Sexual Compulsivity Research Articles

Personality, Attachment, and Pornography: A Meta-Analysis

Since Internet pornography (IP) is widespread and can become problematic for some users, investigating the personality traits which correlate with its consumption is important. Though many studies have been conducted on the relationship between IP, personality traits, and attachment, no meta-analysis has been conducted to synthesize this literature. We aimed to address this gap through a meta-analysis comprising 51 studies with 45,808 individuals (female = 35.19%, mean age = 37.81). The strongest correlation was found for sexual compulsivity ( r = .372), followed by impulsivity ( r = .273), self-control ( r = −.210), narcissism ( r = .172), and conscientiousness ( r = −.147). Statistically significant positive correlations were found between impulsivity ( r = .245), (sexual) compulsivity ( r = .392), neuroticism ( r = .114), and anxious attachment ( r = .131) with problematic use of IP. The correlations between conscientiousness and both general IP ( r = −.145) and problematic use of IP ( r = −.149) were statistically significant and negative. Moderator analyses revealed that the internal consistency of pornography measurement moderated the relationship between IP and neuroticism.

Investigation of the psychometric properties of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale in men with and without compulsive sexual behavior.

Previous studies have provided initial evidence supporting the association between compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) and alexithymia, but these studies did not investigate the psychometric property of a measure of alexithymia in individuals with CSB, which is necessary. This study investigated the factor analysis, reliability, and construct validity of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS) in men with CSB and control individuals. This cross-sectional study included 418 participants (304 individuals with CSB and 114 control individuals) who underwent a semi-structured psychiatric interview and completed the following instruments: the Sexual Compulsivity Scale, Hypersexual Disorder Screening Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, TAS, and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale. The eligible participants were men 18 years of age or older who were literate and residing in Brazil. Individuals who met the diagnostic criteria for Goodman's criteria for sex addiction were subsequently assessed for the excessive sexual drive (International Classification of Diseases-Tenth Revision F52.7) criteria. Those who met this second criteria were considered individuals with CSB. Participants who did not reach this point were considered control individuals. We conducted factor analysis, reliability analysis (internal consistency and temporal stability), and discriminant and construct validity analyses. The outcomes included the TAS total score and scores on TAS factors 1, 2, 3, and 4. The extracted factors explained 44% of the variance in the TAS. Factor 1 explained 21%, but 3 items (items 2, 9, and 21) did not load onto this factor. The Cronbach's alpha was 0.83, and the reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient) was 0.70. The TAS can differentiate between individuals with CSB and control individuals. The different forms of validity were demonstrated through correlations between factors 1 to 4 and the total score, as well as with impulsivity, hypersexuality, sexual compulsivity, and depression. Surprisingly, anxiety was only weakly correlated with factors 1 and 2. Moreover, the TAS-4 score was not correlated with impulsivity. The TAS can be used in clinical practice to identify men with difficulties in recognizing subjective experiences, and proper interventions can subsequently be provided to these patients to increase their treatment efficacy. Various dimensions of alexithymia covary with other key psychopathological symptoms of CSB. This study examined a convenience sample. The results cannot be generalized to the broader population. Factors 3 and 4 presented low internal consistency (0.50). In general, TAS presented good psychometric properties in a sample mainly composed of individuals with CSB.

Non-suicidal self-injury in trichotillomania and skin picking disorder.

Trichotillomania and skin picking disorder have been characterized as body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) disorders (i.e., repetitive self-grooming behaviors that involve biting, pulling, picking, or scraping one's own hair, skin, lips, cheeks, or nails). Trichotillomania and skin picking disorder have also historically been classified, by some, as types of compulsive self-injury as they involve repetitive hair pulling and skin picking, respectively. The question of the relationship of these disorders to more conventional forms of self-injury such as cutting or self-burning remains incompletely investigated. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship of these two disorders with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Adults with trichotillomania (n=93) and skin picking (n=105) or both (n=82) were recruited from the general population using advertisements and online support groups and completed an online survey. Participants completed self-report instruments to characterize clinical profiles and associated characteristics. In addition, each participant completed a mental health history questionnaire. Of the 280 adults with BFRB disorders, 141 (50.1%) reported a history of self-injury independent of hair pulling and skin picking. Participants with a history of self-injury reported significantly worse pulling and picking symptoms (p<.001) and were significantly more likely to have co-occurring alcohol problems (p<.001), borderline personality disorder (p<.001), buying disorder (p<.001), gambling disorder (p<.001), compulsive sex behavior (p<001), and binge eating disorder (p=.041). NSSI appears common in trichotillomania and skin picking disorder and may be part of a larger constellation of behaviors associated with impulse control or reward-related dysfunction.

Autism, ADHD, Sexual Compulsivity, and Problematic Pornography Use: A Sexual Psychosocial Communication Disparity in Disability

Autism, ADHD, Sexual Compulsivity, and Problematic Pornography Use: A Sexual Psychosocial Communication Disparity in Disability

Minority Stress, Psychological Distress, Sexual Compulsivity, and Avoidance-Based Motivations Associated with Methamphetamine Use Among Sexual Minority Men Living with HIV: Examining Direct and Indirect Associations Using Cross-Sectional Structural Equation Modeling

Objective Sexual minority men (SMM) living with HIV report significantly greater methamphetamine use compared with heterosexual and HIV-negative peers. Greater use may be related to stressors (e.g., HIV-related stigma) faced by SMM living with HIV and subsequent psychological and behavioral sequelae. We tested an integrated theoretical model comprised of pathways between stigma, discrimination, childhood sexual abuse, psychological distress, sexual compulsivity, and cognitive escape in predicting methamphetamine use among SMM living with HIV. Methods Among 423 SMM living with HIV, we tested a structural equation model examining factors hypothesized to be directly and indirectly associated with methamphetamine use. Analyses were adjusted for demographic covariates and sampling bias. Results The model showed good fit (CFI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.01). Heterosexist discrimination was associated with psychological distress (β = 0.39, p < 0.001) and psychological distress was associated with sexual compulsivity (β = 0.33, p < 0.001). Sexual compulsivity was associated with cognitive escape (β = 0.31, p < 0.001), which was associated with methamphetamine use (β = 0.51, p < 0.001). Psychological distress was associated with methamphetamine use via serial indirect effects of sexual compulsivity and cognitive escape (β = 0.05, p < 0.05). Conclusions Heterosexist discrimination contributed to psychological distress among SMM living with HIV. Psychological distress is linked to methamphetamine use via sexual compulsivity and cognitive avoidance. Interventions seeking to reduce the likelihood that SMM living with HIV use methamphetamine should include coping strategies specific to heterosexism and related psychological distress.

Sexual Compulsivity and Gender Stereotypes in Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Cross-Sectional Study in Spain

Men who have sex with men are at increased risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections. Although behavioral and contextual interventions have improved, infections are still spreading. A new focus is needed regarding the influence of sexual compulsivity and gender self-identification. The objective was to explore the relationship between SC and gender stereotype self-identification in MSM in Spain. A cross-sectional study based on an anonymous online survey of a sample of 881 MSM in Spain was performed. A validated Sexual Compulsivity Scale was applied as well as the Bem Sex Role Inventory to identify gender stereotype self-identification. A total of 87.5% of participants identified as gay, while 106 (12%) were sexually compulsive. The Bem Sex Role Inventory showed excellent reliability (0.92 Cronbach’s alpha). Gender stereotype classification showed the undifferentiated category as predominant (n = 325; 36.9%). The androgynous category had higher scores on the Sexual Compulsivity Scale, while the feminine category had lower scores (p &lt; 0.007). Those identifying as androgynous scored higher overall on the Sexual Compulsivity Scale (15; p &lt; 0.001; [12–20]) and subscales (“Interference of sexual behavior” (5; p &lt; 0.001; [4–7]) and “Failure to control sexual impulses” (9; p = 0.014; [7–12])). Education level, cohabitation, sexual role, and unprotected sexual practices are related to sexual compulsivity according to different gender stereotypes. Sexual compulsivity is related to gender stereotype self-identification in men who have sex with men. Specific sociodemographic, behavior, and sexual profiles exist for those at greater risk of sexually transmitted infection dissemination. The undifferentiated category is at greater risk of engaging in unprotected practices. New avenues of prevention that include these findings could shift heteronormative standards to better understand current trends in the sexual health of men who have sex with men.

Sexual Integration Therapy: a sex-positive sexual health model supporting authentic sexual expression, while addressing sexual compulsivity, shame, fear and trauma

Sexual Integration Therapy (SIT) is a client-centered sexual health model that focuses on the holistic integration of authentic sexuality and pleasure. SIT prioritizes working with clients to resolve the impact of sexual shame, fear, and past traumas that interfere with pleasurable sexual expression. While some clients may find pathology or addiction-based models helpful for their sexual concerns, SIT supports those who do not find solely cognitive-behavioral pathology, nor addiction treatment models effective. Through an examination of the evolution of psychology’s problematic, subjective codifications of normal versus abnormal, paraphilic, or deviant sexuality, the authors demonstrate the potential risks of diagnostic pathologization. SIT moves beyond such problematic pathology-based diagnostic models and redefines normal sexuality as uniquely personal. The authors then detail how SIT builds upon recent sexual health models to shift the therapeutic paradigm and better address individualized desires, compulsive behaviors, or inhibitions, not supported by standardized therapeutic models.

Evaluation of selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors and anti-androgens to manage sexual compulsivity in individuals serving a custodial sentence for a sexual offence

ABSTRACT The UK prison system offers a medical treatment pathway for people suffering from problematic sexual arousal (PSA) who have committed a sexual offence(s). The two main medications are Anti-androgens (AAs) and Selective-Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Currently, evidence of the effectiveness of SSRIs is not sufficiently robust for them to be licensed in the UK for that purpose. Instead, SSRIs are prescribed ‘off-label’, and physicians must adhere to additional obligations in prescribing them. Yet SSRIs have fewer side effects than AAs and may be a better treatment option for many patients. The present study examined the effectiveness of AAs and SSRIs in incarcerated individuals with PSA (n = 77); the unmedicated comparison group (n = 58) resided at the same prison which houses people convicted of a sexual offence. Both medicated groups demonstrated reduced levels of PSA 3 months post-baseline; the comparison group did not. The findings provide evidence for the effectiveness of SSRIs in reducing PSA. The authors argue a randomised control trial is required to underpin the use of SSRIs in treating PSA and (potentially) its subsequent licensing. The latter would enable wider prescription in prison and community and make a substantive contribution to the prevention of sexual abuse.

The Structure of Hypersexuality and Its Relation to Impulsivity.

Among the multiple controversies surrounding hypersexuality is the important issue of whether it constitutes a univocal construct. Although an initial study supported its homogeneity, more resent research has identified two separate subcomponents-problematic sexuality and sexual drive. The present survey study addressed this issue in a sample that included both in-person tested college students (n = 69) and online respondents (n = 339). A factor analysis of scales attempting to capture the indicators of each subcomponent of hypersexuality yielded two correlated, but separate factors. Whereas Problematic Sexuality (PS) comprised scales measuring sexual compulsivity, using sex as a coping mechanism, and the negative consequences of sexual behavior, Sexual Drive (SD) was defined by frequent sexual activity, preoccupation with sexual fantasies, a predilection for impersonal sexual behavior, and facile sexual arousal. These two subcomponents of hypersexuality were found to covary with different types of impulsivity, further supporting their discrimination and providing external validation for their differentiation. Contrary to a priori hypotheses, however, PS correlated highly with Callous/Manipulative/Risk-Taking as well as with a predicted Affective Instability/Behavioral Disinhibition factor, suggesting that PS may constitute an equifinality of separate developmental trajectories for those high on both subtypes of hypersexuality.

Risk assessment and treatment - Evaluation of a group therapy for people with pedophilia

IntroductionDeviant sexual interest for children (pedophilia, hebephilia) is associated with a higher risk of sexual offending against children (CSA) and consuming child sexual abuse images (CSAI). There is a general shortage of therapeutic programs for individuals who feel sexually attracted to juvenile bodies and are concerned about their sexual behaviour. Efforts to establish regional centres throughout Germany offering preventive support led to the prevention network “Don’t become an offender” (“Kein Täter werden”).ObjectivesTo identify dynamic risk factors (DRFs) and evaluate a treatment programme aiming to reduce CSA and CSAI among potential or existing pedosexual offenders (who have not been legally charged). In addition, changes in the course of therapy are examined to provide information about the accessibility and motivation of the target group and its therapeutic responsiveness.MethodsParticipants undergo standardized diagnostic and treatment procedures. Therapy comprises an outpatient psychotherapy program (group therapy) over the course of approx. 48 weekly sessions, optional individual and partner/relative including sessions, as well as additional pharmaceutical treatment. Assessments are carried out through self- and other-reported psychometric test batteries pre-, during and post-treatment up to a 3.5 year follow-up. The test battery includes clinical questionnaires (WHO-5, CTQ-SF), personality questionnaires (ISK-K, NEO-FFI), sexuality questionnaires (EKK-R, KV-M, MSI, HBI-19) and risk assessment procedures (VRAG-R, STATIC-99, VRS:SO). Main outcome measures are self- and externally-reported DRF changes well as offending behaviour characteristics.ResultsBy September 20, 2023, N=12 individuals were enrolled in the treatment program. All individuals had a deviant sexual preference (exclusive/non-exclusive pedo-/hebephilia). Nine individuals reported past and/or current use of CSAI. Of these, two individuals reported at least one CSA in the past. Three had no previous use of CSAI or CSA history.In the first treatment group (N=6), preliminary results show reduction in dynamic risk factors (e.g., Cognitive Bias, Sexual Compulsivity, Impulsivity) after the first 12 weeks of treatment. The evaluation of additional clinical data is pending.ConclusionsTo date, therapy for individuals with pedophilia or hebephilia has been insufficient – particularly when not offending. Ongoing evaluation of the therapy program should provide further insight into responsiveness and therapeutic motivation of this target group. In particular, the impact of therapy on changing dynamic risk factors for CSA and CSAI remains to be examined.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

(PM-18) EXPLORING THE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN HYPERSEXUALITY AND SEX HORMONE: A PRELIMINARY STUDY IN BRAZILIAN MEN

Abstract Introduction Compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) or hypersexual behavior has gained global attention due to its adverse impact on health. However, there is just a few data on sex hormones of people reporting CSBD/hypersexual behavior. Objective Here, we investigate correlations between CSBD/hypersexual behavior and sex hormone in a sample of 34 Brazilian men who met the diagnostic criteria for CSBD/hypersexual disorder. Methods After ethical approval, participants provided informed consent and were assessed through the Instrument of Investigation of CSBD Diagnostic Criteria – ICD11, Hypersexual Disorder Screening Inventory (HDSI), Compulsive Sexual Behavior Inventory (CSBI), Sexual Compulsivity Scale (SCS), and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Additionally, participants' basal blood levels were evaluated. Results The sample had a mean age of 38.2 years (SD ± 10.05). The median hormone levels of total testosterone 484 ng/dL [356;560], free testosterone 372 pmol/L [285;472], prolactin 9.50 ng/mL [8.30;13.4], estradiol 23.9 pg/mL [23.9;27.5], SHBG 26.7 nmol/L [21.8;33.5], FSH 4.10 IU/L [2.8;5.3], and LH 2.90 IU/L [2.18;3.85]. Mean scores for HDSI, CSBI, SCS, and CTQ were 23.2 (SD ± 3.80), 66.3 (SD ± 8.26), 33.7 (SD ± 4.14), and 37.6 (SD ± 8.03), respectively. Spearman's correlation analyses showed a positive correlation between total with free testosterone levels (Rho: 0.87); Total testosterone levels with SHBG (Rho: 0.59); a negative correlation between total and free testosterone levels with SCS score (Rho: –0.38; Rho: –0.35, respectively); a negative correlation between LH levels and CTQ total scores (Rho: –0.63); a negative correlation between CSBI with SCS scores (Rho: –0.58). Conclusion Our data shows the first exploration between hypersexuality and sex hormones in a Brazilian men sample, supporting previous findings about a relationship of testosterone levels with SCS scores in hypersexual individuals. Financing FAPESP.

Assessment and treatment of compulsive sexual behavior disorder: a sexual medicine perspective.

The addition of compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) into the ICD-11 chapter on mental, behavioral, or neurodevelopmental disorders has greatly stimulated research and controversy around compulsive sexual behavior, or what has been termed "hypersexual disorder," "sexual addiction," "porn addiction," "sexual compulsivity," and "out-of-control sexual behavior." To identify where concerns exist from the perspective of sexual medicine and what can be done to resolve them. A scientific review committee convened by the International Society for Sexual Medicine reviewed pertinent literature and discussed clinical research and experience related to CSBD diagnoses and misdiagnoses, pathologizing nonheteronormative sexual behavior, basic research on potential underlying causes of CSBD, its relationship to paraphilic disorder, and its potential sexual health consequences. The panel used a modified Delphi method to reach consensus on these issues. CSBD was differentiated from other sexual activity on the basis of the ICD-11 diagnostic criteria, and issues regarding sexual medicine and sexual health were identified. Concerns were raised about self-labeling processes, attitudes hostile to sexual pleasure, pathologizing of nonheteronormative sexual behavior and high sexual desire, mixing of normative attitudes with clinical distress, and the belief that masturbation and pornography use represent "unhealthy" sexual behavior. A guide to CSBD case formulation and care/treatment recommendations was proposed. Clinical sexologic and sexual medicine expertise for the diagnosis and treatment of CSBD in the psychiatric-psychotherapeutic context is imperative to differentiate and understand the determinants and impact of CSBD and related "out-of-control sexual behaviors" on mental and sexual well-being, to detect forensically relevant and nonrelevant forms, and to refine best practices in care and treatment. Evidence-based, sexual medicine-informed therapies should be offered to achieve a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences.

Interventions, Barriers, and Facilitators to Address the Sexual Problems of Gay, Bisexual and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men Living with HIV: A Rapid Scoping Review.

Sexual problems are common among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) after diagnosis with HIV. However, these are often overlooked in care and research, where sexual risk reduction and biomedical aspects of sexual health tend to dominate. We conducted a rapid scoping review to investigate which sexual problems of GBM living with HIV are addressed by interventions, and the barriers and facilitators to their implementation. Literature from high-income countries published in English since 2010 was reviewed. Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, and Scopus databases were searched on July 4, 2022. Targeted sexual problems were categorized according to the ten dimensions of Robinson's Sexual Health Model, and barriers and facilitators, according to the five domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Interventions focused solely on the dimension of Sexual Health Care/Safer Sex were excluded. Relevant information was extracted from the qualifying documents with NVivo 12 software for content analysis. Fifty-two documents were included, referring to 37 interventions which mainly took place in the United States (n = 29/37; 78%), were group-based (n = 16; 41%), and used counselling techniques (n = 23; 62%; e.g., motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy). Their settings were mostly primary care (n = 15; 40%) or community-based (n = 16; 43%). On average, interventions addressed three sexual health dimensions (SD = 2; range: 1-10). The most targeted dimension was Sexual Health Care/Safer Sex (n = 26; 70%), which concerned sexual risk reduction. Next, Challenges (n = 23; 62%), included substance use (n = 7; 19%), sexual compulsivity (n = 6; 16%), sexual abuse (n = 6; 16%), and intimate partner violence (n = 4; 11%). Third was Talking About Sex (n = 22; 59%) which mostly concerned HIV disclosure. About a third of interventions addressed Culture/Sexual identity (n = 14; 38%), Intimacy/Relationships (n = 12; 33%), and Positive sexuality (n = 11; 30%). Finally, few targeted Body Image (n = 4; 11%), Spirituality (n = 3; 8%), Sexual AnatomyFunctioning (n = 2; 5%) or Masturbation/Fantasy (n = 1; 3%). Forty-one documents (79%) mentioned implementation barriers or facilitators, particularly about the characteristics of the interventions (41% and 78%, respectively; e.g., cost, excessive duration, acceptability, feasibility) and of the individuals involved (37% and 46%; e.g., perceived stigmatization, provider expertise). The other three CFIR dimensions were less common (5%-17%). The search strategy of this review may not have captured all eligible documents, due to its limit to English-language publications. Overall, most interventions incorporated a focus on Sexual Health Care/Safer Sex, at the expenses of other prevalent sexual problems among GBM living with HIV, such as intimate partner violence (Challenges), erectile dysfunction (Sexual Anatomy Functioning), and Body Image dissatisfaction. These findings suggest they could receive more attention within clinical care and at the community level. They also highlight the importance of cost-effective and acceptable interventions conducted in non-stigmatizing environments, where patients' needs can be met by providers who are adequately trained on sexuality-related topics.

Inhibitory Control, Use of Online Sexual Material and Sexual Compulsivity in High School Adolescents from Northern Mexico

Inhibitory Control, Use of Online Sexual Material and Sexual Compulsivity in High School Adolescents from Northern Mexico

“Four of my Lecturers Including my HOD Took Sexual Interest in Me”: Factors Facilitating Sexual Harassment and Exploitation in Nigerian Higher Education Institutions

For decades, Nigerian higher education institutions (HEIs) have featured as places where sex is used to determine who gets decent marks and who gets the opposite in what is popularly known as “sex-for-marks” in the country. It is common knowledge to Nigerians that many female students have been prevented from passing their coursework or completing their programmes of study for refusing to engage in sexual activities with their lecturers when demanded. Many male lecturers, including professors, have been dismissed, suspended, put on probation, or prosecuted for sexually harassing or exploiting female students. Available evidence suggests that this phenomenon cuts across both public and private institutions across the country although it is more common in public institutions. This current study explored this phenomenon. The qualitative approach was adopted. Both primary and secondary data were utilised. Primary data were gathered through semi-structured interviews of 22 female graduates and undergraduates of 11 HEIs. Secondary data came from 8 media outlets. The data were thematically analysed. Nine themes were developed from the data, which denoted the primary factors contributing to this menace, and these are (i) project supervision, (ii) being unique, (iii) being a fresher, (iv) tuition fee debt, (v) failed assessment, (vi) exam malpractice, (vii) missed submission deadline, (viii) failing to purchase handout, and (ix) sexual obsession. These themes were analysed in depth and supported with excerpts containing the original words of the victims while pseudonyms or fictitious names were used to replace the real names of the participants. Recommendations were made on how the authorities of HEIs can effectively address this social problem.

Two subtypes of compulsive sexual behavior disorder.

Models explaining addictive behaviors such as the Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution (I-PACE) model emphasize the importance of reinforcement mechanisms for developing and maintaining these behaviors, including compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) as well as personal characteristics as vulnerability factors. This study aimed to determine whether there are CSBD subtypes distinguished by reinforcement sensitivity. We hypothesize that one subtype is sensitive to positive reinforcement (C+subtype) and one is sensitive to negative reinforcement (Ȼ-subtype). We calculated a cluster analysis with data from 62 patients with CSBD and tested differences between the identified clusters by t-test. The sample consisted only of men. Cluster variables were: the sensitivity to the Behavioral Inhibition and Approach System (BIS/BAS), the severity of depressive symptoms (BDI-II), the severity of Trait Anxiety (STAI-T), Sexual Sensation Seeking (SSSS), Thrill- and Adventure-Seeking (SSS-V subscale), Disinhibition (SSS-V subscale), Experience Seeking (SSS-V subscale), and Boredom Susceptibility (SSS-V subscale). Between-cluster differences were analyzed for Trait Sexual Motivation (TSMQ) and Sexual Compulsivity (SCS). The results showed a two-cluster solution with cluster 1 representing patients sensitive to negative reinforcement (Ȼ-subtype) and cluster 2 representing patients sensitive to positive reinforcement (C+subtype). No significant difference in symptom severity of Sexual Compulsivity between clusters was found. Cluster 2 showed higher Importance of Sex and a higher motivation to seek sexual encounters than cluster 2. We found a two-cluster solution regarding reinforcement sensitivity in patients with CSBD. This may have clinical implications regarding individual therapy by focusing on the underlying maintenance mechanisms.

The Pornography Industry's Disinformation Campaign Against Addiction Recovery Resources

As pornography became increasingly popular online, many unsuspecting consumers reported adverse effects. These included sexual dysfunctions, such as lack of response with real partners, delayed ejaculation, erectile difficulties, and sexual compulsivity. Some pornography consumers began congregating in online self-help portals (forums and websites) to assist one another in quitting or reducing problematic pornography use. The popularity of the self-help resources and their potential to dampen the profits of a lucrative industry resulted in disinformation campaigns run by individuals connected to the pornography industry. In this article, I examine how a paper containing significant inaccuracies about the people organising the online recovery forums passed the peer-review process while failing to disclose the author’s conflicts of interest. The author of the case study has documented affiliations with a major pornography company, MindGeek (the owner of Pornhub). Somehow, it passed peer review, lending it a false halo of credibility. Pornography industry-connected individuals then repeatedly exploited it, for example, on social media and Wikipedia, to discredit pornography self-help recovery resources.

Sexual Compulsivity Mediates the Association Between Childhood Sexual Abuse and Condom Use Resistance Among Men Who Have Sex with Men and Women.

Despite the continued prevalence of HIV and condoms' proven effectiveness in HIV prevention, many young men continue to engage in condom use resistance (CUR). Research shows that sexual compulsivity and childhood sexual abuse (CSA) victimization are risk factors for CUR. Given that sexual activity between men is the most common method through which HIV is transmitted, and that men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) are up to five times as likely to contract or transmit HIV as men who have sex with women only (MSWO), understanding the CUR behaviors of MSMW is uniquely important. Young, single men who had had sex with a woman in the past year (N = 623) completed questionnaires assessing their previous sexual experiences with men and women, history of CSA, sexual compulsivity, and CUR to determine how MSMW classification may moderate the associations between these variables. Results revealed full, moderated mediation, such that CSA was significantly associated with sexual compulsivity among MSMW, but not MSWO. Furthermore, sexual compulsivity was subsequently associated with CUR, in a model accounting for 5.35% of CUR variance. Such findings suggest that exposure to CSA may render MSMW especially susceptible to maladaptive, sexually compulsive desires and behaviors. As a result, MSMW may be more likely to disregard the inherent risks associated with condomless sexual activity and engage in CUR. Thus, intervention programs seeking to reduce the transmission of HIV and other STIs should prioritize targeting MSMW who experienced CSA to reduce sexual compulsivity and increase condom use.

Image-based sexual abuse: Victim-perpetrator overlap and risk-related correlates of coerced sexting, non-consensual dissemination of intimate images, and cyberflashing

The advent of technology has dramatically changed the way sexual violence is perpetrated and experienced. Understanding the context of image-based sexual abuse (IBSA) and risk factors associated with perpetration are key to effective prevention efforts. The present study explores three IBSA behaviours—coerced sexting, non-consensual dissemination of intimate images, and cyberflashing—to examine the degree of victim-perpetrator overlap and what risk factors from the extant sexual violence literature are relevant to each behaviour. Emerging adults (n = 541; 69% female, 31% male) were recruited from a local university in Nova Scotia and the broader community (not specific to Nova Scotia) and reported their perpetration and victimization experiences with the three forms of IBSA. Participants also completed measures relating to their offense-supportive attitudes, dark triad traits, sadism, sexual compulsivity, impulsivity, and substance use. Results indicated substantial victim-perpetrator overlap for non-consensual dissemination of intimate images and cyberflashing. Victim-perpetrators demonstrated a pattern of higher scores across all risk-related measures, the magnitude of which differed across IBSA behaviours. These findings suggest that the broader literature on sexual offending is relevant to understanding IBSA and fits with the wider literature that suggests overlap between victimization and perpetration.

Measuring Sexual Motivation as a Trait Dimension: A multisample study of the Portuguese (European) Version of the Trait Sexual Motivation Questionnaire

The current study aimed at translating and validating the TSMQ into Portuguese-European (TSMQ-PT) and to investigate its psychometric properties. Three online studies were conducted with independent samples collected between September 2020 and March 2022. Study 1 tested the exploratory factorial structure (N = 325; 206 women); Study 2 explored the confirmatory factorial structure and construct validity (N = 450; 230 women); and Study 3 examined the temporal stability of the TSMQ-PT (N = 30; 15 women). Participants completed the TSMQ-PT for all three studies. In study 2, further completed the Sexual Compulsivity Scale, the Sexual Sensation Seeking Scale, and the Sexual Desire Inventory. Data revealed that the TSMQ-PT yielded a four-structure model, (i.e., Sexually Oriented, Comparison with Others, Seeking for Sexual Encounters, and Importance of Sex) comprising 13 items, with seven additional items for assessing existence and number of sexual partners, and frequency of sexual behaviors. The TSMQ-PT achieved good internal consistency levels (McDonald’s omega ranged from .71 to .89) and construct validity, and temporal stability over 10-11 months (values ranged from .80 to .87) supporting the trait-dimension of sexual motivation. Current findings support a brief, valid, and reliable self-report instrument for assessing sexual motivation in the Portuguese context.