Sex Addiction and Propensity for Boundary Violation: Exploring Correlation and Change Over Time

Abstract

We surveyed 35 male healthcare professionals who satisfactorily completed residential sex addiction treatment. Prior to treatment intake, 17 participants had reportedly violated sexual boundaries with patients, clients, or staff (BV group), and 18 reportedly had not (NBV group). Participants completed 2 validated, self-report instruments: the Sexual Symptom Assessment Scale (S-SAS), measuring symptom severity of Compulsive Sexual Behavior (CSB); and the Boundary Violation Index (BVI), assessing reported frequency of risk factors for Sexual Boundary Violation (SBV). Results indicated that participants reported a large decrease in both CSB symptom severity and SBV risk over time. We discuss these decreases, the correlation we found between CSB and SBV, and the clinical and professional implications of each. We include limitations to our results and areas for future research.