Questionnaire to Clarify and Prioritize Values in Life Areas

Concept and Function of Values Clarification

In the comprehensive treatment of sex and pornography addiction and compulsive sex, values clarification represents a fundamental therapeutic pillar for regaining self-control.

Unlike specific goals, values constitute ongoing life directions and conscious choices about how to interact with one’s environment.

Addiction overstimulates dopaminergic mechanisms and distorts judgment, leading the individual to seek immediate gratification at the expense of their genuine principles.

Identifying these values makes it possible to break free from patterns of experiential avoidance and regain cognitive flexibility.

Thus, behavior ceases to be an automatic response to distress and becomes guided by deep motivations that provide a truly lasting sense of meaning.

Structure of the Questionnaire by Life Domains

The clarification questionnaire systematically explores the fundamental domains of human existence, including intimate relationships, family, friendships, career development, education, health, spirituality, leisure, and community.

Compulsive pornography use tends to isolate the individual in a withdrawn dynamic, leading to the gradual neglect of these essential facets of life.

By systematically reviewing each area, the individual becomes aware of the areas that have deteriorated or been neglected.

This detailed exploration allows for a comprehensive assessment of the current state of the patient’s life plan, providing the necessary foundation to rebuild functional, balanced habits that are aligned with the individual’s actual personal needs.

Assessment Metrics and Discrepancy Analysis

To quantitatively eva luate each domain, the instrument uses scales from one to ten for key parameters such as perceived importance, potential for positive change, level of action, satisfaction, and concern about personal stagnation.

This process reveals the discrepancy between the patient’s aspirations and their daily behavior.

The identified gap highlights the erosion caused by the addictive habit in daily and social functioning.

Objectively measuring this gap is not intended to generate guilt or self-punishment, but rather to foster full awareness of the current reality.

This quantitative assessment acts as a decisive psychological catalyst for motivation to change, driving the active adoption of valuable, concrete, and sustainable behavioral commitments.

Strategic Prioritization for Relapse Prevention

Once the gaps have been identified, a deliberate prioritization of the most significant values is carried out.

This prioritization is not based on external moral judgments but on the patient’s explicit wishes.

Organizing priorities allows for the focusing of cognitive energy and the planning of high-value activities in the daily schedule.