Individual Differences in Testosterone and Self-Control Predict Compulsive Sexual Behavior Proneness in Young Males

The Motives for Solo Masturbation Scale: Development and Preliminary Validation

Solo masturbation is prevalent across adulthood. However, there are conflicting findings regarding how masturbation is associated with well-being. Understanding individuals' motives for masturbating might help disentangle these conflicting findings; yet, existing measures are suboptimal for assessing motives for solo masturbation. In this study, 2960 adults (18-84 years old, Mage = 32.62, SDage = 11.36, 60.2% men, 36.8% women) who had engaged in solo masturbation within the past year responded to items, written based on existing literature, reflecting a wide range of motives for masturbating. Exploratory factor analysis revealed eight factors that warranted retention (Fantasy, Pleasure/Arousal, Compulsion, Improvement, Sexual Dissatisfaction, Coping, Efficiency, and Avoidance of Risky Sex), and this structure was confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis. Measurement invariance was established across men and women, and individuals in and not in a sexually active romantic relationship. The resultant measure comprises 24 items assessing eight distinct motives. Fit indices and scale reliabilities suggest this new measure of masturbation motives is psychometrically sound. Correlations with related constructs (e.g., sex drive, dissatisfaction with partnered sex, religiosity, depression, anxiety, and attitudes toward masturbation) provide preliminary evidence of validity. Suggestions for future investigations and further development of this new measure are discussed.

Salivary testosterone levels are associated with Compulsive Sexual Behavior (CSB) in men but not in women in a community sample

Background and aims

Despite the inclusion of Compulsive Sexual Behavior (CSB) as a diagnostic entity in the ICD-11 and the increasing number of studies addressing psychological factors leading to its onset and maintenance, little is known about the role of hormonal factors when accounting for this clinical condition (especially in women). This study aimed to provide insights into the association between testosterone levels (i.e., the androgen more intimately linked to sexual desire and arousability) and CSB in both men and women.

Methods

A total of 80 participants (40 men [Mage = 22.31; SD = 2.93] and 40 women [Mage = 21.79; SD = 2.06]) provided a saliva sample for the estimation of the level of free testosterone and completed a battery of measures assessing CSB and other related sexual domains (sexual sensation seeking and online/offline sexual behavior).

Results

In men, salivary testosterone had a positive and significant correlation with three scales assessing CSB (r between 0.316 and 0.334). In women, these correlations were small and non-significant (r between 0.011 and 0.079). In both men and women, the level of salivary testosterone had small non-significant correlations with the other domains of sexual behavior assessed.

Discussion and conclusions

Individuals' level of testosterone may contribute to the etiopathogenesis of CSB, but only in men. In women, alternative psychological -i.e., motivational, behavioral, or cognitive- processes may be playing a more central role in the expression of this condition.

The Dual Control Model of Sexual Response: A Scoping Review, 2009-2022

The Dual Control Model proposes that sexual arousal and related processes are dependent on the balance between sexual excitation and sexual inhibition, and that individuals vary in their propensity for these processes. This scoping review provides an overview and discussion of the questionnaires used to measure the propensities for sexual excitation and inhibition, their translation and validation in other languages, and their application in empirical research on topics ranging from sexual desire and arousal, sexual (dys)function, sexual risk taking, asexuality, hypersexuality, and sexual aggression. A total of 152 papers, published between 2009 and 2022 and identified using online databases, were included in this review. The findings, consistent with those reviewed by Bancroft et al. (2009), suggest that sexual excitation is particularly relevant to sexual desire and responsivity and predictive of asexuality and hypersexuality. Sexual inhibition plays a role in sexual dysfunction. sexual risk taking, and sexual aggression, although often in interaction with sexual excitation. Suggestions for the further development of the model and for future studies are discussed.

Hypo- or hyperfunction? Differential relationships between compulsive sexual behavior disorder facets and sexual health

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.

Exogeneous testosterone increases sexual impulsivity in heterosexual men

Testosterone has been hypothesized to promote sexual motivation and behavior. However, experimental evidence in healthy humans is sparse and rarely establishes causality. The present study investigated how testosterone affects delay of gratification for sexual rewards. We administered a single dose of testosterone to healthy young males in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, between-participant design (N = 140). Participants underwent a sexual delay discounting task, in which they made a choice between a variable larger-later option (i.e., waiting longer to view a sexual picture for a longer duration) and a smaller-sooner option (i.e., waiting for a fixed shorter period of time to view the same picture for a shorter duration). We found that testosterone administration increased preference for the smaller-sooner option and induced steeper discounting for the delayed option. These findings provide direct experimental evidence that rapid testosterone elevations increase impulsivity for sexual rewards and represent an important step towards a better understanding of the neuroendocrine basis of sexual motivation in humans.

Co-Occurring Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Compulsive Sexual Behavior: Clinical Features and Psychiatric Comorbidities

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) commonly co-occurs with other psychiatric conditions. Though research is limited, there is preliminary evidence that OCD also co-occurs with compulsive sexual behavior (CSB). Yet, few studies have investigated the demographic, clinical, and psychiatric comorbidities associated with co-occurring OCD and CSB. To address this gap, the current study aimed to evaluate rates of co-occurring OCD and CSB, identify demographic and clinical factors associated with comorbid OCD and CSB, and assess associated psychiatric comorbidity. Participants (N = 950) were patients of a large multisite treatment for OCD. Standardized self-report measures were used to assess demographic and clinical characteristics such as anxiety, depression, and severity and dimensions of OCD. Semi-structured interviews including the SCID were used to assess psychiatric comorbidities. A total of 36 (3.8%) of participants met the criteria for CSB. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that males were significantly more likely to present with CSB than females and CSB was associated with greater psychiatric comorbidity, particularly impulse control disorders. These findings suggest that individuals with co-occurring OCD and CSB may have more complex treatment needs, and more tailored interventions may be necessary.