To assess problematic sexually explicit media (SEM) consumption, and to identify clinically meaningful cut-off points, we examined clinical correlates using the new Compulsive Pornography Consumption (CPC) scale among 1165 participating MSM. Building on scale practices in measuring compulsive sexual behavior, two cut-off points were identified. While most (76-80%) MSM do not report compulsive symptoms, about 16-20% report levels of problematic SEM consumption, including 7% with extreme scores consistent with DSM criteria for compulsive disorders. Demographic, sexual, and HIV risk differences were identified between the three groups. Researchers and clinicians are encouraged to consider using the CPC scale for comprehensive assessment of compulsive sexual behavior.

This study explored the features of non-paraphilic compulsive sexual behavior (NPCSB) in a community sample of 183 gay and bisexual men in New York City who reported difficulty controlling their sexual behavior. Several diagnostic and face valid measures of NPCSB and Axis I comorbidity were administered. Results indicated that NPCSB is associated with a range of problem behaviors, a fairly coherent pattern of symptoms that can be assessed with good inter-rater reliability, is distinct from other related disorders, and provides a moderate fit to the dependence model but with other unique features. Implications for classification and treatment will be discussed.

Because of the association that researchers have recently delineated between compulsive sexual behavior and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and drug abuse, it is paramount that a psychometrically sound measure of compulsive sexual behavior is made available to all healthcare professionals working in disease prevention and other areas. This article reports the findings from a psychometric analysis of the Compulsive Sexual Behavior Inventory (CSBI) in a sample of 482 racially and ethnically diverse men and women. The current study provides further evidence for the score reliability and the score validity of the CSBI in this sample. Construct-related validity was assessed using the multi-trait multi-method approach. These analyses extend previous findings for the psychometric properties of the CSBI in a more diversified sample.

Hypersexual behavior has been documented within clinical and research settings over the past decade. Despite recent research on hypersexuality and its associated features, many questions remain how best to define and classify hypersexual behavior. Proposed diagnostic criteria for Hypersexual Disorder (HD) have been proposed for the DSM-5 and a preliminary field trial has lent some support to the reliability and validity of the HD diagnosis. However, debate exists with respect to the extent to which the disorder might be categorized as a non-substance or behavioral addiction. In this article, we will discuss this debate in the context of data citing similarities and differences between hypersexual disorder, drug addictions, and pathological gambling. The authors of this paper conclude that despite many similarities between the features of hypersexual behavior and substance-related disorders, the research on HD at this time is in its infancy and much remains to be learned before definitively characterizing HD as an addiction at this time.

Although the phenomenon of hypersexuality has been described in the literature, and scales of compulsive sexual behavior have been published, the existing measures do not assess compulsive sexually explicit media (SEM) consumption. This study tested the psychometric properties of a new scale, the Compulsive Pornography Consumption (CPC). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses results showed good psychometric performance of a five item two factor preoccupation-compulsivity solution. As hypothesized, the scale correlates positively with compulsive sexual behavior, internalized homonegativity, and negatively with sexual self-esteem. The scale will enable researchers to investigate the etiologic factors of compulsive SEM use, and enable clinicians to assess problematic consumption.

Individuals who meet criteria for sexual compulsivity tend to be more likely to engage in behaviors that may have negative consequences. Despite the clear public health relevance, however, little is known about the determinants of sexual compulsivity. This psychophysiological study examined self-regulation of sexual arousal in men high and low in sexual compulsivity, when sober and after alcohol consumption. A total of 43 men who have sex with men (MSM) participated and were presented with a series of erotic film clips. Two clips were presented after alcohol consumption (BAL .06), two other film clips were viewed when sober. Within alcohol conditions, one of the two films was combined with a suppression, the other with a no-suppression instruction. Genital responses were lower in the high sexual compulsivity group and higher during no-suppression conditions. The suppression instruction was not effective under sober conditions but impacted responses after alcohol consumption. This effect was more pronounced for the low compulsivity group. The findings suggest that sexually compulsive men are less successful in inhibiting their sexual responses, but only after alcohol consumption. The findings also suggest that sexually compulsive men may be less responsive to (researcher-selected) erotic stimuli.

Research supports links between marijuana effect expectancies and risky sexual behaviors among marijuana users, but associations between marijuana expectancies and hypersexuality have yet to be investigated. The current study examined links between marijuana lifetime use and hypersexuality among university students. A hierarchical regression adjusting for gender and alcohol use was used to determine the degree to which marijuana use and expectancies accounted for variance in hypersexuality. Marijuana lifetime use and hypersexuality were significantly and positive related. After adjusting for covariates, perceptual and cognitive enhancement expectancies positively correlated with hypersexuality, while tension reduction and relaxation expectancies negatively correlated with hypersexuality.

The present study sought to extend compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) and mindfulness research by testing whether dispositional mindfulness negatively related to CSB among men with substance use disorders (SUD) through experiential avoidance. Dispositional mindfulness is believed to decrease experiential avoidance, a correlate of CSB. We therefore hypothesized that dispositional mindfulness would relate to CSB indirectly through experiential avoidance. We reviewed medical records from 175 men in residential treatment for SUD. Results revealed significant indirect effects of dispositional mindfulness on CSB through experiential avoidance. Results provided preliminary support for developing mindfulness-based CSB interventions that target experiential avoidance.

Emotion regulation and emotional expression may be important factors which contribute to sexual risk behavior among emerging adults, yet research exploring their relation is limited. Further, the influence of a romantic partner is unclear. The current study aims to a) investigate association between emotional difficulties and sexual risk behavior (e.g. sexual compulsivity and sensation-seeking) and b) explore the influence of a romantic partner on individual sexual risk. Participants were 49 couples (n=98) participating in a randomized control pilot intervention. Results demonstrated that individual and partner emotional difficulties were associated with sexual risk behavior. Results did not vary by gender.

The association between positive and negative affect and sexual behavior in 39 MSM with and without hypersexuality (HS) was explored using ecological momentary assessment. Participants reported their current positive and negative affect three times per day and their sexual behavior each morning and evening. The relationship between affect and sexual behavior differed between men with or without HS. In those with HS, the timing of and interactions between experienced affect differentially predicted types of sexual behavior, indicating differing mechanisms driving partnered sexual behavior and masturbation. These findings lend support to conceptualizing HS behavior as a coping strategy for affective arousal.