Can childhood sexual abuse lead us to Porn addiction?

[Snap309]

I wanted to post some general questions (in several forums) regarding peoples opinions of possibilities
of Porn Addiction being "set up" by early childhood/ adolescent sexual abuse or experiences.

I do NOT know (or suspect) if I had any physical sexual abuse in my childhood, However- I strongly feel that we can get "hardwired" emotionally/mentally conditioned early in life to push us towards our inner feelings regarding our sexuality.

IF we get NEGATIVE /conflicting feelings ingrained (as I did) - we might seek out these themes on Porn to "Prove" our unhealthiness with normal/intimate relationships.

What are peoples views regarding this? In MY limited opinion- every "addiction" has some underlying REASON why we seek it out. Porn is no exception
Snap309

 

[FTL]

I suppose it could, though most men wouldn't need a reason to seek out porn i guess...
On the offside it could also be likely that those who experienced such a traumatic event
would shy away from their sexuality? I had an event in early childhood myself, so did my younger brother. I turned to porn, he has had no relationship, and as far as i know doesn't use porn.

 

[Gracie]

Actually childhood sex abuse has been a topic for rebooters frequently over the years.  There does seem to be a link between the two.  However, it is something not discussed often mainstream in our lives.  You might try posting this in porn addiction where more may see it.

But several people and I have had private discussions about this.

 

[yerpty]

I think people who aren't primed for addiction because of childhood traumas can become addicted to porn.  Porn is that strongly wired into our reward systems.

I think people who just had non-optimal childhoods can become addicted to porn.  I had mild problems with my alcoholic dad and with my mother.  I was addicted to drugs for a few years and addicted to porn for about 15 years.

I think people who had childhood sexual abuse would tend to be more apt to become addicted to something unhealthy.  But, I'm sure there are childhood sexual abuse survivors who turned out healthy and without any compulsive behaviors.  Childhood sexual abuse survivors or someone who had a rough upbringing could get pleasure out of the shame involved in certain types of porn and have a tough time.

 

[Doc]

I don't know what psychology would say but I believe that being molested at age 12 by a 16 year old neighbor definitely was a catalyst in my focus on porn. He used pornographic magazines to groom me and then advanced his touching from there. I knew what he was doing wasn't right but was terrified and assumed that it was my fault. If I just focused on the porn images and stories, then I could disconnect from what he was doing. In my 12 year old mind it made sense. This is the first time I've tried to put any of this into words..... All of the sudden, things are starting to make a bit of sense.
Wow. I think I'll stop right now. Need a break.
R