, stand in sharp contrast to pornographic portrayals of sexuality. If left unchecked,
pornography use can even hinder a person’s ability to develop an intimate relationship and experience satisfying
sexual relations in marriage. The following table is intended to help clarify some of the main differences between
pornographic portrayals of sexuality and healthy sexuality.
| Pornographic Portrayals of Sexuality | Healthy Sexuality |
| Lustful | Loving |
| Public | Private |
| Isolating | Unifying |
| Deceptive | Honest |
| Fantasy-Based | Anchored in reality |
| Body is treated as an object, toy, or weapon | Body is sacred |
| Decreases Well-being | Enhances well-being |
| Degrading | Respectful & Honorable |
| Involves using or harming someone | Involves loving someone |
| Spiritually Deadening | Spiritually Meaningful |
| Socially irresponsible and costly | Socially responsible and beneficial |
| Often involves violence and coercion | Involves mutual consent and volition |
| Associated with crime, abuse, infidelity, addiction, prostitution, and divorce | Associated with life and joy |
Healthy Sexuality vs. pornography (including this list) is discussed in greater depth on the Pathway To Recovery podcast with hosts Tara McCausland and Justin B. Listen on your favorite platform or here.
