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Cited by 163Sexuality, Behavior, and TechnologyGambling Behavior and TreatmentsSexual function and dysfunction studies

Compulsive sexual behavior and dysregulation of emotion

Lew-Starowicz, Michał, Lewczuk, Karol, Nowakowska, Iwona, Kraus, Shane, Gola, Mateusz·2020·Sexual Medicine Reviews
DOI 10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.10.003
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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Dysregulation of emotion (DE) is commonly seen in individuals suffering from compulsive sexual behavior (CSB), as well as represents a crucial element of its common comorbidities like mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders. AIM: To investigate the links between CSB and DE. METHODS: A review of pertinent literature on CSB and DE was performed using EBSCO, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Patterns of DE were evaluated as a common clinical feature, underlying mechanisms, as well as a target for psychological and pharmacological interventions in CSB. RESULTS: Across different conceptualizations of CSB, DE represents the core element of a failure to cope with sexual impulses, thoughts, urges, or resulting uncontrolled sexual behaviors. DE may contribute to the occurrence of CSB while for individuals affected by this condition, sexual arousal and release act as an easier/learned (yet uncontrolled and leading to negative consequences) way of coping with negative mood states. CSB may represent a delusive form of self-regulation. Experience of child sexual abuse and insecure attachment patterns are considered risk factors for CSB (likely to be mediated by DE) but require further investigation. DE is also positively associated with CSB symptom severity. Pharmacological treatments affecting mood regulation, anxiety, impulsivity, and regulation within the brain reward system have been reported to help people with CSB achieve better control over their sexual urges and behavior. However, the available data are scarce and well-powered randomized controlled trials are needed to support these observations. Although improvement in one's emotional self-regulation is considered as an important healing factor in treatment, its benefit in psychological therapies specific to CSB requires further investigation. CONCLUSION: DE represents a core symptom of compulsive sexual behavior disorder and related comorbidities as well as a predisposing factor to the development of compulsive sexual behavior disorder. Addressing DE may facilitate better treatment outcomes for patients with CSB. Lew-Starowicz M, Lewczuk K, Nowakowska I, et al. Compulsive Sexual Behavior and Dysregulation of Emotion. J Sex Med 2020;8:191-205.

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Authors
Lew-Starowicz, M., Lewczuk, K., Nowakowska, I., Kraus, S., & Gola, M.
Affiliations
  • Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw (PL)
  • The Maria Grzegorzewska University (PL)
  • University of Nevada, Las Vegas (US)
  • University of California San Diego (US)
ORCID
Venue
Sexual Medicine Reviews
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Published
2020-04
Volume
8
Issue
2
Pages
191-205
ISSN
  • 2050-0513 (ISSN-L)
  • 2050-0521
DOI
10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.10.003
OpenAlex
W2992514771
Cited by
163
References
163
Citations by year
2026: 38 · 2025: 29 · 2024: 27 · 2023: 21 · 2022: 23 · 2021: 12 · 2020: 12 · 2019: 1
FWCI
1.89
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
www.elsevier.com/tdm/userlicense/1.0/ (tdm)
Locations
  • Sexual Medicine Reviews (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education
  • National Science Center (2016/21/N/HS6/02678)
  • Swartz Foundation
  • SAA
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
compulsive sexual behavior, emotional dysregulation, sexual impulse control, mood regulation, anxiety comorbidity, substance use comorbidity, child sexual abuse, insecure attachment, risk factors, pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, brain reward system, impulsivity
MeSH terms
Emotional Regulation, Compulsive Behavior, Humans, Psychotherapy, Mood Disorders, Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological

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