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Ince C, Albertella L, Liu C, Tiego J, Fontenelle LF, Chamberlain SR, Yücel M, Rotaru K. Problematic pornography use and novel patterns of escalating use: A cross-sectional network analysis with two independent samples. Addict Behav 2024; 156:108048. [PMID: 38761685 PMCID: PMC7616041 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2024.108048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Modern internet pornography allows users to harness sexual novelty in numerous ways, which can be used to overcome desensitisation through increasing volume of use (quantitative tolerance), progressing to more stimulating genres (qualitative escalation), skipping between stimuli (tab-jumping), delaying orgasm ('edging'), and engaging in pornographic binges. However, existing research has not yet evaluated how these potentially reciprocal consumption patterns relate to problematic pornography use (PPU). To this end, we recruited two independent samples of male pornography users (N1 = 1,356, Mage = 36.86, SD = 11.26; N2 = 944, Mage = 38.69, SD = 12.26) and examined the relationships between these behavioural dimensions and self-reported difficulties in controlling one's pornography use. Data were analysed through the network analysis approach (using Gaussian graphical models). As hypothesised, i) quantitative tolerance was centrally placed within the overall network, and ii) acted as a statistical bridge node between other patterns of pornography use (e.g., pornographic binges), and all measured facets of PPU. Our results are consistent with other emerging literature suggesting that tolerance, pornographic binges, tab-jumping, and edging behaviours as relevant features ofPPU, and that upscaling overall usage may connect broader patterns of use with problematic engagement. Clinical and theoretical implications, as well as future research directions, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Campbell Ince
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Australia; Brain Park, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Australia.
| | - Lucy Albertella
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Australia; Brain Park, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Australia
| | - Chang Liu
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Australia; Brain Park, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Australia
| | - Jeggan Tiego
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Australia; Brain Park, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Australia; Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, 770 Blackburn Rd, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Leonardo F Fontenelle
- Brain Park, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Australia; Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Brazil
| | - Samuel R Chamberlain
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK; Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Murat Yücel
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Australia; Brain Park, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Australia; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Kristian Rotaru
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Australia; Brain Park, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Australia; Monash Business School, Monash University, Australia
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Fong TCT, Junus A, Wen M, Yip PSF. Comorbidity among symptoms of internet gaming disorder, social withdrawal, and depression in 3430 young people in Hong Kong: A network analysis. J Affect Disord 2024; 359:319-326. [PMID: 38777272 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.05.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study aimed to examine the comorbidity among symptoms of internet gaming disorder (IGD), social withdrawal, and depression using the network perspective. METHODS An online survey recruited 3430 young people in Hong Kong (mean age = 19.4 years, 80.5 % male) via gaming channels in 2019. The participants completed the 9-item IGD Scale, Hikikomori Questionnaire, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Network analysis was conducted using R to estimate the central symptoms of IGD and depression in individual networks and identified the bridge symptoms in combined network of IGD, social withdrawal, and depressive symptoms. RESULTS All network models showed high stability. 'Withdrawal', 'Loss of control', and 'Tolerance' were the central IGD symptoms, while 'Depressed mood' and 'Self-blame/guilt' were the central depressive symptoms. The bridge symptoms were 'Gaming as escape or mood relief' from IGD cluster, 'Depressed mood' and 'Self-blame/guilt' from depression cluster, and 'Marked social isolation at home' and 'Significant distress due to social isolation' from social withdrawal cluster. The combined network showed no significant differences in network structure and global strength across gender and age groups. LIMITATIONS The cross-sectional sample only indicated undirected associations between the symptoms in the three clusters and could not model the intra-individual variation. CONCLUSIONS The present study provided the first results on the comorbidity among IGD, social withdrawal, and depression at a symptom level among Chinese young people via network analysis. The bridge symptoms highlight potential targets for interventions of comorbidity among the disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ted C T Fong
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Centre on Behavioral Health, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Alvin Junus
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ming Wen
- Department of Sociology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Sociology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - Paul S F Yip
- Department of Social Work & Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; HKJC Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Briken P, Bőthe B, Carvalho J, Coleman E, Giraldi A, Kraus SW, Lew-Starowicz M, Pfaus JG. Assessment and treatment of compulsive sexual behavior disorder: a sexual medicine perspective. Sex Med Rev 2024; 12:355-370. [PMID: 38529667 PMCID: PMC11214846 DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qeae014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The addition of compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) into the ICD-11 chapter on mental, behavioral, or neurodevelopmental disorders has greatly stimulated research and controversy around compulsive sexual behavior, or what has been termed "hypersexual disorder," "sexual addiction," "porn addiction," "sexual compulsivity," and "out-of-control sexual behavior." OBJECTIVES To identify where concerns exist from the perspective of sexual medicine and what can be done to resolve them. METHODS A scientific review committee convened by the International Society for Sexual Medicine reviewed pertinent literature and discussed clinical research and experience related to CSBD diagnoses and misdiagnoses, pathologizing nonheteronormative sexual behavior, basic research on potential underlying causes of CSBD, its relationship to paraphilic disorder, and its potential sexual health consequences. The panel used a modified Delphi method to reach consensus on these issues. RESULTS CSBD was differentiated from other sexual activity on the basis of the ICD-11 diagnostic criteria, and issues regarding sexual medicine and sexual health were identified. Concerns were raised about self-labeling processes, attitudes hostile to sexual pleasure, pathologizing of nonheteronormative sexual behavior and high sexual desire, mixing of normative attitudes with clinical distress, and the belief that masturbation and pornography use represent "unhealthy" sexual behavior. A guide to CSBD case formulation and care/treatment recommendations was proposed. CONCLUSIONS Clinical sexologic and sexual medicine expertise for the diagnosis and treatment of CSBD in the psychiatric-psychotherapeutic context is imperative to differentiate and understand the determinants and impact of CSBD and related "out-of-control sexual behaviors" on mental and sexual well-being, to detect forensically relevant and nonrelevant forms, and to refine best practices in care and treatment. Evidence-based, sexual medicine-informed therapies should be offered to achieve a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peer Briken
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine, and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg 20251, Germany
| | - Beáta Bőthe
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
- Centre de Recherche Interdisciplinaire Sur Les Problèmes Conjugaux Et Les Agressions Sexuelles, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Joana Carvalho
- William James Center for Research, Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Eli Coleman
- Eli Coleman Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55454, United States
| | - Annamaria Giraldi
- Sexological Clinic, Mental Health Center, Copenhagen University Hospital, Mental Health Services, Copenhagen CPH 2200, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Shane W Kraus
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV 5030, United States
| | - Michał Lew-Starowicz
- Department of Psychiatry, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw 01-809, Poland
| | - James G Pfaus
- Center for Sexual Health and Intervention, Czech National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany 25067, Czech Republic
- Department of Psychology and Life Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Charles University, Prague 18200, Czech Republic
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Baumeister A, Gehlenborg J, Schuurmans L, Moritz S, Briken P. Reducing problematic pornography use with imaginal retraining-A randomized controlled trial. J Behav Addict 2024; 13:622-634. [PMID: 38669086 PMCID: PMC11220800 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2024.00018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and aim Problematic pornography use (PPU) can be a manifestation of compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD). Studies investigating PPU confirm approach-avoidance tendencies in response to pornographic stimuli in this population. This study show indications of the significance of the efficacy of imaginal retraining, a variant of approach bias modification, as an intervention for PPU. Methods A total of 274 participants (86.5% male; mean age = 30.65, SD = 10.13) with self-reported PPU were randomized to imaginal retraining (instruction video) or a waitlist control group. Assessments were conducted online at baseline and after the six-week intervention period. The primary outcome was a reduction in problematic pornography use. Compulsive sexual behavior, sexual desire, depressiveness, and satisfaction with the intervention served as secondary outcomes. Results Retention was low (51.7%), but comparable between groups. The retraining was performed at least once a week (the per-protocol [PP] criterion) by 51.4% of participants. The PP analyses of 111 participants showed a significant reduction in problematic pornography use (primary outcome) in the intervention compared to the control group. The intention-to-treat analyses (ITT), however, did not corroborate this result. Despite low adherence, participants rated their satisfaction with the intervention positively. Discussion and Conclusion Imaginal retraining can function as a low-threshold self-help intervention for PPU to overcome help-seeking barriers and may reduce PPU in a subgroup of users. Low adherence limits the results of this trial. Given the need for low-threshold interventions for PPU and/or CSBD, further research should focus on increasing adherence and should evaluate retraining for clinical groups. Modifications to augment efficacy are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Baumeister
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Josefine Gehlenborg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lea Schuurmans
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Steffen Moritz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peer Briken
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Koós M, Nagy L, Kraus SW, Demetrovics Z, Potenza MN, Gaudet É, Ballester-Arnal R, Batthyány D, Bergeron S, Billieux J, Briken P, Burkauskas J, Cárdenas-López G, Carvalho J, Castro-Calvo J, Chang YH, Chen L, Ciocca G, Corazza O, Csako RI, Fernandez DP, Fujiwara H, Fernandez EF, Fuss J, Gabrhelík R, Gewirtz-Meydan A, Gjoneska B, Gola M, Grubbs JB, Hashim HT, Hsieh YP, Islam MS, Ismail M, Jiménez-Martínez MC, Jurin T, Kalina O, Klein V, Költő A, Lee SK, Lewczuk K, Lochner C, López-Alvarado S, Lukavská K, Mayta-Tristán P, Miller DJ, Orosová O, Orosz G, Ponce FP, Quintana GR, Quintero Garzola GC, Ramos-Diaz J, Rigaud K, Rousseau A, Scanavino MDT, Schulmeyer MK, Sharan P, Shibata M, Shoib S, Sigre-Leirós V, Sniewski L, Spasovski O, Steibliene V, Stein DJ, Strizek J, Štulhofer A, Ünsal BC, Vaillancourt-Morel MP, Van Hout MC, Bőthe B. Why Do People Watch Pornography? Cross-Cultural Validation of the Pornography Use Motivations Scale (PUMS) and Its Short Form (PUMS-8). JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38905162 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2024.2359641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Motivations for pornography use may vary across gender identities, sexual orientations, and geographical regions, warranting examination to promote individual and public health. The aims of this study were to validate the Pornography Use Motivations Scale (PUMS) in a diverse, multicultural sample, and develop a short form (PUMS-8) that can assess a wide range of pornography use motivations. Using data from 42 countries (N = 75,117; Mage = 32.07; SDage = 12.37), enabled us to thoroughly evaluate the dimensionality, validity, and reliability of the Pornography Use Motivations Scale (PUMS), leading to the development of the more concise PUMS-8 short scale. Additionally, language-, nationality-, gender-, and sexual-orientation-based measurement invariance tests were conducted to test the comparability across groups. Both the PUMS and the PUMS-8 assess eight pornography use motivations, and both demonstrated excellent psychometric properties. Sexual Pleasure emerged as the most frequent motivation for pornography use across countries, genders, and sexual orientations, while differences were observed concerning other motivations (e.g. self-exploration was more prevalent among gender-diverse individuals than men or women). The motivational background of pornography use showed high similarity in the examined countries. Both the PUMS and the PUMS-8 are reliable and valid measurement tools to assess different types of motivations for pornography use across countries, genders, and sexual orientations. Both scales are recommended for use in research and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónika Koós
- Institute of Forensic Psychiatry and Sex Research, University of Duisburg-Essen
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University
| | - Léna Nagy
- Institute of Forensic Psychiatry and Sex Research, University of Duisburg-Essen
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University
| | | | - Zsolt Demetrovics
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University
- Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Yale University School of Medicine
- Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling
| | | | - Rafael Ballester-Arnal
- Departmento de Psicología Básica, Clínica y Psicobiología, University Jaume I of Castellón
| | - Dominik Batthyány
- Institute for Behavioural Addictions, Sigmund Freud University Vienna
| | | | - Joël Billieux
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne
- Center for Excessive Gambling, Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospitals (CHUV)
| | - Peer Briken
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine, and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf
| | - Julius Burkauskas
- Laboratory of Behavioral Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences
| | - Georgina Cárdenas-López
- Virtual Teaching and Cyberpsychology Laboratory, School of Psychology, National Autonomous University of Mexico
| | - Joana Carvalho
- William James Center for Research, Departamento de Educação e Psicologia, Universidade de Aveiro
| | - Jesús Castro-Calvo
- Department of Personality, Assessment, and Psychological Treatments, University of Valencia
| | - Yun-Hsuan Chang
- Institute of Gerontology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University
- Institute of Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University
| | - Lijun Chen
- Department of Psychology, College of Humanity and Social Science, Fuzhou University
| | - Giacomo Ciocca
- Section of Sexual Psychopathology, Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - Ornella Corazza
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, University of Hertfordshire
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento
| | - Rita I Csako
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Auckland University of Technology
| | | | - Hironobu Fujiwara
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University
- Decentralized Big Data Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project
| | | | - Johannes Fuss
- Institute of Forensic Psychiatry and Sex Research, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University of Duisburg-Essen
| | - Roman Gabrhelík
- First Faculty of Medicine, Department of Addictology, Charles University
- Department of Addictology, General University Hospital in Prague
| | - Ateret Gewirtz-Meydan
- School of Social Work, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa
| | | | - Mateusz Gola
- Institute of Psychlogy, Polish Academy of Sciences
- Institute for Neural Computations, University of California San Diego
| | - Joshua B Grubbs
- University of New Mexico
- Center for Alcohol, Substance use, And Addiction (CASAA), University of New Mexico
| | | | - Yi-Ping Hsieh
- Department of Social Work, University of North Dakota
| | - Md Saiful Islam
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University
- Centre for Advanced Research Excellence in Public Health
| | | | | | - Tanja Jurin
- Department of Psychology, Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb
| | - Ondrej Kalina
- Department of Educational Psychology and Psychology of Health, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice
| | | | - András Költő
- Health Promotion Research Centre, University of Galway
| | - Sang-Kyu Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Hallym University Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital
- Chuncheon Addiction Management Center
| | - Karol Lewczuk
- Institute of Psychology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University
| | - Christine Lochner
- SAMRC Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, Stellenbosch University
| | | | - Kateřina Lukavská
- First Faculty of Medicine, Department of Addictology, Charles University
- Faculty of Education, Department of Psychology, Charles University
| | | | - Dan J Miller
- College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University
| | - Oľga Orosová
- Department of Educational Psychology and Psychology of Health, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice
| | | | | | - Gonzalo R Quintana
- Departamento de Psicología y Filosofía, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad de Tarapacá
| | | | - Jano Ramos-Diaz
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Privada del Norte
| | | | | | - Marco De Tubino Scanavino
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo
- Experimental Pathophisiology Post Graduation Program, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo
| | | | - Pratap Sharan
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences
| | - Mami Shibata
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University
| | | | - Vera Sigre-Leirós
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne
- Institute of Legal Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospitals (CHUV)
| | | | - Ognen Spasovski
- Faculty of Philosophy, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava
| | - Vesta Steibliene
- Laboratory of Behavioral Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences
| | - Dan J Stein
- SAMRC Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry & Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town
| | | | | | - Berk C Ünsal
- Institute of Forensic Psychiatry and Sex Research, University of Duisburg-Essen
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University
| | | | | | - Beáta Bőthe
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal
- Center de recherche interdisciplinary sur les problèmes conjugaux et les agressions sexuelles (CRIPCAS)
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Wizła M, Lewczuk K. The Associations Between Attachment Insecurity and Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder or Problematic Pornography Use: The Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation Difficulties. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024:10.1007/s10508-024-02904-7. [PMID: 38898361 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-024-02904-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) was previously considered an attachment disorder, while emotion dysregulation was thought to potentially be a key characteristic of it. However, this theoretical model was not tested in previous empirical research. In our cross-sectional study, we tested whether emotional regulation (ER) difficulties can be adopted as an explanatory mechanism for the relationships between attachment avoidance and anxiety, as well as CSBD and its most prevalent behavioral presentation-problematic pornography use (PPU). Participants (n = 1002; Mage = 50.49 years, SD = 13.32; men: 50.2%) completed an online survey regarding the investigated variables. In mediation analyses, attachment avoidance and anxiety were treated as simultaneous predictors, ER difficulties as a mediating variable, with CSBD/PPU severity as dependent variables. Emotion regulation difficulties and attachment anxiety had a direct positive effect on both CSBD and PPU. The direct effect of attachment avoidance on PPU was non-significant, and significant for CSBD depending on the measure used. Moreover, all the relationships between both insecure attachment dimensions and CSBD/PPU symptom severity were at least partially mediated by ER difficulties. Our results corroborate the theoretical claim that ER difficulties may be a useful framework for explaining the impact of attachment insecurity on CSBD/PPU. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Wizła
- Institute of Psychology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Karol Lewczuk
- Institute of Psychology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938, Warsaw, Poland
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Vera Cruz G, Aboujaoude E, Liberacka-Dwojak M, Wiłkość-Dębczyńska M, Rochat L, Khan R, Khazaal Y. How much online pornography is too much? A comparison of two theoretically distinct assessment scales. Arch Public Health 2024; 82:79. [PMID: 38816773 PMCID: PMC11137999 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-024-01294-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Online pornography use, an ever more common activity, has raised myriad psychosocial and clinical concerns. While there is a need to screen for and measure its problematic dimension, there is a debate about the adequacy of existing assessment tools. OBJECTIVE The study compares two instruments for measuring pathological online pornography use (POPU) that are based on different theoretical frameworks-one in line with DSM-5 criteria and the six-component addiction model and one in line with ICD-11 criteria. METHODS An international sample of 1,823 adults (Mean age = 31.66, SD = 6.74) answered an online questionnaire that included the Short Version of the Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale (PPCS-6) and the Assessment of Criteria for Specific Internet-Use Disorders (ACSID-11). Factorial, correlational, and network analyses were conducted on the data. RESULTS Both tools adequately screened for online "addictive" behavior, but the ACSID-11 was superior in assessing the degree of clinical risk. CONCLUSION Depending on the specific aim of the assessment (screening vs. clinical diagnostics), both online pornography measurement tools may be useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germano Vera Cruz
- Department of Psychology, CRP-CPO, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France.
| | - Elias Aboujaoude
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Program in Internet, Health and Society, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | | | | | - Lucien Rochat
- Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, Specialized Facility in Behavioral Addiction ReConnecte, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Riaz Khan
- Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, Frontier Medical College Abbottabad, Bahria University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Yasser Khazaal
- Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital and Lausanne University, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Research Centre, University Institute of Mental Health at Montreal and Department of Psychiatry and Addiction Montreal University, Montreal, Canada.
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8
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Bőthe B, Nagy L, Koós M, Demetrovics Z, Potenza MN, Kraus SW. Problematic pornography use across countries, genders, and sexual orientations: Insights from the International Sex Survey and comparison of different assessment tools. Addiction 2024; 119:928-950. [PMID: 38413365 DOI: 10.1111/add.16431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Problematic pornography use (PPU) is a common manifestation of the newly introduced Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder diagnosis in the 11th edition of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. Although cultural, gender- and sexual orientation-related differences in sexual behaviors are well documented, there is a relative absence of data on PPU outside Western countries and among women as well as gender- and sexually-diverse individuals. We addressed these gaps by (a) validating the long and short versions of the Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale (PPCS and PPCS-6, respectively) and the Brief Pornography Screen (BPS) and (b) measuring PPU risk across diverse populations. METHODS Using data from the pre-registered International Sex Survey [n = 82 243; mean age (Mage) = 32.4 years, standard deviation = 12.5], a study across 42 countries from five continents, we evaluated the psychometric properties (i.e. factor structure, measurement invariance, and reliability) of the PPCS, PPCS-6, and BPS and examined their associations with relevant correlates (e.g. treatment-seeking). We also compared PPU risk among diverse groups (e.g. three genders). RESULTS The PPCS, PPCS-6, and BPS demonstrated excellent psychometric properties [for example, comparative fit index = 0.985, Tucker-Lewis Index = 0.981, root mean square error of approximation = 0.060 (90% confidence interval = 0.059-0.060)] in the confirmatory factor analysis, with all PPCS' inter-factor correlations positive and strong (rs = 0.72-0.96). A total of 3.2% of participants were at risk of experiencing PPU (PPU+) based on the PPCS, with significant country- and gender-based differences (e.g. men reported the highest levels of PPU). No sexual orientation-based differences were observed. Only 4-10% of individuals in the PPU+ group had ever sought treatment for PPU, while an additional 21-37% wanted to, but did not do so for specific reasons (e.g. unaffordability). CONCLUSIONS This study validated three measures to assess the severity of problematic pornography use across languages, countries, genders, and sexual orientations in 26 languages: the Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale (PPCS, and PPCS-6, respectively), and the Brief Pornography Screen (BPS). The problematic pornography use risk is estimated to be 3.2-16.6% of the population of 42 countries, and varies among different groups (e.g. genders) and based on the measure used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beáta Bőthe
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Léna Nagy
- Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mónika Koós
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Demetrovics
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar, Gibraltar
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, CT, USA
- Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Shane W Kraus
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
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Roza TH, Noronha LT, Shintani AO, Massuda R, Lobato MIR, Kessler FHP, Passos IC. Treatment Approaches for Problematic Pornography Use: A Systematic Review. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:645-672. [PMID: 37880509 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02699-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Problematic pornography use (PPU) is an emerging condition associated with several negative psychological and sexual outcomes. This study aimed to systematically review treatment approaches for PPU. Potentially eligible studies were searched for in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Web of Science up to April 1, 2023. The quality of the evidence was assessed with the use of the Joanna Briggs Institute's checklists, the Cochrane risk-of-bias tools, and the GRADE approach. A total of 8936 references were retrieved, and 28 studies were included in the systematic review (n = 500 participants). Included studies were case reports (k = 16), case series (k = 1), quasi-experimental investigations (k = 7), and randomized clinical trials (k = 4). The majority of included studies presented overall low quality and significant risk of bias, with all interventions receiving a low or very low rating according to the GRADE approach. Most studies investigated psychological interventions, with the predominance of second and third wave cognitive behavioral therapy interventions. Pharmacological treatments included opioid antagonists (naltrexone in most cases) and antidepressants, while one study investigated a protocol that included rTMS. Several investigations described the combination of psychological and pharmacological approaches. Most studies did not report on side effects, with online and self-help interventions presenting significant issues in terms of treatment adherence. Even though there are promising options that may have efficacy for the treatment of patients with PPU, the literature in the topic still presents significant limitations that compromise the reaching of more definitive conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Henrique Roza
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Rua Padre Camargo, 280, Curitiba, PR, CEP: 80060-240, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental and Centro de Pesquisa Clínica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Lucas Tavares Noronha
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental and Centro de Pesquisa Clínica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Augusto Ossamu Shintani
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental and Centro de Pesquisa Clínica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Raffael Massuda
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Rua Padre Camargo, 280, Curitiba, PR, CEP: 80060-240, Brazil
| | - Maria Inês Rodrigues Lobato
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Felix Henrique Paim Kessler
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Ives Cavalcante Passos
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental and Centro de Pesquisa Clínica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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10
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Roza TH, Noronha LT, Shintani AO, Massuda R, Kessler FHP, Passos IC. Withdrawal-like Symptoms in Problematic Pornography Use: A Scoping Review. J Addict Med 2024; 18:19-27. [PMID: 37788127 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000001227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is still debate whether problematic pornography use (PPU) can be understood as an addictive disorder, and little is known about withdrawal-like symptoms in these patients. Therefore, our aim was to summarize the existing scientific literature about this topic in the format of a scoping review. METHODS Potentially eligible references were retrieved from 6 databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, PsycINFO, LILACS, and SciELO) up to February 7, 2023. Studies were included if they reported original data about withdrawal-like symptoms in individuals with PPU. Studies investigating child pornography use, or in which it was not possible to extract data of interest were excluded. Data extracted from included studies and their quality assessment were described narratively. RESULTS A total of 937 references were retrieved, and 14 studies were included (n = 31,009 participants). According to our results, cravings were intense in most cases and frequent reasons for relapse. The proportion of participants experiencing other withdrawal-like symptoms (mental, sexual, and physical symptoms) reached up to 72.2% in the cross-sectional studies with this information available. Severity of withdrawal symptoms was associated with severity of PPU and frequency of pornography use. In some studies, measures of withdrawal symptoms were considered central symptoms of PPU and were significantly higher in individuals considering treatment. Masturbation was reported to alleviate withdrawal-like symptoms in some cases. CONCLUSIONS There is preliminary evidence for the existence of withdrawal-like symptoms in PPU. Future studies should investigate onset, characteristics, duration, and proportion of withdrawal-like symptoms in PPU with robust methodology, also investigating potential confounding variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Henrique Roza
- From the Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental (CPE) and Centro de Pesquisa Clínica (CPC), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil (THR, LTN, AOS, ICP); Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil (THR, AOS, FHPK, ICP); and Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil (THR, RM)
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11
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Pistre N, Schreck B, Grall-Bronnec M, Fatseas M. Should problematic sexual behavior be viewed under the scope of addiction? A systematic review based on DSM-5 substance use disorder criteria. Addict Behav Rep 2023; 18:100510. [PMID: 37519859 PMCID: PMC10374865 DOI: 10.1016/j.abrep.2023.100510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite similarities between compulsive sexual disorder and substance use disorder, the issue whether problematic sexual behavior should be viewed within an addiction framework continues to be a subject of debate with no consensus regarding its conceptualization and diagnosis criteria. Examining the presence of addiction criteria among clinical and no clinical samples in the existing literature could permit to ascertain clinical validity of sex addiction diagnosis and support its overlapping feature with other addictive disorders. The aim of this systematic review was to examine this issue by assessing DSM-5 criteria of substance use disorder among individuals engaged in problematic sexual activity. Methods: Using PRISMA criteria, three databases were comprehensively searched up to April 2022, in order to identify all candidate studies based on broad key words. Resulting studies were then selected if they examined problematic sexual behavior within the framework of DSM-5 addiction criteria. Results: Twenty articles matched the selection criteria and were included in this review. DSM-5 criteria of addictive disorders were found to be highly prevalent among problematic sex users, particularly craving, loss of control over sex use, and negative consequences related to sexual behavior. Exposition to sexual cues was also shown to trigger craving, with an association to problematic use and symptom severity. Conclusions: More studies should been done to assess homogeneously according to the DSM-5 criteria the addiction-like features of problematic sexual behaviors in clinical and no-clinical populations. Furthermore, this work argues for the need of further research to examine the extent to which anti-craving interventions could be effective in improving clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Pistre
- Department of Addictology, CHU Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Benoît Schreck
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, UIC Psychiatrie et Santé Mentale, F-44000 Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, Univ Tours, CHU Nantes, INSERM, MethodS in Patient-Centered Outcomes and HEalth ResEarch, SPHERE, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Marie Grall-Bronnec
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, UIC Psychiatrie et Santé Mentale, F-44000 Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, Univ Tours, CHU Nantes, INSERM, MethodS in Patient-Centered Outcomes and HEalth ResEarch, SPHERE, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Melina Fatseas
- Department of Addictology, CHU Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
- Department of Addictology, CH Charles Perrens, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
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12
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Lewczuk K, Wizła M, Glica A, Dwulit AD. Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder and Problematic Pornography Use in Cisgender Sexual Minority Individuals: The Associations with Minority Stress, Social Support, and Sexualized Drug Use. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2023:1-15. [PMID: 37676791 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2023.2245399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD), recently recognized in the ICD-11 as an independent disorder, has been shown to be more prevalent in sexual minorities. However, we still lack studies investigating which factors contribute to CSBD and related behaviors in this group. In our cross-sectional study, we investigated the relationships between characteristics potentially contributing to CSBD and problematic pornography use (PPU) in sexual minority individuals: sexual minority stress (internalized sexual stigma, discrimination experiences, and openness about one's sexual orientation), perceived social support, and sexualized drug use (also more prevalent in sexual minorities). We adjusted for gender, age, sexual orientation, and the frequency of sexual behaviors. Cisgender sexual minority participants (n = 198, 72.7% men, 27.3% women; Mage = 27.13, SD = 7.78) completed an online survey. We conducted a two-step linear regression. In the first step, we introduced sociodemographic variables and the frequency of sexual activities. In the second step, we placed the predictors of main interest: perceived social support, minority stress measures, and the frequency of sexualized drug use. Our results showed that social support was negatively related to CSBD, while experiences of discrimination due to sexual orientation and engagement in sexualized drug use were associated with higher CSBD symptom severity. Internalized sexual stigma related to greater PPU severity. The discussed relationships were weak to moderate in strength. Implications of current results for therapy and diagnosis of CSBD in sexual minorities are discussed. The role of minority stressors and other factors specific to sexual minorities requires further exploration to design well-suited therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Lewczuk
- Institute of Psychology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University
| | - Magdalena Wizła
- Institute of Psychology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University
| | - Agnieszka Glica
- Institute of Psychology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University
- Laboratory of Language Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences
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13
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Bőthe B, Koós M, Nagy L, Kraus SW, Demetrovics Z, Potenza MN, Michaud A, Ballester-Arnal R, Batthyány D, Bergeron S, Billieux J, Briken P, Burkauskas J, Cárdenas-López G, Carvalho J, Castro-Calvo J, Chen L, Ciocca G, Corazza O, Csako R, Fernandez DP, Fernandez EF, Fournier L, Fujiwara H, Fuss J, Gabrhelík R, Gewirtz-Meydan A, Gjoneska B, Gola M, Grubbs JB, Hashim HT, Islam MS, Ismail M, Jiménez-Martínez MC, Jurin T, Kalina O, Klein V, Költő A, Lee CT, Lee SK, Lewczuk K, Lin CY, Lochner C, López-Alvarado S, Lukavská K, Mayta-Tristán P, Milea I, Miller DJ, Orosová O, Orosz G, Ponce FP, Quintana GR, Quintero Garzola GC, Ramos-Diaz J, Rigaud K, Rousseau A, De Tubino Scanavino M, Schulmeyer MK, Sharan P, Shibata M, Shoib S, Sigre Leirós VL, Sniewski L, Spasovski O, Steibliene V, Stein DJ, Strizek J, Štulhofer A, Ünsal BC, Vaillancourt-Morel MP. Compulsive sexual behavior disorder in 42 countries: Insights from the International Sex Survey and introduction of standardized assessment tools. J Behav Addict 2023; 12:393-407. [PMID: 37352095 PMCID: PMC10316175 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2023.00028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Despite its inclusion in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases, there is a virtual paucity of high-quality scientific evidence about compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD), especially in underrepresented and underserved populations. Therefore, we comprehensively examined CSBD across 42 countries, genders, and sexual orientations, and validated the original (CSBD-19) and short (CSBD-7) versions of the Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder Scale to provide standardized, state-of-the-art screening tools for research and clinical practice. Method Using data from the International Sex Survey (N = 82,243; Mage = 32.39 years, SD = 12.52), we evaluated the psychometric properties of the CSBD-19 and CSBD-7 and compared CSBD across 42 countries, three genders, eight sexual orientations, and individuals with low vs. high risk of experiencing CSBD. Results A total of 4.8% of the participants were at high risk of experiencing CSBD. Country- and gender-based differences were observed, while no sexual-orientation-based differences were present in CSBD levels. Only 14% of individuals with CSBD have ever sought treatment for this disorder, with an additional 33% not having sought treatment because of various reasons. Both versions of the scale demonstrated excellent validity and reliability. Discussion and conclusions This study contributes to a better understanding of CSBD in underrepresented and underserved populations and facilitates its identification in diverse populations by providing freely accessible ICD-11-based screening tools in 26 languages. The findings may also serve as a crucial building block to stimulate research into evidence-based, culturally sensitive prevention and intervention strategies for CSBD that are currently missing from the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beáta Bőthe
- Département de Psychologie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Canada
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Mónika Koós
- Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Léna Nagy
- Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Shane W. Kraus
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Zsolt Demetrovics
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar, Gibraltar
| | - Marc N. Potenza
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, CT, USA
- Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Aurélie Michaud
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Rafael Ballester-Arnal
- Departmento de Psicología Básica, Clínica y Psicobiología, University Jaume I of Castellón, Spain
| | - Dominik Batthyány
- Institute for Behavioural Addictions, Sigmund Freud University Vienna, Austria
| | - Sophie Bergeron
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Joël Billieux
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Excessive Gambling, Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospitals (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Peer Briken
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine, and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julius Burkauskas
- Laboratory of Behavioral Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Lithuania
| | - Georgina Cárdenas-López
- Virtual Teaching and Cyberpsychology Laboratory, School of Psychology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico
| | - Joana Carvalho
- William James Center for Research, Departamento de Educação e Psicologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- CPUP: Center for Psychology at University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Jesús Castro-Calvo
- Department of Personality, Assessment, and Psychological Treatments, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Lijun Chen
- Department of Psychology, College of Humanity and Social Science, Fuzhou University, China
| | - Giacomo Ciocca
- Section of Sexual Psychopathology, Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ornella Corazza
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Italy
| | - Rita Csako
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Loïs Fournier
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hironobu Fujiwara
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Decentralized Big Data Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project, Tokyo, Japan
- The General Research Division, Osaka University Research Center on Ethical, Legal and Social Issues, Osaka, Japan
| | - Johannes Fuss
- Institute of Forensic Psychiatry and Sex Research, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Roman Gabrhelík
- Department of Addictology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Addictology, General University Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ateret Gewirtz-Meydan
- School of Social Work, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Israel
| | - Biljana Gjoneska
- Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Republic of North Macedonia
| | - Mateusz Gola
- Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
- Institute for Neural Computations, University of California San Diego, USA
| | | | | | - Md. Saiful Islam
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh
- Centre for Advanced Research Excellence in Public Health, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh
| | | | - Martha C. Jiménez-Martínez
- Universidad Pedagógca y Tecnológica de Colombia, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación Biomédica y de Patología, Colombia
| | - Tanja Jurin
- Department of Psychology, Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ondrej Kalina
- Department of Educational Psychology and Psychology of Health, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Verena Klein
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - András Költő
- Health Promotion Research Centre, University of Galway, Ireland
| | - Chih-Ting Lee
- Department of Family Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Sang-Kyu Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Hallym University Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, South Korea
- Chuncheon Addiction Management Center, South Korea
| | - Karol Lewczuk
- Institute of Psychology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Chung-Ying Lin
- Institute of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Biostatistics Consulting Center, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | | | - Christine Lochner
- SAMRC Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
| | | | - Kateřina Lukavská
- Department of Addictology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Education, Department of Psychology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | | | | | - Oľga Orosová
- Department of Educational Psychology and Psychology of Health, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Slovakia
| | | | | | | | - Gonzalo R. Quintana
- Departamento de Psicología y Filosofía, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica, Arica y Parinacota, Chile
| | | | - Jano Ramos-Diaz
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Privada del Norte, Lima, Perú
| | | | - Ann Rousseau
- Leuven School for Mass Communication, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marco De Tubino Scanavino
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
- Experimental Pathophisiology Post Graduation Program, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
- Excessive Sexual Drive and Prevention of Negative Outcomes Associated to Sexual Behavior Outpatient Unit (AISEP), Institute of Psychiatry, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Pratap Sharan
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Mami Shibata
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Sheikh Shoib
- Department of Psychology, Shardha University, India
| | - Vera L. Sigre Leirós
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Legal Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospitals (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Ognen Spasovski
- Faculty of Philosophy, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
- Faculty of Philosophy, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Slovak Republic
| | - Vesta Steibliene
- Laboratory of Behavioral Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Lithuania
| | - Dan J. Stein
- SAMRC Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry & Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Aleksandar Štulhofer
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Berk C. Ünsal
- Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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14
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Glica A, Wizła M, Gola M, Lewczuk K. Hypo- or hyperfunction? Differential relationships between compulsive sexual behavior disorder facets and sexual health. J Sex Med 2023; 20:332-345. [PMID: 36763943 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdac035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies linking compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) and sexual health have shown mixed results, which could be due to the fact that different CSBD facets may have differential relationships with sexual functioning. AIM As CSBD is a multidimensional disorder, we wanted to investigate whether distinct CSBD domains are differentially related to sexual health. METHODS Two online studies were conducted-the first on a convenience sample (812 Polish participants; mean [SD] age, 22.07 [5.91] years) and a replication study on a representative sample of Polish adults (n = 1526; 43.02 [14.37]). Hierarchical regression was employed with sexual functioning as a predicted variable and CSBD symptoms as predictors. OUTCOMES The Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder Scale was used to assess CSBD symptoms, and the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale was used to measure sexual dysfunction. RESULTS In study 1, CSBD salience (β = -.20, P < .001) predicted hyperfunction (ie, stronger sex drive, easier sexual arousal, easier vaginal lubrication/penile erection, easier ability to reach an orgasm, and more satisfying orgasms). Yet, CSBD negative consequences (β = .15, P = .001) and dissatisfaction (β = .22, P < .001) predicted hypofunction (ie, weaker sex drive, more difficulties in sexual arousal, greater difficulties in vaginal lubrication/penile erection, less ability to reach an orgasm, and less satisfying orgasms). Similar results were found in study 2: salience (β = -.26, P < .001) and relapse (β = -.11, P = .004) predicted hyperfunction, while negative consequences (β = .12, P < .001) and dissatisfaction (β = .12, P < .001) predicted hypofunction. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Our results stress the importance of assessing the severity of each group of symptoms in patients with CSBD to better understand possible difficulties in their sexual functioning. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS Our studies are the first to evaluate the effects of each CSBD domain on sexual health. We also replicated results obtained from a convenience sample on a representative sample. The cross-sectional design of the current studies does not allow causal relations to be tested, so future longitudinal research should be carried out. We also gathered data from a general population-thus, it is important to replicate these results on patients diagnosed with CSBD. CONCLUSION Our research points out the differential impact of CSBD domains on sexual health: salience and relapse are related to sexual hyperfunction, while negative consequences and dissatisfaction to hypofunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Glica
- Institute of Psychology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Warsaw, Poland.,Laboratory of Language Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Wizła
- Institute of Psychology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Gola
- Swartz Center for Computational Neuroscience, Institute for Neural Computations, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States.,Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karol Lewczuk
- Institute of Psychology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Warsaw, Poland
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15
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Three Quarks for Hypersexuality Research. SEXES 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/sexes4010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In some areas of sex research, we note room for methodological improvement of research practices. In particular, in the field of hypersexuality research, where societal norms have been influential, methodological improvement might advance goals of objectivity in research. We propose that hypersexuality research should: firstly, take into account relevant subpopulations; secondly, use Item Response Theory (IRT) to construct item banks for measurement instruments; and, thirdly, measure sexual desire and related important constructs where and how they play out—in daily life, changing from moment to moment. We show that comparing relevant subpopulations can lead to depathologizing normative, but highly frequent, sexual behavior. Using IRT can lead to more precise measurement instruments by assessment of characteristics of individual items. Measuring sexual desire as an inherently fluctuating process in everyday life, and as part of emotion regulation processes, can direct research towards relevant associations other research methods might miss. Bringing into practice our three proposals for improvement can procure a number of advantages. We illustrate these advantages mainly for the field of hypersexuality research, but our suggestions might also be beneficial for sex research in general.
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16
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Lewczuk K, Wizła M, Gola M. The Relation of Sexual Attitudes to Hypersexuality and Problematic Pornography Use. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:411-430. [PMID: 35896936 PMCID: PMC9328619 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02358-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that specific attitudes related to moral convictions can have an important role in the development and maintenance of problematic sexual behavior symptoms. However, although other types of attitudes, like sexual attitudes, are potentially highly relevant, they have not yet been studied in this role. We investigated how four dimensions of sexual attitudes: Permissiveness, Birth Control, Communion and Instrumentality, contribute to problematic pornography use (PPU) and hypersexual disorder (HD) symptoms, controlling for religiosity, sex, age and relationship status. The study was administered through an online questionnaire and based on a representative sample of n = 1036 (Mage = 43.28, SD = 14.21; 50.3% women) Polish adult citizens. When adjusting for other variables, higher sexual Permissiveness positively predicted HD and PPU among both men (HD: β = .26, p < .001; PPU: β = .22, p < .001) and women (HD: β = .44, p < .001; PPU: β = .26; p < .001). Sexual Instrumentality positively, although weakly, contributed to HD severity among men (β = .11, p < .05). Attitudes reflecting higher support for responsible sexuality (Birth Control subscale) negatively and weakly predicted HD among women (β = - .11, p < .05). Permissiveness was also the only sexual attitude dimension that consistently predicted a higher frequency of sexual activity among men and women. Based on the cutoff criteria proposed by the authors of the used screening instruments (≥ 53 points for the Hypersexual Behavior Inventory and ≥ 4 points for the Brief Pornography Screen), the prevalence of being at risk for HD was 10.0% (men: 11.4%, women: 8.7%) and for PPU was 17.8% (men: 26.8%, women: 9.1%). Our results point to a significant contribution of sexual attitudes to problematic sexual behavior symptoms, which was not encapsulated by the previously studied influence of religious beliefs, although most of the obtained relationships were relatively weak. Particularly, a consistent link between permissive attitudes and both HD and PPU among men and women may indicate that permissive attitudes can potentially contribute to the development and maintenance of problematic sexual behavior. The prevalence of being at risk for PPU (and to some degree HD) in the current representative sample was high. Such results raise questions about the appropriateness of the proposed cutoff criteria and the risk of overpathologizing normative sexual activity, if the cutoff thresholds are not tailored adequately. The results have implications for the assessment, diagnosis and theory of problematic sexual behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Lewczuk
- Institute of Psychology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Wizła
- Institute of Psychology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Gola
- Swartz Center for Computational Neuroscience, Institute for Neural Computations, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
- Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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Wizła M, Glica A, Gola M, Lewczuk K. The relation of perceived social support to compulsive sexual behavior. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 156:141-150. [PMID: 36252343 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
We conducted two studies to investigate the links between perceived social support, problematic pornography use (PPU) and compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD). In Study 1 (n=807, convenience sample recruited via social media) we collected preliminary data and in Study 2 (n=1526) we checked whether the results replicate in a sample representative of the Polish adult population. In both studies participants completed the Brief Pornography Screen, Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder Scale and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. In Study 1 and 2, general social support was a weak protective factor against CSBD (β = -0.15 and β = -0.10) and PPU (β = -0.12 and β = -0.09 respectively, all p values ≤ .001) adjusting for gender, age, sexual orientation and relationship status. The results for three domains of social support (from friends, significant other and family), however, largely differed between the two studies. In Study 1, perceived friends' support weakly protected against PPU and CSBD symptoms. In Study 2 higher support from friends weakly predicted lower CSBD symptoms among men; and stronger family support predicted lower PPU. Support from a significant other was weakly related to lower CSBD for women in Study 1. The conducted studies provided evidence that perceived social support is a protective factor against problematic sexual behavior; however, its predictive power is limited and further studies are needed to assess the importance of various domains of social support in the development of CSBD and PPU symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Wizła
- Institute of Psychology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Glica
- Institute of Psychology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Warsaw, Poland; Laboratory of Language Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Mateusz Gola
- Swartz Center for Computational Neuroscience, Institute for Neural Computations, University of California, San Diego, United States; Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Karol Lewczuk
- Institute of Psychology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Warsaw, Poland.
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