Shaping Sexual Behaviors & Sexual Scripts

Background and aims: This two-study research was designed to define and predict profiles of compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) among non-clinical population of adolescents, and aimed to fill gaps in the current research.

Methods: In Study 1 (N = 1,182), we examined the profiles of CSB among adolescents using latent profile analysis. Results revealed the following three clusters: abstainers, sexual fantasizers, and individuals with CSB. In Study 2 (N = 618), we replicated this classification and examined differences between the clusters in Big Five personality traits, locus of control, attachment orientations, loneliness, age, gender, socioeconomic status (SES), residence quality, use of pornography, and sex-related online activities.

Results: Adolescents classified into different clusters significantly differed in personality traits, loneliness, age, SES, use of pornography, and sex-related online activities. Specifically, individuals with CSB had external locus of control, anxious attachment, greater loneliness, higher frequency of pornography use, and more sex-related online activities than the other groups.

Discussion: The current research expands the knowledge about CSB by providing a more individualized approach to understanding CSB among adolescence.

Relevance

Adolescents with compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) “are characterized by an external locus of control, anxious attachment, greater loneliness, higher frequency of PU [pornography use], and more sex-related online activities.”

Regarding their external local of control: “This trait might explain why individuals with CSB are higher in lack of control of their sexual fantasies and impulses and have high negative affect in response to the inability to control sexual-related thoughts and behaviors.”

Regarding attachment anxiety: “CSB may serve as a substitute for those adolescents who harbor attachment anxiety….people who feel lonely may also seek compensation for lack of warmth, closeness, and sexual intimacy. Research has shown that PU, which relates to CSB, serves as a compensation for insecure attachment (anxiety and avoidance) and loneliness.”

“Together with high neuroticism, which relates to intense responses to stress and need of escapism, it [CSB] may explain the extensive use of porn and other form of online sexual behavior, such as sexting and cybersex, which more often then not include abuse of women.”