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Cited by 191Sexuality, Behavior, and TechnologyCrime, Deviance, and Social ControlGambling Behavior and Treatments

The myth of sexual compulsivity

Levine, Martin P., Troiden, Richard R.·1988·Journal of Sex Research
DOI 10.1080/00224498809551467
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Abstract

This paper analyzes critically the newly discovered “conditions” of sexual addiction and sexual compulsion from the sociological perspective of symbolic interactionism. We begin by describing the concepts of sexual addiction and sexual compulsion and by providing case studies of each “condition.” We then discuss the cultural relativity of sexual conduct, and identify features of the late 1970s' and 1980s' sociosexual landscape that encouraged a perception of nonrelational sex as pathological. We conclude by critically analyzing the concepts of sexual addiction and sexual compulsion. We demonstrate that the definitions are conceptually flawed and that the criteria for these “conditions” are subjective and value laden. There is nothing inherently pathological in the conduct that is labeled sexually compulsive or addictive. Rather than referring to actual clinical entities, sexual addiction and compulsion refer to learned patterns of behavior that are stigmatized by dominant institutions.

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Authors
Levine, M. P., & Troiden, R. R.
Affiliations
  • Bloomfield College (US)
  • Miami University (US)
Venue
Journal of Sex Research
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Published
1988-08
Volume
25
Issue
3
Pages
347-363
ISSN
  • 0022-4499 (ISSN-L)
  • 1559-8519
DOI
10.1080/00224498809551467
OpenAlex
W1986028915
Cited by
191
References
38
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 8 · 2020: 5 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 1 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 3 · 2015: 10 · 2014: 9 · 2013: 12 · 2012: 6
FWCI
3.92
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
The Journal of Sex Research (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Crime, Deviance, and Social Control
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Gambling Behavior and Treatments
Keywords
sexual addiction, compulsive sexual behavior, symbolic interactionism, stigmatization, 1970s-1980s

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