Cited by 35Sexuality, Behavior, and TechnologyGambling Behavior and TreatmentsSubstance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes

Relationships among impulsive, addictive and sexual tendencies and behaviours: a systematic review of experimental and prospective studies in humans

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Leeman, Robert F., Rowland, Bonnie H. P., Gebru, Nioud Mulugeta, Potenza, Marc N.·2019·Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

Abstract

Impulsivity's relationships to addictive and sexual behaviours raise questions regarding the extent impulsivity may constitute a vulnerability factor for subsequent addictive and sexual behaviours and/or results from each of these. Here, we systematically reviewed empirical support for impulsivity as a precipitating factor or a consequence of addictive or sexual behaviours. We restricted ourselves to recent, human studies with assessments over time, including at least one measure of impulsivity, addictive and sexual behaviours, yielding a review including 29 published reports from 28 studies. Findings point to generalized, self-reported impulsivity as a predictor of addictive and sexual behaviours at a wide range of severity, with elements of both impulsivity and compulsivity to these acts. Alcohol consumption often increases impulsive behaviour, including inclinations towards impulsive and potentially compulsive sexual acts. Research using the Sexual Delay Discounting Task has yielded findings linking impulsivity, addictive and sexual behaviour and as such is a valuable research tool that should be used more extensively. The present review identified gaps to be addressed in further research that concurrently examines facets of impulsivity, addictive and sexual behaviours, especially because criteria for compulsive sexual behaviour disorder have been included in the eleventh edition of the International Classification of Diseases . This article is part of the theme issue ‘Risk taking and impulsive behaviour: fundamental discoveries, theoretical perspectives and clinical implications’.

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Crossref · 10.1098/rstb.2018.0129

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Authors
Leeman, R. F., Rowland, B. H. P., Gebru, N. M., & Potenza, M. N.
Affiliations
  • University of Florida Health (US)
  • Yale University (US)
Corresponding author
Potenza, Marc N.
Venue
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
Published
2018-12-31
Volume
374
Issue
1766
Pages
20180129
ISSN
  • 0962-8436 (ISSN-L)
  • 1471-2970
OpenAlex
W2908304373
Cited by
35
References
62
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 9 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 5 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 1
FWCI
0.47
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • NIH (R01 DA035508, P50 DA09241, R01 DA026437, R01 DA039)
  • Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling (None)
  • State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (None)
  • National Center for Responsible Gaming (Center of Excellence)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Gambling Behavior and Treatments
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
Keywords
impulsivity, addictive behavior, sexual behavior, alcohol consumption, risk-taking
MeSH terms
Humans, Impulsive Behavior, Sexual Behavior, Behavior, Addictive

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