Work

Compulsive sexual behavior: A twelve-step therapeutic approach

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: Background and aims Sexuality is natural to human life and inseparable from it, yet some individuals develop compulsive sexual behavior (CSB). Many individuals with CSB seek treatment in free self-support groups based on the twelve-step program. This program was extensively studied in substance abuse disorders (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous), but little is known about its efficiency in CSB. Methods We "assesed" questionnaire data on sociodemographical-, psychological-, and recovery-related factors from 97 male participants of Sexaholics Anonymous (SA) programs in Israel. Results Our results indicated that advancement in the SA program, measured as a current step of the program, is significantly related to lower levels of sexual-related overall sense of helplessness, avoidant help-seeking, self-control, overall CSB, and sexual suppression. It is also related to the higher well-being. Discussion This is the first study to examine psychological factors of CSB recovery process in twelve-step groups, and future research is needed to replicate our results within a longitudinal study.

Source: Journal of Behavioral Addictions

DOI: 10.1556/2006.7.2018.26

Authors: Yaniv Efrati, Mateusz Gola

Institutions: Beit Berl College, University of California San Diego, Institute of Psychology, Swartz Center for Computational Neuroscience, Polish Academy of Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $916