Three Diagnoses for Problematic Hypersexuality; Which Criteria Predict Help-Seeking Behavior?

Piet van Tuijl, Aerjen Tamminga, Gert-Jan Meerkerk, Peter Verboon, Ruslan Leontjevas and Jacques van Lankveld
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Piet van Tuijl: Department of Psychology, Open Universiteit, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands
Aerjen Tamminga: Psychologen Nederland (PsyNed), 1062 GD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Gert-Jan Meerkerk: Instituut voor Onderzoek naar Leefwijzen & Verslaving (IVO), 2595 AA Den Haag, The Netherlands
Peter Verboon: Department of Psychology, Open Universiteit, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands
Ruslan Leontjevas: Department of Psychology, Open Universiteit, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands
Jacques van Lankveld: Department of Psychology, Open Universiteit, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 18, 1-15

Abstract: This study aimed to assess the best combination of indicators of problematic hypersexuality (PH), in a survey ( n = 58,158) targeting individuals wondering if they were sex addicted. The survey allowed for testing of criteria from three theoretical models used to conceptualize PH. Factor analyses for women and men yielded an interpretable grouping of indicators consisting of four factors. In subsequent logistic regressions, these factors were used as predictors for experiencing the need for help for PH. The factors Negative Effects and Extreme positively predicted experiencing the need for help, with Negative Effects as the most important predictor for both women and men. This factor included, among others, withdrawal symptoms and loss of pleasure. The Sexual Desire factor negatively predicted the need for help, suggesting that for the targeted population more sexual desire leads to less PH. The Coping factor did not predict experiencing the need for help. Outcomes show that a combination of indicators from different theoretical models best indicates the presence of PH. Therefore, a measurement instrument to assess existence and severity of PH should consist of such a combination. Theoretically, this study suggests that a more comprehensive model for PH is needed, surpassing existing conceptualizations of PH.

Keywords: sex addiction; hypersexuality; compulsive sexuality; sexual frequency; withdrawal; tolerance; coping (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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