Researchers from Manipal University Jaipur, India, have presented evidence that Vipassana meditation, a form of mindfulness practice, may assist individuals in managing problematic pornography use. The findings appeared in the journal Sexual Health and Compulsivity (SHC).
Vipassana meditation centers on observing the breath without attempting to alter it. As practitioners settle into the technique, thoughts and sensations arise, and the goal is to observe them with nonjudgmental awareness rather than trying to suppress or change them. This approach encourages a calmer relationship with internal experiences that can drive compulsive behaviors.
The study notes a rising concern about pornography consumption among young adults, both globally and within India. The researchers highlight how heavy engagement with porn can shape sexual development, distort perceptions of healthy relationships, and impact social realities. The lead author, Gagan Jain, an assistant professor at Manipal University, suggests that excessive porn use may contribute to dissatisfaction within families, increased conflict, and in some cases, marital strain.
In the experiment, 76 male participants, averaging about 20 years of age, were recruited. After initial assessments, 14 volunteers with higher scores on a scale designed to measure problematic pornography use were selected for closer observation. This assessment evaluated how central porn consumption was to daily life and how viewing it affected mood and emotional well-being.
The participants practiced Vipassana for 20 minutes each day over a two-week period. Following the two-week period, they completed the same evaluation of problematic pornography use.
Results showed a notable reduction in problematic pornography engagement. On the scale used, the average score moved from approximately 84.75 before the intervention to about 63.37 after the program. The improvement spanned all measured facets of the scale, indicating diminished reliance on porn in daily life and a more stable mood following abstention or reduced exposure.
Overall, the researchers concluded that consistent mindfulness practice can lessen the negative effects associated with problematic pornography use. They reported that mindfulness helped lessen the perceived importance of pornography, improved emotional regulation, and reduced the likelihood of returning to porn after trying to stay away from it. The implications point toward a potential behavioral approach that supports healthier sexual attitudes and more balanced emotional responses.
While the study provides encouraging results, it also acknowledges limitations. The sample consisted of young men who volunteered for a two-week mindfulness program, which may not generalize to other age groups or long-term outcomes. The authors also suggest that mindfulness training could be complemented by other supports, such as counseling or education about healthy relationships, to maximize benefits in diverse populations.
Experts in psychology emphasize that pornography can influence relationship dynamics and sexual expectations. The observed improvements in mood and self-regulation reported in this study align with broader findings that mindfulness-based approaches can support healthier coping strategies and better impulse control in various behavioral contexts.