Dysfunctional Sexual Behavior Research Articles

Psychopathologic evidence in the Italian “Trap Music” population

Background and aims: In the last decade, a musical strand has emerged in the Italian national scene that has international roots since the 1990s of the last century: “Trap Music” and younger generations are increasingly fascinated by this genre, for various reasons. The present research hypothesizes the existence of a link between the choice of preference of this musical genre and the psychopathological profile of those who choose their first preference, hypothesizing that such individuals have on average a higher level of dysfunctional traits typical of cluster B (borderline, narcissistic, histrionic and antisocial), according to the PICI model and compared to the population. Materials and methods: Clinical interview, and administration of the battery of psychometric tests. The population sample was selected based on previous clinical contacts and voluntary participation through recruitment in major social networks (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok), a total of 4,368 participants, divided into three age groups (18-25, 26-37, 38-46) and two groups (the first “clinical” and the second “control”). SPSS, Anova test (with Bonferroni). Results and discussion: On average, the users selected in the clinical group population sample presented 81% of cases with a psychopathological personality profile (PICI-2) with at least 5 dysfunctional traits afferent to cluster B (bipolar, borderline, histrionic, narcissistic, antisocial, and psychopathic) and at least 4 dysfunctional traits afferent to cluster C (paranoid, delusional, schizophrenic spectrum, dissociative), according to the PICI model, compared to 23.1% of the cases in the control group, which, however, shows traits more oriented toward neurotic tendencies (anxious, phobic-avoidant, obsessive, somatic). The investigation of dysfunctional sexual behaviors then showed, in the clinical group, the marked presence of the clinical condition of the users, with an average of 96.8% compared to 24% in the control group; in particular, the presence of a tendency toward pedophilic (under 13 years old) and pederastic (13-17 years old) paraphilia is noted for the average value between only the markings of the second and third clinical groups equal to 54.3% (with an overall phenomenon slightly more inclined toward the male group). Conclusion: It is concluded, therefore, that the starting hypothesis can be confirmed, as the hypothesized link between the primary preference choice of “Trap Music” and the psychopathological profile afferent to the dysfunctional traits of Cluster B (borderline, narcissistic, histrionic, antisocial and psychopathic), according to the PICI model and compared with the control group (CG) population, which has significantly lower pathological values (57.9% - 72.8%) than the clinical group (CG), appears credible and non-random.

Psychopathological profiles and trends of Italian social network users (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok)

Background and aims: With the advent of the Internet and social networks, mass communication has become more interactive and geo-dislocated. The present research hypothesizes the existence of a link between the choice of the use of a specific social network by the subject user of the telematics service and his or her eventual psychopathological profile, hypothesizing that: the users of Facebook (FB) have a higher level of neurotic (cluster A) and psychotic (cluster C) dysfunctional traits, while users of Instagram (IG), Twitter (TW) and TikTok (TT) have a higher level of borderline dysfunctional traits (cluster B), according to the PICI model. Materials and methods: Clinical interview, and administration of the battery of psychometric tests. SPSS, Anova test (with Bonferroni). Results and discussion: The population sample was selected based on past clinical contacts and voluntary participation through social recruitment, totaling 5.581 participants, divided into four age groups (18-25, 26-37, 38-46, 47-60) and by four different social networks (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok). The present research showed that, on average, the selected users in the studied population sample, divided into sixteen subgroups, present in 79.9% of cases a psychopathological personality profile with at least 5 dysfunctional traits among the first three social networks analyzed (Facebook and Twitter with a lower frequency than Instagram, while TikTok users present an average value of 95.5% of cases). Equally distributed are also the hypotheses of affective addiction among users of the four social networks, with an average of 41.7% of cases, although always with higher pathological peaks in the case of Instagram, and even more for Tiktok, which varies with a much higher average of 69.2%. The pronounced dysfunctional tendency found is also confirmed by the tests related to the study of ego defense mechanisms, which in 100% of the psychopathological cases detected with the PICI (Perrotta Integrative Clinical Interviews) model turn out to be markedly dysfunctional, especially concerning the mechanisms of isolation, fixation, identification, denial, repression, regression, omnipotence, idealization and devaluation. The survey on dysfunctional sexual behaviors also found the marked presence of the clinical condition of users, with a mean value of 21.3% for Twitter, 55.9% for Facebook, 57.8% for Instagram, and 81.0% for TikTok; in particular, the presence of pedophilic paraphilia/pederasty is found in Instagram users with a mean value of 28.5% and for TikTok with a mean value of 43.0%. Conclusion: There is a correlation between the preferred profile choice on a specific social network and one’s psychopathological personality profile: Facebook users are found to be more oriented on the neurotic (anxious-phobic, somatic and obsessive) and border (borderline and depressive) area, Twitter users are oriented on the border (bipolar, borderline and narcissistic) area, Instagram and TikTok users on the border (bipolar, borderline, histrionic, antisocial, psychopathic and narcissistic) and psychotic (delusional, paranoid and dissociative) area.

Sexual dysfunction in relationship obsessive compulsive disorder

Relationship obsessive compulsive disorder (ROCD) is a disabling presentation of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) that has recently received increased research attention. ROCD refers to obsessive preoccupation, doubts, and compulsive behaviors focusing on one’s relationship and relationship partner’s qualities and attributes). In this paper, we present ROCD through a case study, describe its phenomenology and evaluate the impact of ROCD symptoms on sexual functioning. We then describe processes that may underlie dysfunctional sexual behavior in ROCD drawing on cognitive-behavioral models of ROCD and contemporary theories of sexual response. Conceptual links between ROCD and related constructs to various propensities of sexual behavior are discussed and treatment suggestions are outlined.

Dysfunctional sexual behaviors: definition, clinical contexts, neurobiological profiles and treatments

This work focuses on the theme of “dysfunctional sexual behaviors” and in particular on clinical, psychopathological, and anatomy physiological elements, to fully understand the different grades of the behavior under consideration: hypersexuality, persistent sexual arousal disorder, and sex addiction. The work is completed with an analysis of the etiological elements and the best treatments, emphasizing the clinical importance of the use of pornography in sexual addictions.

The Sexual Motivation of Male Rats as a Tool in Animal Models of Human Health Disorders.

Normal or dysfunctional sexual behavior seems to be an important indicator of health or disease. Many health disorders in male patients affect sexual activity by directly causing erectile dysfunction, affecting sexual motivation, or both. Clinical evidence indicates that many diseases strongly disrupt sexual motivation and sexual performance in patients with depression, addiction, diabetes mellitus and other metabolic disturbances with obesity and diet-related factors, kidney and liver failure, circadian rhythm disorders, sleep disturbances including obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, developmental and hormonal disorders, brain damages, cardiovascular diseases, and peripheral neuropathies. Preclinical studies of these conditions often require appropriate experimental paradigms, including animal models. Male sexual behavior and motivation have been intensively investigated over the last 80 years in animal rat model. Sexual motivation can be examined using such parameters as: anticipatory behavior and 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations reflecting the emotional state of rats, initiation of copulation, efficiency of copulation, or techniques of classical (pavlovian) and instrumental conditioning. In this review article, we analyze the behavioral parameters that describe the sexual motivation and sexual performance of male rats in the context of animal experimental models of human health disorders. Based on analysis of the parameters describing the heterogeneous and complex structure of sexual behavior in laboratory rodents, we propose an approach that is useful for delineating distinct mechanisms affecting sexual motivation and sexual performance in selected disease states and the efficacy of therapy in preclinical investigations.

A longitudinal study of the aftermath of rape among rural South African women.

Sexual assaults against women are a global health crisis, with alarmingly high rates in South Africa. However, we know very little about the circumstances and the aftermath of these experiences. Further, there is limited information about how factors specific to the rape (e.g., fighting back) versus those that are specific to the individual-and potentially modifiable-influence mental health outcomes. This study examined how situational characteristics of rape as well as individual and situational factors confer risk for symptoms of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and dysfunctional sexual behavior at 12-month follow-up. Two hundred nine (N = 209) South African women were recruited from rural rape clinics in the Limpopo Province (LP) and North West Province (NWP) of South Africa. Interviews were conducted at baseline (within 6 months of the rape incident) and at 6 and 12 months by trained staff at the clinics in English or the women's native languages. Women were interviewed after services were provided in a private room. One hundred thirty-two (n = 132) women were lost to follow-up at 12 months, resulting in 77 women with interview data for all time points. Undermining by the survivor's social support system and an increased belief in myths about rape were associated with increased dysfunctional sexual practices and symptoms of depression. These findings demonstrate the need for interventions that address the most pervasive effects of rape over time. These behaviors can increase risks for revictimization and reduce psychological well-being in the aftermath of rape. (PsycINFO Database Record

Efficacy of romantic and sexual psycho-educational training for adolescent with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder: A pilot study

IntroductionRomantic and sexual functioning in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are understudied. Recent findings evidenced that adolescents and adults with present romantic and sexual behaviors comparable with their neurotypical peers. However, it is worth to note that dysfunctional and inappropriate romantic and sexual behaviors are often described in this population.ObjectivesTo investigate efficacy of a psycho-educational training in a small group of adolescent with high-functioning ASD (HFA, QI > 70).MethodsSix adolescents (all males, range age 14–16 years) have been evaluated before (T0) and after (T1) a 10-session sexual and romantic psycho-educational structured group training, of 90′ each session. Clinical evaluation included parent-report questionnaires, as SBS for sexual behaviors and CBCL for behavioral problems, and a self-report questionnaire for sexual behaviors, called SESAMO. Moreover, autistic symptoms were investigated with ADOS-2 at T0.ResultsPreliminary analysis revealed a statistically significant differences between T0 and T1 in sexual education (P = 0.02) and frequency of dysfunctional sexual behaviors (P = 0.02) of SBS and in sexual expectations about the partner in SESAMO (P = 0.04). No differences were found in CBCL.ConclusionPreliminary results showed an improvement of romantic and sexual functioning in adolescent boys with HFA, as reported by either parents and adolescents, after participating to a structured psycho-educational training. More sexual education and information, less inappropriate sexual behaviors and more-appropriate expectations about potential partner were reported at the end of the training. These results should be confirmed in studies including larger ASD and control sample.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Differences in Mental Health and Sexual Outcomes Based on Type of Nonconsensual Sexual Penetration.

Little is known based on the stratification and localization of penetration type of rape: oral, vaginal, and/or anal. The current study examined associations between type of rape and mental and sexual health symptoms in 865 community women. All penetration types were positively associated with negative mental and sexual health symptoms. Oral and/or anal rape accounted for additional variance in anxiety, depression, some trauma-related symptoms, and dysfunctional sexual behavior than the association with vaginal rape alone. Findings suggest that penetration type can be an important facet of a rape experience and may be useful to assess in research and clinical settings.

The Precondition Model as a Method for Developing Understanding of Female Contact and Non-Contact Sex Offending: A Single Case Study

This research evaluates the use of an established model, typically used for understanding male sex offenders, to understand the behavior of a female sex offender. The Finkelhor (1984) Precondition Model of offending is used to provide a rare opportunity to explore the process of offending for a female contact and non-contact offender, whose offenses were against children. It reviews the efficacy of utilizing this model in the rehabilitation and collaborative risk management of a female sex offender. The results suggest that this approach can be applied to Internet and contact sex offenses to develop understanding of the progression of offending, including issues such as sexual arousal and the impact of a male co-perpetrator. In this case, the results indicate a post-intervention improvement in areas such as affect control, ability to maintain positive relationships, self-support, and reduced dissociation and dysfunctional sexual behavior. This project provides support for the development of a treatment approach that explores the individual nuances of female sex offending.

Sexual Behavior and Concerns in a Sample of Elderly, Former Indentured Swiss Child Laborers.

IntroductionPast research suggests a link between post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and an increased risk for sexual problems. However, there is still no clear picture whether these higher rates are related to trauma exposure or to PTSD itself.AimThe aim of the present study was to complement existing knowledge on the relative impact of trauma and PTSD on sexuality in later life, considering different aspects of trauma exposure on both men and women.MethodsThe study was conducted on a unique population sample of former Swiss indentured child laborers (55 men, M age 78, age range 60–95 years) who have repeatedly experienced a variety of severe childhood traumas.Main Outcome MeasuresSexual outcomes were measured using two scales from the Trauma Symptom Inventory—Dysfunctional Sexual Behavior (DSB) and Sexual Concerns (SC). PTSD symptoms and trauma were assessed with the Short Screening Scale for PTSD and the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, respectively.ResultsTwenty‐two individuals showed PTSD symptoms, and 53 reported having experienced childhood trauma. Significant differences between men and women were reported for DSB and SC. Men reported a significantly higher prevalence of both SC and DSB compared with women.ConclusionsThis is the very first study investigating DSB and SC in a sample of older adults exposed to similar traumatic experiences and settings. However, some study limitations need to be considered such as the small sample size. Additional studies are needed to further explore the relative role of traumatization and PTSD on sexual behavior and well‐being, especially to improve sexual therapy for patients who experience trauma. Rechsteiner K, Burri A, and Maercker A. Sexual behavior and concerns in a sample of elderly, former indentured Swiss child laborers. Sex Med 2015;3:305–314.

Conceptualization of Hypersexual Disorder with the Behavioral-Cognitive Inhibition Theory

Hypersexual disorder is conceptualized with the behavioral-cognitive inhibition (BCI) theory. The current article focuses on the following aspects: (a) triggers of dysfunctional sexual behaviors and fantasies, (b) dysfunctional beliefs of excessive sexual behaviors and fantasies, (c) negative interpretations of triggers of sexual behaviors and fantasies, (d) excessive sexual behaviors and fantasies as avoidance behaviors, (e) consequences of excessive sexual behaviors and fantasies vs. healthy coping strategies, (f) sexual behaviors as inhibitors of distressing memories associated with negative beliefs, (g) sexual fantasies and other valued memories as inhibitors of dysfunctional memories associated with negative beliefs, and (h) behavioral activation of valued activities as inhibitors of sexual behaviors and distressing memories. Some important issues are discussed.

Esuba

This study examined the effects associated with a trauma and abuse-focused psychoeducation group for incarcerated women on decreasing trauma symptoms. A total of 320 women participated in 34 groups in five prisons that followed a manualized intervention. A one-group pretest-posttest design was used to examine changes on 10 Trauma Symptom Inventory subscales (Anxious Arousal, Depression, Anger/Irritability, Intrusive Experiences, Defensive Avoidance, Dissociation, Sexual Concerns, Dysfunctional Sexual Behavior, Impaired Self-Reference, and Tension Reduction Behavior). Analyses indicated significant improvement on all 10 trauma subscales. Small effect sizes were found on all of the subscales. The findings of this study are encouraging and are the first step toward more rigorous evaluation of this pilot program. These findings provide initial support for the use of group psychoeducation intervention to address traumatic stress symptoms with incarcerated women.

The Impact of Abuse History and Trauma Symptoms on Successful Completion of a Prostitution-exiting Program

This study examines the trauma symptoms and life experiences of 49 women in a residential prostitution-exiting program and identifies differences among women who complete 90 days of the program and women who drop out of the program prior to completing 90 days. The majority of the women reported childhood abuse, adult abusive relationships, and victimization. Women who completed 90 days of treatment were found to be older than the non-completers. Non-completers were more likely to report clinically significant trauma symptoms including dissociation, poor coping behaviors, sex-related issues, and dysfunctional sexual behavior than completers. These findings suggest the importance of incorporating trauma-focused intervention early in the services provided in the exiting programs as well as the need to address the traumatic symptoms related to childhood and adult trauma histories. Findings also indicate the importance of clinically addressing trauma-related sexual issues, concerns, and behavior.

Predictors of Sexual Functioning in a Sample of U.S. Marines: An 11-Year Follow-Up Study

ABSTRACT We examined predictors of sexual functioning in male and female U.S. Marines (n = 589) assessed longitudinally for approximately 11 years. Multiple domains of sexual functioning (dysfunctional sexual behaviors, sexual frequency, sexual problems, and sexual satisfaction) were assessed at the 11-year follow-up assessment (T5). T5 depressive symptoms emerged as the most robust predictor of all domains of sexual functioning. Different patterns of correlates were associated with the different domains of sexual functioning—a finding that highlights the importance of considering the multidimensional nature of human sexuality. In addition, several significant gender × predictor interactions indicated differential relationships between predictors and sexual functioning outcomes for men and women. In particular, concurrent physical health and mental health were more strongly related to sexual functioning for women compared with men. We discuss how findings of the current study can contribute to the development of theories that can better capture the complexity of human sexuality, and we suggest ways that the current findings can inform mental health practitioners working with veterans and military personnel.

Dissociation as a Mediator of Posttraumatic Symptoms in a Puerto Rican University Sample

The present study examined the role of dissociation as a mediator in the relationship between self-reported childhood abusive experiences and adult posttraumatic symptomatology in a nonclinical, Spanish-speaking Latino sample. Participants were 208 (144 female, 64 male) students at the University of Puerto Rico. It was hypothesized that dissociation would mediate the relationship between childhood abusive experiences and adult posttraumatic symptomatology. Dissociation was measured using the Dissociative Experiences Scale, and posttraumatic distress was measured using 9 of the 10 clinical scales of the Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI). Results indicated that dissociation fully mediated the relationship between childhood abusive experiences and the Anxious Arousal and Dysfunctional Sexual Behavior scales of the TSI. Dissociation also partially mediated the relationship between childhood exposure and the other TSI clinical scales used in the analyses. Implications for clinicians working with Puerto Rican survivors of childhood abuse are discussed.

The Relationship between Anger and Heterosexual Behavior. An Investigation in a Nonclinical Sample of Urban Italian Undergraduates

The relationship between anger and sexual behavior has never been thoroughly addressed, although it may deserve special attention because of its theoretical and practical consequences. We were interested in determining the extent in which trait anger was associated with dysfunctional sexual behavior, taking into account possible gender differences. In this correlational study, 410 volunteers (199 men and 211 women) recruited from the students of the University of Messina, Italy, participated in the study. Median age of participants was 24 years. Men and women did not differ significantly in age (U = 18996, P = 0.606). The individuals' sexual behavior was assessed using the Sex and the Average Woman (or Man) questionnaire. We found no association between trait anger and either measure of sexual motivation: sexual excitement, r (396) = 0.11, P = 0.016, and sexual fulfillment, r (396) = -0.06, P = 0.134. Also, gender had no effect on either of these two variables. Trait anger had a positive significant correlation with neurotic sex, r (396) = 0.29, P < 0.002, impersonal sex, r (396) = 0.20, P < 0.002, and aggressive sex, r (396) = 0.28, P < 0.002. As we predicted, the associations between trait anger and these last three variables were stronger for men than for women (although only aggressive sex had a significant result). In multivariate analyses, impersonal sex ceased to be a significant correlate of trait anger. Trait anger has a negative effect on sexual behavior. It seems to exert its worst effects on the nature of sexual interpersonal behavior rather than on sexual motivation. We found no effect of gender on sexual motivation. However, the positive correlation between anger and relational sexual behavior was stronger for men than for women.

Traumatic stress, affect dysregulation, and dysfunctional avoidance: A structural equation model

The multivariate relationship between interpersonal trauma, posttraumatic stress, affect dysregulation, and various avoidance behaviors was examined in a sample of 418 trauma-exposed participants from the general population. Structural equation modeling indicated that (a) suicidality, substance abuse, dissociation, and problematic activities such as self-injury and dysfunctional sexual behaviors were all indicators of a robust latent variable, named dysfunctional avoidance, (b) accumulated exposure to various types of interpersonal trauma was associated with this avoidance factor, and (c) the relationship between trauma and dysfunctional avoidance was independently mediated by both posttraumatic stress and diminished affect regulation capacity.

Journal Digest

Journal Digest

Index of Problematic Online Experiences: Item Characteristics and Correlation with Negative Symptomatology

This exploratory study aimed to develop and test a quick, easily administered instrument, the Index of Problematic Online Experiences (I-POE). The goal of the I-POE extends beyond assessing for Internet overuse to broadly assess problematic Internet use across several domains and activities. Data was collected from 563 college students from a Northern New England university using an online survey methodology. Results indicated the I-POE has adequate construct validity and is highly correlated with a variety of relevant constructs: depression, anger/irritability, tension-reduction behavior, sexual concerns, and dysfunctional sexual behavior as measured by the Trauma Symptom Inventory; as well as amount of Internet use and permissive attitudes toward engaging in a variety of sexual activities. Early flagging of online experiences could mitigate the negative effects associated with problematic use. The I-POE, as an easy-to-administer, short screening index, holds promise in this regard. Initial testing of the instrument points to its utility in identifying persons who are experiencing a broad range of Internet-related problems.

Sexual Function Outcomes in Women Treated for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

This study examined dysfunctional sexual behavior and sexual concerns in women treated for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There were three objectives: to characterize the relationship between symptoms of PTSD and sexual outcomes, to examine the effect of treatment on sexual outcomes, and to examine the relationship between change in PTSD and change in sexual outcomes. Female veterans and active duty personnel with PTSD (n = 242), 93% of whom had experienced sexual trauma, were randomly assigned to receive 10 weekly sessions of either Prolonged Exposure or Present-Centered Therapy. PTSD and sexual outcomes were assessed before and after treatment and then 3 and 6 months later. At baseline, the reexperiencing, numbing, and hyperarousal symptom clusters were related to one or both sexual outcomes. Although prior analyses had shown that Prolonged Exposure resulted in better PTSD outcomes, there were no differences between treatments for either dysfunctional sexual behavior or sexual concerns. However, loss of PTSD diagnosis was associated with improvements in sexual concerns. The findings suggest that clinically meaningful improvements in PTSD are necessary in order to reduce sexual problems in traumatized women.