Sexual Behavior Problems Research Articles

Transactional sexual activity among university students: Prevalence and clinical correlates

Objectives: This study examined the prevalence and mental health correlates of transactional sexual activity (sex for compensation) in a university sample. Methods: A 156-item anonymous survey was distributed via random email generation to 9,449 university students. Results: The prevalence of transactional sex was 2.1%. Respondents who had sold sex (n = 30) reported significantly higher rates of risky sexual behavior and mental health problems than those who had not sold sex (n = 1,405). Conclusions: Transactional sex in our sample of university students was associated with a range of impulsive or compulsive behaviors that may affect students’ health and well-being.

Revisiting the Role of Impulsivity and Compulsivity in Problematic Sexual Behaviors

Impulsivity and compulsivity are transdiagnostic features associated with clinically relevant aspects of psychiatric disorders, including addictions. However, little research has investigated how impulsivity and compulsivity relate to hypersexuality and problematic pornography use. Thus, the aims of the present study were to investigate (a) self-reported impulsivity and compulsivity with respect to hypersexuality and problematic pornography use and (b) the similarities and possible differences between hypersexuality and problematic pornography use in these domains. Utilizing structural equation modeling (SEM) in a large community sample (N = 13,778 participants; female = 4,151, 30.1%), results indicated that impulsivity (β = .28, β = .26) and compulsivity (β = .23, β = .14) were weakly related to problematic pornography use among men and women, respectively. Impulsivity had a stronger relationship (β = .41, β = .42) with hypersexuality than did compulsivity (β = .21, β = .16) among men and women, respectively. Consequently, impulsivity and compulsivity may not contribute as substantially to problematic pornography use as some scholars have proposed. On the other hand, impulsivity might have a more prominent role in hypersexuality than in problematic pornography use. Future research should examine further social and situational factors associated with problematic pornography use.

Juveniles with Sexual Behavior Problems: A Treatment Program Evaluation

AbstractJuveniles commit a significant portion of the sexual abuse perpetrated on other children. Treatment for juveniles with sexual behavior problems has moved from modified adult treatments to more developmentally appropriate approaches. Although cognitive-behavioral therapy is the most commonly used approach, research indicates that inclusion of significant others in the juvenile’s life is important when working with these youth. The inclusion of the juvenile’s family is seen as especially vital in treatment success. The current article reviews treatment outcomes, as measured by recidivism (re-offense) rates, for juvenile males completing a county juvenile sex offender treatment program. The program emphasizes family involvement and collaboration with juvenile probation officers, correctional officer, attorneys, and judges in the ongoing treatment as well as support of the juvenile and his/her family. Results indicate a sexual recidivism rate of 7.2% which is consistent with meta-analyses of research on sexual recidivism in treatment programs. The recidivism rate for non-sexual crimes was 33.7%, which is lower than typically reported in meta-analyses of treatment outcomes. The treatment program was equally effective for all juveniles, regardless of race.

An Etiological Approach to Sexual Offender Assessment: CAse Formulation Incorporating Risk Assessment (CAFIRA).

Case formulations (CF) have been the cornerstone of effective practice in clinical psychology since the 1950s and now form one of the core competencies in clinical and forensic assessment. The use of CFs within forensic settings is becoming more relevant when working with offenders who have experienced significant trauma, suffered from personality disorder, and have displayed sexually abusive behavior. Furthermore, most North American and European jurisdictions insist that expert witnesses adopt an idiosyncratic approach to risk assessment and consider the characteristics of the individual as part of a wider formulation of the problem behavior. This article focuses specifically on CF incorporating risk assessment procedures of sexual offenders. While empirical support for the use of risk analysis and formulation in managing offending behavior generally, and sexual offending behavior in particular, is limited, there is mounting evidence to suggest that CF can improve understanding of an individual's problem sexual behaviors. We argue that by integrating risk formulations into the CF provides a conceptually robust link between the etiologically development of the problem sexual behavior and effective assessment and risk management of sexual offenders. As forensic treatment programs increasingly moved toward strength-based approaches, in keeping with the Risk-Need-Responsivity principles Andrews and Bonta (2004), and the Good Lives Model Ward and Stewart (Prof Psychol Res Pract 34:353-60, 2003) of offender rehabilitation, the use of CFs in the assessment, treatment, and management of sexual offenders is indispensable. We present an etiological framework for understanding risk in an individual sexual offender by integrating a case formulation model to include the use of (static, stable, and acute) actuarial and clinical risk assessment measures as well as protective risk factors, referred to as the CAse Formulation Incorporating Risk Assessment (CAFIRA) model.

Mothers' History of Child Sexual Abuse and Child Behavior Problems: The Mediating Role of Mothers' Helpless State of Mind.

This investigation evaluated a theoretically specified model of associations among mothers' history of child sexual abuse (CSA), a helpless state of mind (SOM) with regard to the mother-child relationship, and increased behavior problems in the next generation. Moreover, we evaluated the moderating influence of child gender on predicted relations between mothers' CSA severity and helpless SOM (i.e., moderated mediation). Participants were 225 biological mother-preschooler dyads (48% female; 46.4% Latinx) drawn from an ongoing, longitudinal study of representation and regulation in child development. Mothers' history of CSA was assessed when their children were 4 years old and emerged as a prominent risk factor in this diverse, high-risk community sample with 40% of mothers reporting contact-based sexual abuse prior to age 18. Mediation analyses revealed a significant indirect pathway from a continuous rating of mothers' CSA severity to increased externalizing behavior problems from ages 4 to 8 in the next generation via mothers' helpless SOM at age 6. Further, this indirect path was significant for mother-daughter dyads, but not for mother-son dyads. This investigation contributes to the neophyte literature on intergenerational CSA effects by revealing the impact of a mother's CSA history on her SOM regarding the mother-child relationship, particularly when parenting daughters. Clinical interventions that enhance survivors' awareness of and reflection on their SOM regarding the parent-child relationship may attenuate intergenerational CSA effects on child adaptation.

Predictors of Intrusive Sexual Behaviors in Preschool-Aged Children

Intrusive sexual behaviors (ISBs) are a specific type of problematic sexual behavior characterized by the invasive nature of the acts (e.g., touching others’ private parts, attempting intercourse; Friedrich, 1997). The limited amount of research on ISBs has focused on sexual abuse history as the primary predictor. However, Friedrich, Davies, Feher, and Wright (2003) found that ISBs in children up to age 12 were related to four broad conceptual factors: (a) exposure to sexual content, (b) exposure to violent behavior, (c) family adversity, and (d) child vulnerabilities. The current study sought to replicate Friedrich’s study using a clinical sample of 217 preschool-aged children (ages two to six). Results supported variables from within the child vulnerabilities construct (externalizing behaviors, βEXT = 0.032, p = 0.001), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) criteria met (βPTSD = 0.177, p = 0.02), and an inverse relationship with age (βAGE = −0.206, p = 0.024). These results highlight the importance of considering childhood behavioral patterns and reactivity to traumatic events as correlates of ISBs in young children.

Risk Assessment of Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities Who Exhibit Sexual Behavior Problems or Sexual Offending Behavior

ABSTRACTAdolescents with intellectual disabilities are known to engage in various sexual behavior problems or sexual offending behaviors. This article provides a review of important aspects of risk assessment within the context of a broader, more comprehensive and holistic assessment of these individuals. Pertinent risk and sexual interest assessment tools are identified along with their strengths and limitations. Issues that are often unattended to are addressed, including consideration of the behavioral implications of the young person’s diagnosis and level of cognitive functioning, need for sexual knowledge and sexual interest assessment, and issues related to making a mental health diagnosis. Recommendations for future research are also offered.

Religiosity Reduces Sexual Aggression and Coercion in a Longitudinal Cohort of College Men: Mediating Roles of Peer Norms, Promiscuity, and Pornography.

Extensive literature suggests that religiosity is a protective factor in reducing a number of deviant behaviors, including sexual aggression. Whereas previous research focused on the role of risky alcohol consumption in mediating the relationship between religiosity and sexual aggression, this study explores the hypothesized meditational paths from religiosity to sexual aggression and technology-based coercive behavior through peer norms, pornography consumption, and promiscuity. Findings from a four-year longitudinal study of male college students suggest that peer norms and promiscuity mediate the relationship between religiosity and both outcome measures, while pornography consumption mediates the relationship between religiosity and technology-based coercive behavior. These findings may inform ongoing practice and future research into possible mechanisms by which problematic sexual behaviors may be influenced.

Sexual abuse in very young children: a psychological assessment in the Amsterdam Sexual Abuse Case study

ABSTRACTBackground: Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a worldwide problem affecting children of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. A knowledge gap exists regarding the psychological outcomes for children, boys in particular, who are abused during their early lives.Objective: To provide a descriptive psychological profile of children who experienced sexual abuse as infants or toddlers from a male daycare worker and babysitter, and to assess the psychopathological impact on their parents.Method: Parents of children involved in the Amsterdam Sexual Abuse Case (41 parents; 44 children, age range 3–11 years, 30 boys, 14 girls) completed measures on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), dissociation, sexual and non-sexual behaviour problems, and attachment insecurity in their children, as well as on parental psychological well-being, 3 years after disclosure. Sexual abuse characteristics were obtained from police records.Results: We found that 3% of confirmed child victims had PTSD, 30% sexual behaviour problems, 24% internalizing problems, 27% attachment insecurity, and 18% any psychiatric disorder (including PTSD); 39% were asymptomatic. In parents, we found feelings of guilt, shame, and anger about the abuse of their child; 19% showed PTSD symptoms and 3% showed avoidant and 8% anxious attachment problems in their intimate relationship. Parental symptomatology was related to child symptomatology, except for child sexual behaviour problems. One-quarter of confirmed child victims and 45% of parents had received psychological treatment.Conclusions: Three years after disclosure, extrafamilial CSA in very young children was associated with sexual and non-sexual behaviour problems and attachment insecurity, but rarely with PTSD or dissociation. For parents it was associated with PTSD symptoms and emotional reactions. Assessments and interventions should focus on the wide spectrum of problems that follow CSA, as well as on parental psychopathology and the parent–child relationship. Future follow-up assessments in our longitudinal study should provide insights into longer-term outcomes.

The Relationship between Attachment, Depression, and Anxiety in Juveniles with Sexual Behavior Problems

The face of treatment for juvenile sex offending is changing, with a movement away from approaches based inforensic models toward more relational, holistic models. This movement has highlighted the importance of attachment experiences in the evaluation, assessment, and treatment of juveniles with sexual behavior problems (JSBPs) along with other important etiological factors, such as depression and anxiety. The current research utilized a correlational design to explore perceptions of attachment relationships, depression, and anxiety in a sample of incarcerated male JSBPs. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients revealed several interesting relationships among the variables. By considering relationships between attachment and common etiological factors, clinicians may be better able to improve overall treatment outcome for youth and their communities.

Comparing Social Climate Perceptions of Staff and Juveniles with Sexual Behavior Problems

Comparing Social Climate Perceptions of Staff and Juveniles with Sexual Behavior Problems

Sexual risk taking and the HIV care continuum in an online sample of men who have sex with men

ABSTRACTAntiretroviral Therapy (ART) suppresses HIV replication, reducing the risk of transmission. However, many people living with HIV in the US are not virally suppressed even after diagnosis and initiating ART, and may become disengaged from care at each stage of the HIV care continuum (HCC). In the current study we assessed the sexual risk behaviors of MSM by HCC stage. US MSM who completed an online survey (N = 12,995) in 2015 were categorized into 6 HCC groups. Mean age was 39.2 and a majority identified as White (49.6%). At every stage of the HCC, we found higher proportions of individuals engaged in care compared to CDC estimates. A majority of the sample was HIV-positive and engaged in care, with 67.2% of HIV-positive participants reporting viral suppression with ART. Across HCC groups, participants reported high rates of past 6-month condomless anal sex (CAS) (79.2%–84.8%) and CAS with serodiscordant or unknown status partners (38.0%–84.1%). Notably, MSM with unknown HIV serostatus reported the highest proportion of CAS and serodiscordant CAS. HIV-positive MSM not on ART were more likely to report an STI diagnosis (p < .002) compared to those unaware of their HIV status or HIV negative. Moreover, young Black MSM were less likely to be on ART (p < .002) or virally suppressed (p < .002) compared to older White MSM. Our findings highlight potentially problematic sexual risk behaviors among MSM by level of HCC engagement, which can impede the preventive impact of ART. Online platforms provide an avenue to assess the progress of MSM along the HCC, as well as other subpopulations in need of appropriate behavioral interventions to decrease HIV incidence.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy and young children with Problematic Sexual Behavior: A conceptual overview and treatment considerations

Problematic Sexual Behavior (PSB) can be conceptualized as a distinct subset of externalizing behavior problems. Preschool children with PSB commonly have co-occurring nonsexual behavior problems, including disruptive behavior disorders (DBD). Behavioral parent training is the core component of effective treatments for DBD (Kaminski, Valle, Filene, & Boyle, 2008) and for PSB (St. Amand, Bard, & Silovsky, 2008). Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an empirically supported evidence-based behavioral parent treatment program for young children ages 2 to 7 with disruptive behavior problems (California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse, 2017; Eyberg & Funderburk, 2011; Funderburk & Eyberg, 2011). However, due to the taboo nature of the topic and the potential impact and harm to other children, unique clinical issues can arise when behaviors are classified as “sexual.” Adaptations to PCIT are recommended to address safety, physical boundaries, commonly held myths about the population, and other related issues. Conceptual background of PSB and the fit of behavioral parent training as a core intervention is provided, followed by details regarding augmentations to embed approaches to address PSB within PCIT.

Autism-spectrum disorders in adolescence and adulthood: focus on sexuality.

The combination of the core symptoms, characterizing individuals with autism-spectrum disorder (ASD), can lead to problems in romantic relationships and sexual functioning. The purpose of this article is to review studies on sexuality in individuals with ASD published since January 2016. Individuals with ASD and especially women show a higher diversity in sexual orientation in comparison with the non-ASD population. Furthermore, ASD women are more frequently in a relationship and usually report more previous sexual experiences. Up to now, sexual education programs specifically addressing the needs of the ASD population were scarce, which was criticized by patients, their parents, and caregivers. With the development of the Tackling Teenage Training program, a psychoeducational intervention designed specifically for ASD individuals was introduced, leading to significant improvements in psychosexual functioning and knowledge. Such programs are needed because a considerable rate of problematic sexual behaviors, including public masturbation and paraphilic sexual interests were found in the ASD population. Just like their typically developing counterparts, individuals with ASD show the whole range of normal-to-problematic sexual behaviors. Improving sexual knowledge could lead to less inappropriate sexual behaviors and could improve sexual health as part of a healthy and satisfying life.

Child Sexual Abuse and Negative Affect as Shared Risk Factors for Sexual Aggression and Sexual HIV Risk Behavior in Heterosexual Men.

Previous research has suggested that sexually aggressive behavior and sexual HIV risk behavior are associated. Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a well-established risk factor for both types of problematic sexual behavior. Negative affect (i.e., anxiety, depression, and anger) is a less well-studied risk factor, but it has been theorized to relate to both sexual aggression and HIV risk behavior. Thus, this study sought to (1) confirm the relationship between sexual aggression and HIV risk behavior, (2) establish CSA and negative affect as shared risk factors for sexual aggression and HIV risk behavior, and (3) evaluate whether negative affect mediates the relationship between CSA and sexual aggression and between CSA and HIV sexual risk in a sample of heterosexual men. We recruited 18- to 30-year-old heterosexual men (N=377) from urban sexually transmitted infection clinics. Men completed measures of sexual HIV risk history (number of partners and condom use), sexual aggression history, CSA history, and trait negative affect (anger, anxiety, and depression). Structural equation modeling was used to examine hypothesized direct and indirect relationships. In the final SEM model, sexual aggression history and sexual HIV risk behavior were correlated. CSA was associated with both types of problematic sexual behavior. Anxiety significantly mediated the relationship between CSA and sexual aggression and between CSA and sexual HIV risk behavior (χ 2[1300]=2121.79, p<.001; CFI=0.905; RMSEA [90% CI]=.044 [.041-.047]). Sexual aggression appears to be part of a constellation of sexual risk behaviors; thus, it may be possible to develop prevention programs that target both sexual HIV risk and sexual aggression. CSA is a shared risk factor for sexual aggression and HIV risk behavior through the pathway of anxiety. Thus, anxiety might be one promising target for intervention.

Impact of wrong sexual behavior on adolescent development : a factor dragging the society towards ruin

Impact of wrong sexual behavior of adolescent has been surveyed. It effect on the victims has been proven negative, with consequences like health effect including financial effect been a drawback, acting like a barrier to the ideal development of an individual adolescent. Wrong sexual behavior has been found to be on the increase, forcing adolescents to drop-out of school, exhibiting behaviors that do not conform to the development of the society. Result of this research findings shows the impact of wrong sexual behavior to include: Disregard for cultural/societal moral values, teenage/adolescent pregnancies, rapid increase in STDs and HIV/AIDS transmission, eagerness to practices illicit sexual acts, wrong conception about the opposite sex including sexual intercourse addiction with prostitution tendencies. The high positive percentages achieved from statistical analysis (respondent view-point) presents these impact as been on the increase, capable of dragging the society towards ruin. Recommendations of this study presents a view that the problem of adolescent wrong sexual behavior can be control , presenting guides like proper guidance and counseling , proper monitoring, aggressive sex education, reawakening of traditional African moral and value teachings, inclusion of sex education in religious teachings including proper dressing and restricting of adolescents from pornographic materials.

Preventing Harmful Sexual Behaviour and Child Sexual Exploitation for children & young people living in residential care: A scoping review in the Australian context

Harmful Sexual Behavior and Child Sexual Exploitation are problems of significant proportion for children & young people living in out-of-home care. The aim of this review was to conduct a scoping exercise of the evidence about preventing these problems with the intent of summarising and disseminating knowledge to policy-makers, practitioners and researchers. Five electronic databases were searched in November and December 2016, including: PscyhINFO; Applied Social Science Index and Abstracts; SocINDEX; Web of Science; and Education Resource Information Centre. The search was guided by the research question: What is known about preventing Harmful Sexual Behavior and Child Sexual Exploitation for children & young people living in residential out-of-home care settings? Twenty papers were included in the review, including: seven peer-reviewed journal articles; three reports for government; two presentation transcripts; two literature reviews; one qualitative research report; one report for a government inquiry; one submission to a government inquiry; one consultation paper for a government inquiry; one guideline; and one educational resource. Three major thematic categories were identified in the evidence: (i) constructing educative interventions for children & young people and workers; (ii) targeting grooming and problematic sexual behavior; and (iii) providing a holistic response and a way out. The review revealed that the current prevention response to Harmful Sexual Behavior and Child Sexual Exploitation for children & young people living in residential care is under-developed. Promising program, service or practice elements relating to the prevention of Harmful Sexual Behavior and Child Sexual Exploitation were identified and three interventions suggested for future prevention efforts.

A Framework for Categorizing Chronically Problematic Sexual Behavior

ABSTRACTThis article introduces a framework for categorizing chronically problematic sexual behavior. It identifies patterns of commitment violations, values conflicts, diminished self-control, negative consequences, and lack of sexual responsibility as independent categories of chronically problematic sexual behavior. It recognizes that many forms of problematic sexual behavior can be reduced or eliminated by changing either sexual or nonsexual components of a person's life. This framework does not use the type or frequency of sexual behavior as an assessment variable. It neither postulates causes of problematic sexual behavior nor offers techniques for its reduction or elimination. This framework does not replace any existing theories or assistance models. Since it is capable of supporting theories representing many different perspectives, it expands the potential for interdisciplinary collaboration to widen the range of options available to more people who want to reduce or eliminate chronically problematic aspects of their sexual behavior.

Using the dual control model to understand problematic sexual behaviors in men

Summary A strong sexual response in men is associated to a variety of sexual behaviors that can result in severe consequences, like hypersexuality, sexual risk-taking, and sexual coercion. However, considering a sexual response as an “out of control” impulse fails to take into account regulation and inhibition factors involved in these types of behaviors. The Dual Control model proposes that the strength of the sexual response depends on the balance between excitation and inhibitory systems. The goal of the present review is to demonstrate the usefulness of this model in understanding problematic sexual behaviors in both heterosexual and homosexual men. Empirical studies identify three main processes associated to the three control systems of this model: a sexual response that is too strong, a lack of inhibition of this response, and inhibition provoked by the preoccupation of sexual performance. Clinicians as well as researchers should thus consider excitation and inhibition factors when treating and conducting research on problematic sexual behaviors.

Le modèle du double contrôle dans la compréhension des comportements sexuels problématiques chez les hommes

A strong sexual response in men is associated to a variety of sexual behaviors that can result in severe consequences, like hypersexuality, sexual risk-taking, and sexual coercion. However, considering a sexual response as an “out of control” impulse fails to take into account regulation and inhibition factors involved in these types of behaviors. The Dual Control model proposes that the strength of the sexual response depends on the balance between excitation and inhibitory systems. The goal of the present review is to demonstrate the usefulness of this model in understanding problematic sexual behaviors in both heterosexual and homosexual men. Empirical studies identify three main processes associated to the three control systems of this model: a sexual response that is too strong, a lack of inhibition of this response, and inhibition provoked by the preoccupation of sexual performance. Clinicians as well as researchers should thus consider excitation and inhibition factors when treating and conducting research on problematic sexual behaviors.