Pilot study results

A peer-reviewed study published in the Sexual Health and Compulsivity Journal titled Insights and Results from a Pilot Study for a Self-Guided, Digital-Health Treatment Program for CSBD (Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder), marks a significant step forward in addressing Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder (CSBD), commonly referred to as porn or sex addiction.

This pilot study is the first in the UK to examine the effectiveness of a digital treatment programme for unwanted sexual behaviours and only the second self-guided, digital-health study of its kind globally.

Led by Dr Paula Hall, a UKCP Accredited Sexual and Relationship Psychotherapist with nearly 20 years of experience specialising in sex and porn addiction, the research highlights higher-than-average engagement rates in the Pivotal Recovery programme compared to other online self-help interventions. These results indicate that digital interventions like Pivotal Recovery can provide a scalable and accessible solution for those battling CSBD.

Background

CSBD, often referred to as a porn or sex addiction, is a growing global concern. Results from the International Sex Survey in June 2023, published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions, revealed that 4.69% of Brits and 4.8% of the global population are at high risk of developing CSBD. This survey, which involved over 80,000 participants from 42 countries, highlighted the widespread nature of this issue.

Despite the prevalence of CSBD, access to treatment remains limited. Of the 4.8% at high risk globally, only 14% had ever sought help for this disorder.

Common barriers to seeking treatment include:

• feelings of embarrassment (18.5%),
• uncertainty about where to find help (8%),
• and lack of financial means (6.5%).

This demonstrates a clear need for treatment solutions that are discreet, anonymous, and affordable—precisely the approach offered by Pivotal Recovery.

By providing a self-guided, online treatment programme, Pivotal Recovery enables individuals to seek help in a private and cost-effective manner, removing many of the obstacles traditionally faced by those struggling with CSBD.

About the study 

The pilot study, which began in May 2023, involved 68 participants over the age of 18 and self-identified as struggling with compulsive sexual behaviour disorder (CSBD), taking part in the general population study.

The programme entails 60 podcasts that guide participants through six recovery steps, complemented by an interactive digital workbook to encourage reflection and personalise the content to their individual needs.

Each podcast lasts 10-20 minutes, with recommended additional workbook exercises. All materials are instantly accessible, allowing participants to progress at their own pace.

Participants were asked to take two surveys, one before taking part and the other following completion of the course to see how their behaviours developed in three key areas: emotional well-being, risk behaviours associated with sex and porn addiction, as well as the effect on their relationships.

Results

Overall, a remarkable 92% of individuals reported a complete or significant improvement in their understanding of their issues.

All participants noted a reduction in unwanted behaviours, with more than half (53%) experiencing a complete or significant change.

Additionally, every participant expressed a better understanding of themselves, with two-thirds (67%) reporting this improvement as complete or significant. Furthermore, all but one individual reported increased confidence in maintaining their recovery, with 80% stating this confidence had grown either completely or significantly.

Emotional Wellbeing

Prior to the course, emotional wellbeing was significantly impacted by unwanted behaviours, with 56% of participants feeling depressed most or all of the time.

46% of participants reported having experienced thoughts of suicide at some point due to their struggles. Additionally, 50% said they frequently felt unable to concentrate, and 53% reported feeling lonely most or all of the time.

However, following the course, there was a notable improvement in emotional wellbeing.

Feelings of depression improved in 76% of participants, the ability to cope increased in 73%, and feelings of compassion for both oneself and others improved in an impressive 86%.

Risk behaviours

Before the course, nearly a third (30%) of participants acknowledged that their behaviours had at some point put them at risk of breaking the law, with over 10% stating this occurred frequently.

Additionally, 37% reported that their behaviours had led to the risk of falling into debt, with 12% experiencing this often.

After completing the course, those who had indicated risk behaviours, 83% reported an improvement in going into debt, and 82% an improvement in the risk of breaking the law.

Effect on relationships

Nearly half (49%) of participants reported that their behaviour had definitely affected their ability to maintain a relationship, with an additional 22% indicating that it might have.

Nearly two-thirds (60%) stated their behaviours had definitely increased conflict within their relationships, while 47% said the behaviours had definitely caused sexual difficulties with partners, with another quarter of participants (26%) saying it might have.

The pilot study was designed to measure the effectiveness of Pivotal Recovery in improving the wellbeing of the person with the unwanted behaviour, not improvements in the relationship, hence this was not measured. However, these pre-course figures point to the damaging effects of CSBD on not only the person suffering from addiction but also those around them.

For the full published report, please find this here: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/26929953.2024.2411620#d1e1487

Conclusion from Dr Paula Hall, founder of Pivotal Recovery:

“This report gives hope to those most affected by porn and sex addiction.

Porn and sex addiction has frequently faced criticism for the limited research on treatment effectiveness and an over-focus on behaviour modification rather than emotional wellbeing. This study examined the impact of Pivotal Recovery, an online, self-guided treatment programme, designed to address these concerns by reducing common barriers to seeking help, such as stigma, shame, accessibility, and cost.

“The study’s findings highlight significant improvements in emotional well-being, reduced risk behaviours, and a better understanding of personal issues, with participants reporting higher levels of confidence in maintaining recovery. This research underscores the potential of digital interventions like Pivotal Recovery to provide scalable, effective support for those affected by CSBD, making it a crucial step forward in addressing this widespread yet often untreated disorder.”