Compulsive Sexual Behavior: Definition of a Problem and an Approach to Treatment

Abstract

Sexual compulsivity is defined as a lack of control over one's sexual behavior. Data were collected on 30 gay and bisexual men in New York City who defined themselves as sexually compulsive and who sought treatment for the problem, in order to determine: 1) whether they differed in psychological profile and sexual behavior from a matched control group of men seeking general psychotherapy; and 2) what the effect is of group psychotherapy for sexual compulsivity on the sexual behavior of group participants. It was found that men who are sexually compulsive differ from controls primarily in terms of the frequency and type of their sexual behavior. They do not display more neurotic symptoms. Further, it was found that group psychotherapy helps participants reduce the frequency of their sexual encounters with different partners. An objective measure of the sense of control one has over his/her sexual behavior is needed for further research on this subject.