By Floyd Godfrey, PhD

Pornography producers employ deliberate strategies to maximize their grip on viewers, particularly men, by integrating dominance, aggression, and violence into their content. These elements are not incidental; they are calculated to provoke an intense neurological and physiological reaction that creates dependency. Mark Kastleman (2001) provides profound insights into how these methods exploit biological triggers to deepen addiction, leaving lasting effects on viewers' mental health and perceptions of relationships.

Biological Manipulation in Pornography
The human brain processes pornography in ways that heavily impact memory and behavior. As Kastleman (2001) explains, “The more cellular-memories (biological and physiological) to which pornographers can link their porn throughout the male brain and body, the greater change they have of addicting their viewers” (p. 148). These cellular memories involve biological responses tied to specific emotional or physical stimuli, which pornography exploits through a calculated blend of shock and stimulation.

By integrating elements like dominance and aggression, producers amplify these physiological responses. This approach ensures a "hook" by linking sexual arousal to a flood of naturally occurring neurochemicals, such as testosterone, adrenaline, and epinephrine. According to Kastleman, “And the more naturally occurring drugs/hormones (especially testosterone, but also adrenaline, epinephrine and others) flowing in the male mind and body during viewing, the more narrow will be his focus, the more intense his sexual arousal, the more deeply the images will be imprinted in his memory, and the greater his addiction” (p. 148).

The Role of Violence and Aggression
Violence and aggression are often used in pornography to increase the intensity of these neurochemical responses. Kastleman explains that producers deliberately pair sexual imagery with themes of male dominance, aggression, and violence to heighten the viewer's emotional and physiological reaction. He writes, “Pornographers achieve this combination of high numbers of mind-body links and maximum drug/hormone release by mixing sexual images with male dominance, aggression and violent images, all simultaneously intended to shock and stimulate” (p. 148).

These tactics not only enhance the addictive potential of pornography but also distort the viewer's understanding of healthy sexual relationships. By associating arousal with aggression and control, pornography normalizes behaviors that are harmful and degrading. Over time, these associations can shape attitudes and behaviors, leading to increased tolerance for violence in relationships and decreased empathy toward others.

Educational Interventions
Understanding the strategies used by pornography producers is critical to combating addiction. Educational efforts must focus on teaching individuals about the brain's susceptibility to manipulation through these stimuli. Workshops, therapy sessions, and awareness campaigns can empower individuals to recognize and resist the effects of these harmful patterns.

Therapists and coaches can also work with clients to untangle the associations between aggression and sexual arousal. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed approaches are effective in helping individuals rewire their responses and build healthier perspectives on intimacy and relationships.

A Path Toward Recovery
While the integration of dominance, aggression, and violence in pornography production is designed to ensnare viewers, recovery is possible through education, support, and professional intervention. By raising awareness about these exploitative tactics and providing tools to overcome their effects, individuals can reclaim control over their lives and relationships.

Floyd Godfrey, PhD is a Clinical Sexologist and a Certified Sex Addiction Specialist. He has been guiding clients since 2000 and currently speaks and provides consulting and mental health coaching across the globe. To learn more about Floyd Godfrey, PhD please visit his website: www.FloydGodfrey.com.

References
Kastleman, M. B. (2001). The Drug of the New Millennium. Granite Publishing & Distributing.