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Cited by 192Sexuality, Behavior, and TechnologyGambling Behavior and TreatmentsSexual function and dysfunction studies

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 234 of the 234 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

Hypersexuality: A Critical Review and Introduction to the “Sexhavior Cycle”

Walton, Michael T., Cantor, James M., Bhullar, Navjot, Lykins, Amy D.·2017·Archives of Sexual Behavior
DOI 10.1007/s10508-017-0991-8
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Abstract

An empirical review of hypersexuality is timely as "compulsive sexual behavior" is being considered as an impulse control disorder for inclusion in the forthcoming International Classification of Diseases, 11th ed. Specifically, hypersexuality has been conceptualized in the literature as the inability to regulate one's sexual behavior that is a source of significant personal distress. Various theoretical models have been posited in an attempt to understand the occurrence of hypersexuality, although disagreement about these divergent conceptualizations of the condition has made assessment and treatment of hypersexual clients more challenging. Theories of sexual compulsivity, sexual impulsivity, dual control (sexual inhibition/excitation), and sex addiction are critically examined, as are the diagnostic criteria for clinically assessing hypersexuality as a sexual disorder. Our discussion of hypersexuality covers a diversity of research and clinical perspectives. We also address various challenges associated with reliably defining, psychometrically measuring, and diagnosing hypersexuality. Furthermore, literature is reviewed that expresses concerns regarding whether hypersexuality (conceptualized as a disorder) exists, whether it is simply normophilic behavior at the extreme end of sexual functioning, or alternatively is a presenting problem that requires treatment rather than a clinical diagnosis. Following our literature review, we developed the "sexhavior cycle of hypersexuality" to potentially explain the neuropsychology and maintenance cycle of hypersexuality. The sexhavior cycle suggests that, for some hypersexual persons, high sexual arousal may temporarily and adversely impact cognitive processing (cognitive abeyance) and explain a repeated pattern of psychological distress when interpreting one's sexual behavior (sexual incongruence). We also suggest that further research is required to validate whether hypersexuality is a behavioral disorder (such as gambling), although some presentations of the condition appear to be symptomatic of a heterogeneous psychological problem that requires treatment.

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Research works printed but not linked: 9

  1. Baptie, C. A. (2012). The relationship between online sexual compulsivity and shame, guilt, internalized homonegativity, depression, and perceived social support in men who have sex with men (Doctoral dissertation). Available from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Databases (UMI No. 3537114).
  2. Bowlby, J. (1973). Attachment and loss: Separation anxiety and anger (Vol. 2). New York, NY: Basic Books.
  3. Cantor, J. M., Blanchard, R., & Barbaree, H. (2009). Sexual disorders. In P. H. Blaney & T. Millon (Eds.), Oxford textbook of psychopathology (2nd ed., pp. 527–548). New York: Oxford.
  4. Carnes, P. J. (2001). Out of the shadows: Understanding sexual addiction (3rd ed.). Center City, MN: Hazelden Publishing. (Originally published 1983)
  5. Carnes, P. J. (2003). Understanding sexual addiction. Siecus Report, 31, 5–7.
  6. Coleman, E. (1990). The obsessive–compulsive model for describing compulsive sexual behavior. American Journal of Preventive Psychiatry and Neurology, 2, 9–14.
  7. Hughes, B. (2011). ‘Sexual addiction’: Diagnosis and treatment in clinical practice. Poster session presented at the International Conference for Healthcare and Medical Students, Dublin, Ireland.
  8. Klein, M. (2003). Sex addiction: A dangerous clinical concept. Siecus report, 31, 8–11.
  9. Schneider, J. P. (2005). Guidelines for psychiatrists working with patients with sexual addiction. Psychiatric Times, 22, 64–71.

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Metadata

Authors
Walton, M. T., Cantor, J. M., Bhullar, N., & Lykins, A. D.
Affiliations
  • University of New England (AU)
  • Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CA)
Corresponding author
Lykins, Amy D.
ORCID
Venue
Archives of Sexual Behavior
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2017-07-07
Volume
46
Issue
8
Pages
2231-2251
ISSN
  • 0004-0002 (ISSN-L)
  • 1573-2800
DOI
10.1007/s10508-017-0991-8
OpenAlex
W2729888984
Cited by
192
References
234
Citations by year
2026: 22 · 2025: 14 · 2024: 11 · 2023: 14 · 2022: 18 · 2021: 41 · 2020: 29 · 2019: 15 · 2018: 19 · 2017: 9
FWCI
3.02
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
Locations
  • Archives of Sexual Behavior (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • EPubDev Repository (submittedVersion)
  • RUNE (Research UNE) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Gambling Behavior and Treatments
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Sexual function and dysfunction studies
Keywords
hypersexuality, compulsive sexual behavior, sexual impulsivity, dual control model, sexual addiction, sexual arousal, diagnostic criteria, ICD-11, impulse control disorders, sexual dysfunction
MeSH terms
Compulsive Behavior, Female, Humans, Male, Paraphilic Disorders, Sexual Behavior

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