Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: Hypersexuality denotes excessive sexual behavior involving normative sexual fantasies, urges and activities.Hypersexuality is characterized by a strong sexual desire that is difficult or impossible to control.Excessive sexual behavior harms romantic, familial and social relationships.Hypersexuality is more common in men.The term and conceptualization of hypersexuality is controversial, which is reflected in the lack of diagnostic criteria, therapeutic guidelines, theoretical models and etiology.Hypersexuality is commonly conceptualized through impulsivity, compulsivity and addiction models.A common characteristic of the models is the use of sexual activities with the aim of reducing and regulating unpleasant emotions and moods.On the other hand, there is a dimensional view that conceptualizes sexual activity as a continuum, and hypersexual behavior constitutes as a form of normative sexual behavior.Research suggests that prevalence of other mental disorders and childhood sexual abuse could lead to the development of hypersexuality.The inability to control one's own sex drive causes feelings of distress, shame and guilt.Therapeutic interventions which seem to be effective in dealing with hypersexuality are cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and art therapy.The main goal of therapy is to help the client control their impulses and find new and healthy coping strategies.
Author: Lipovac, Maša
Language: Slovenian
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7066436716