Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

Fall 11-18-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

December 2025

Department

Social Work

College Granting Degree

Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work

Degree Name

Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Manny John González

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the extent that discomfort occurs within therapists’ while treating Problematic Pornography Use (PPU). The study, predicated on the qualitative research design of thematic analysis, utilized semi-structured interviews with a sample of n=15 therapists to explore the following questions: (1) How do therapists describe discomfort in the treatment of PPU? (2) How do therapists experience discomfort in the treatment of PPU? And (3) How do therapists manage discomfort in the treatment of PPU? The findings of this study demonstrate the need to understand the unique nature of therapist discomfort in PPU. This study’s findings also reveal the distinct presentation and implications of therapist discomfort in treating problematic pornography use, with important implications for clinical practice, clinical social work education, and future research.

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