Personal Beliefs and Professional Realities: A Mixed-Methods Study of Child Sexual Abuse Workers’ Perspectives on Pornography

Abstract Digital pornography is pervasive in children’s lives and a significant factor in the cycle of child sexual abuse (CSA). Using a partially mixed-methods design, this study draws primarily on semi-structured interviews with 50 experienced frontline professionals who work with cases of child sexual abuse. This qualitative data are supplemented by survey data, including the Attitudes Toward Pornography Scale, to contextualize patterns in participants’ reported beliefs. As part of a broader study on frontline workers’ perspectives, this study explores how their views on pornography influence or are influenced by their experiences with sexually abused children. Qualitative data were analyzed using an iterative coding process to identify key themes, while quantitative findings were used descriptively to situate and clarify the complexity of those perspectives. Participants described how their initially neutral or positive perceptions shifted or became more complex after witnessing its links to CSA. While some expressed strong objections to the industry, none approached the topic from a religious or moral standpoint. Participants universally saw pornography as harmful to children but viewed adult use through narratives of personal choice. They explicitly acknowledged feeling conflicted, possibly shaped by mainstream discourse. Rather than supporting government policies restricting access, participants framed exposure through a “harm reduction” lens, emphasizing the importance of addressing pornography with clients in a way that fosters safety and avoids inducing shame. Findings underscore the need for evidence-based professional guidance in navigating pornography-related concerns in healthcare settings amid polarized narratives and rapidly evolving digital environments.