A Qualitative Study on Pacific Male Perspectives on Addressing Porn Use and Addiction in Aotearoa New Zealand
Date
Authors
Erickson, Simon
Kito, Bale
Treharne, Gareth
Rodda, Simone
Kennedy, Rebekah
Fehoko, Edmond
Supervisor
Item type
Journal Article
Degree name
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Abstract
Pacific experiences, in particular, male perspectives of pornography use remain significantly under-examined in contemporary behavioural health scholarship, despite growing evidence of its complex intersections with cultural identity, spirituality, masculinity, and community expectations in Aotearoa New Zealand and the wider Pacific region. This study critically investigates how Pacific males understand, navigate, and respond to pornography within the interconnected domains of church, culture, and community, three influential spaces that shape moral reasoning, gendered expectations, and collective wellbeing. Findings reveal that pornography use is framed not only as an individual behavioural issue but as a culturally embedded concern that disrupts relationships, challenges masculine identities, and amplifies shame and silence within faith-based and communal settings. Participants emphasised the need for culturally grounded, church-engaged, and community-led strategies that move beyond punitive moral narratives to foster compassionate dialogue, relational accountability, and culturally resonant education on sexuality and digital wellbeing. This paper argues that addressing pornography among Pacific males requires a holistic, strengths-based approach centred on cultural safety and collective responsibility. By foregrounding Pacific voices, the study contributes critical insights for culturally responsive intervention design, pastoral care, and public health policy, positioning Pacific worldviews as essential to understanding and addressing pornography-related harms in culturally meaningful and socially just ways.Description
Keywords
47 Language, Communication and Culture, 4702 Cultural Studies, 44 Human Society, Generic health relevance, 3 Good Health and Well Being, Pacific, Pornography prevention, Talanoa, Cultural, Kava, Digital, Sexual
Source
Discover Social Science and Health, ISSN: 2731-0469 (Print); 2731-0469 (Online), Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 6(1), 51-. doi: 10.1007/s44155-026-00408-4
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