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Sexual sensation seeking (SSS) describes an individual's tendency to seek novel and risky sexual stimulation. In research, SSS has been measured through the Sexual Sensation Seeking scale or by examining relevant behaviors such as unprotected sex, multiple sex partners, and unfamiliar unique sex partners. While we know that pornography use and SSS are correlated, the direction of this association is unclear. Using panel data and Bayesian Multi-level Modeling, we examined the direction of the relationship between these two constructs. Using an MTurk.com sample of 312 participants, we collected data on pornography use and SSS once a month for six months. To measure pornography use, we used a newly validated measure that assesses frequency of use, duration per viewing episode, whether pornography exposure was accidental or intentional, and how much arousal the exposure to pornography produced. To measure SSS, we used the Sexual Sensation Seeking Scale but omitted one item about pornography use to reduce the risk of a spurious finding. We observed that SSS and pornography use correlate at baseline, but their prospective predictive power is weak. These findings suggest that while SSS and pornography use tend to co-occur, we do not observe strong evidence that one causes the other. In this paper, we sought to understand whether pornography consumption causes changes in sexual sensation seeking (SSS) or whether higher SSS causes changes in pornography consumption. Although we found no evidence of the latter, we did find evidence to infer that pornography consumption may lead to lower levels of SSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Love addiction is increasingly gaining attention in academic literature, but it is often discussed as associated with other conditions, above all sex addiction, despite the lack of data supporting this choice. Our study examined the relationship between love addiction and sex addiction and the degree to which they are influenced by perceived social support. The study involved a clinical and a control group of 497 and 409 participants respectively. The clinical group showed significantly higher levels of love addiction and sex addiction, as well as lower levels of social support. Love and sex addiction were significantly correlated, whereas social support correlated with love addiction and, only in the clinical group, with sex addiction. Overall, the results seem to suggest that the constructs of love addiction and sex addiction are correlated but the overlap between the two is low. Moreover, their relationship appears to be influenced by a variety of factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) is associated with religiosity and moral disapproval for sexual behaviors, and religiosity and moral disapproval are often used interchangeably in understanding moral incongruence. The present study expands prior research by examining relationships between several religious orientations and CSB and testing how moral disapproval contributes to these relationships via mediation analysis. Results indicated that religious orientations reflecting commitment to beliefs and rigidity in adhering to beliefs predicted greater CSB. Additionally, moral disapproval mediated relationships between several religiosity orientations and CSB. Overall, findings suggest that religiosity and moral disapproval are related constructs that aid in understanding CSB presentations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypersexual disorder (HD) is characterized by an excessively increased frequency and intensity of sexual fantasies, urges, or behaviors and is a recidivsm risk factor for sexual offenses. The present study examined the relevance of HD in predicting sexual recidivism using previously proposed diagnostic criteria for DSM-5. First, we investigated the prevalence of HD in a sample of 418 adult men incarcerated for sexual offenses. Second, by using a follow-up period of M = 11.07 years (SD = 1.86), the accuracy of the HD criteria in predicting general sexual, contact sexual and violent recidivism was examined. Finally, the incremental predictive validity of HD beyond the Static-99 and the Stable-2007 was calculated. The proposed DSM-5 criteria were fulfilled by 6.6% of the sample. HD and two of its five diagnostic criteria exhibited significant correlations with sexual recidivism. A small significant predictive accuracy for contact sexual recidivism (AUC =.614) was found, which increased when a sum score of the five diagnostic criteria was used (AUC =.652). Finally, the HD sum score showed incremental predictive validity beyond the joint Static-99 and Stable-2007. Therefore, a more specific understanding of hypersexuality can contribute to risk management in the context of sexual (re-)offending. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored men's subjective experiences of hypersexuality, including the underlying factors they believed contributed to their sexuality. Methods: We interviewed 32 Canadian men with self-reported concerns related to hypersexuality. Interviews were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and narrative analysis. Participants' (hyper)sexual experiences revealed complex histories of desire, life disruptions, and hopes to re-story their sexual lives. Similar (sexual and non-sexual) desires were often attributed to different expressions of hypersexuality. Assessment and treatment protocols for hypersexuality should account for the social and cultural factors that shape sexuality, and the broader field of desire extending beyond just sexual forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cybersex addiction is a sexual addiction characterized by virtual Internet sexual activity that causes serious negative consequences to one's physical, mental, social, and/or financial well-being. Previous studies have mostly addressed cybersex addiction in heterosexual males. To describe a case report of a 26-year-old gay man suffering from a cybersex addiction. We use Griffiths' model of the common components of addictions. We reveal this case report of cybersex addiction possesses all of six components universal for addictions. In light of the increasing prevalence of various behavioral addictions (especially, Internet addictions), clinical psychiatrists should be aware of the cybersex addiction phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We decided to explore the frequency of cardiovascular risk factors, according to three levels of severity of compulsive sexual behavior (CSB), namely, non-sexually compulsive (1), sexually compulsive (2), and sexually compulsive, and hypersexual (3). We also investigated the impact of a psychiatric co-morbidity on the Framingham heart risk score (FRS). 94 non-sexually compulsive, 57 sexually compulsive, and 60 hypersexual individuals underwent psychiatric interview, blood collection, self-responsiveness, and anthropometric measurement. The analyses were repeated with individuals aged up to 44 and aged more than 44 years old. Regarding the total sample, we observed significant association among those sexually compulsive, and hypersexual participants with presenting the HIV serologic status, and a greater proportion of psychiatric conditions as much as the severity of CSB increases. Individuals with substance-related disorder predicted higher Framingham scores. The analyses with people aged more than 44 years old presented some different results, such as association among presenting low FRS and the sexually compulsive participants, and sexual compulsivity predicted lower scores of the Framingham. The study points out to the relevance of comprehensive psychiatric examination of whom presenting CSB and opens an avenue forward investigation of the effect of high rates of sexual activity on cardiovascular risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual addiction may be defined as sexual behaviour that is "compulsive and yet continues despite adverse consequences". Knowledge and understanding of sexual addiction has been impaired by the use of multiple labels, definitions, and assessment procedures, hence the present study investigated therapist perspectives and experiences of assessing and treating the condition. Interviews were conducted with nine psychosexual therapists and subjected to interpretive phenomenological analysis. Three superordinate themes emerged from the analysis. These were distress, risk, and treatment. The distress theme included three sub-themes: stress and coping; suicidal ideation; and partner experience. Three sub-themes formed the risk theme: physical safety; disease, dysfunctions, and pregnancy; and co-addiction. The treatment theme contained three sub-themes: awareness; assessment and diagnosis; and successful therapy. Findings have important implications for the diagnosis and treatment of sexual addiction. Future research should investigate these themes further and introduce interventions to support the safety and well-being of sexual addiction clients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This editorial presents some recent developments in the field of sexual health, including the acceptance of compulsive sexual behavior disorder as a diagnosis within the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Edition (ICD-11). Extensive quotes are presented to let the words speak for themselves. The journal Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity is affected by the changes in the professional treatment of problematic sexual behaviors. Ultimately, resolution of disagreements and conflicts represents awareness of the potential for bias as an increasingly diverse group applies their maps. The account concludes with an emphasis on optimal sexual health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual addiction is an unfamiliar disorder to many social workers, who, consequently, are uncomfortable when treating clients who exhibit such problems. This literature review provides a summary of the ongoing discussions on how to define sexual addiction, and describes two behavioral treatment approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy and covert sensitization, for working with such clients. Because most social workers might not be familiar with covert sensitization, examples are offered showing how this treatment modality can be implemented in therapy when working with clients with sexual addiction. More empirical studies, including the use of single-subject designs, are needed to help address a gap in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Past research has consistently demonstrated high co-occurrence between substance use disorders (SUDs) and compulsive sexual behaviors (CSBs). Numerous studies have also indicated that maladaptive core beliefs and early maladaptive schemas (EMS) are prevalent among individuals with SUDs and CSBs. However, research has yet to examine the relationship between EMS and CSBs among substance-dependent populations. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to examine this relationship in a sample of 198 men and 62 women in residential treatment for SUDs. Findings demonstrated that the five EMS domains were positively associated with CSBs. Results further demonstrated that patients meeting the cutoff score for CSBs scored significantly higher than patients not meeting the cutoff score for CSBs on the EMS domains ofdisconnection/rejection, impaired autonomy, and impaired limit. These findings suggest that there is an important and significant relationship between EMS and CSBs among adults in substance use treatment. Results from the current study indicate that EMS may provide a potentially important focus for treatment, particularly among individuals with co-morbid CSBs and SUDs. Given the preliminary nature of this study, continued research is needed to replicate and extend the findings from the current study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual addiction is described as a pathological relationship with sexual behaviors. Similar to addictions to substances, sexual addiction is commonly associated with dependency, tolerance, and withdrawal. The treatment of sexual addiction within the romantic couple relationship is significantly absent from existing literature. The presence of sexual addiction in a romantic relationship can result in lack of trust, feelings of shame, anger or betrayal, and ultimately the deterioration of the relationship. Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is a couples therapy modality in which both partners are validated and helped by the therapist to develop a secure attachment to one another. This theoretical treatment model addresses recovery from a sexual addiction within the couple relationship through the incorporation of empirically validated addictions literature and EFT techniques. Both partners simultaneously participate in the modified steps of EFT treatment to address underlying needs of each partner. The therapist facilitates the couple's expression of emotions and interaction cycles. The goal of this theoretical model is for the couple to develop a secure attachment to one another and to improve resilient coping within the relationship in order to reduce or eliminate the sexually addictive behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article reviewed the available studies of treatments for individuals suffering from sexual addiction. Sexual addiction may affect as many as 3–5% of all Americans and can result in dire consequences for those affected. Because the existence of sexual addiction remains controversial, this problem has been understudied. A search of five databases for peer-reviewed studies revealed a dearth of empirical studies on targeted treatments for sexual addiction. The treatment modalities that have been studied are primarily modified cognitive behavioral techniques, as well as expressive and exposure techniques. Seven studies were selected for this review. The studies had several methodological weaknesses, with two showing promising outcomes. More research is needed in the area of sexual addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Research supports a high comorbidity between compulsive sexual behaviors (CSBs) and substance use disorders (SUDs), which are both classified by increased impulsivity. Literature has also indicated that increased impulsivity and substance use are associated with aggression. However, no known research has examined the relationship between CSBs and aggression among a substance-dependent population. The purpose of this study was to examine this relationship. Participants included 349 male patients in treatment for SUDs. Results indicated that after controlling for alcohol and drug use and problems and age, CSBs were significantly associated with total aggression, aggressive attitudes, physical aggression, and verbal aggression. This is the first known study to examine this relationship; thus continued research is needed to extend and replicate these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Psychotherapeutic treatment, alone or in association with pharmacotherapy, has been reported as effective for the treatment of distress and to relieve sexual addiction-associated symptoms such as shame, depression, and anxiety. In this article, the authors review the current literature on psychotherapeutic treatment of sexual addiction. Different psychotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of patients with sexual addiction have been described. Current evidence on efficacy, efficiency and security of psychotherapeutic treatment of sexual addiction is insufficient to guide clinicians in terms of the best techniques and the most appropriate duration of treatment. Evidence is based on uncontrolled studies and case reports. Further research concerning the efficacy and effectiveness of psychotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of sexual addiction is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Out-of-control sexual behavior (OCSB) is often misunderstood. To gain a better understanding of its underlying dynamics, this study explored the relationships between insecure attachment and OCSB in men. Online surveys measured OCSB (Hypersexual Behavior Inventory [HBI]) and attachment style (Experiences in Close Relationships Short Form [ECR–S]) in 45 men who presented with OCSB and 32 men who did not. Multivariate analysis indicated that high ECR–S scores predicted high HBI scores and clinical determination of OCSB, which in turn predicted attachment-avoidant behavior. Avoidant behavior was a better predictor of OCSB than attachment anxiety, suggesting that OCSB might be a manifestation of avoidant attachment. Implications for practice are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex addiction is a phenomenon that has a variety of names and even more meanings depending on who you talk to, and each of these interpretations impacts the clients who seek help. There are many different models of addiction, such as the biological, moral or social models that are often not useful when thinking about sex, but by adopting a comprehensive model for describing addiction, both clients and therapists can be helped to consider the multiple layers of compulsive sexual behaviour. Furthermore, to date there have been no models for assessment and treatment that incorporate attachment, trauma and the social context which can help therapists and clients identify and consider the most appropriate, and most urgent, therapeutic objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Use of the Internet has been increasingly associated with sexual behaviors. Referred to as online sexual activity, these sexual behaviors include cybersexual behavior and pornography usage. Child custody evaluators are increasingly being asked to assess the impact of these behaviors on child custody and visitation determinations. In this article, we review the Internet-related sexual behaviors of cybersex and pornography usage, which have been associated with an increased risk of compulsive sexual behavior. Gender differences, general effects of pornography, and the effects of cybersex on the family are reviewed. Healthy sexuality and normative sexual behaviors in children are described. Legal issues and case law are comprehensively reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of the Internet has added another medium in which people can engage in sexual behavior. This ranges from the passive consumption of online pornography to the interactive exchange of sexual content in cybersex chat rooms. It is believed that access, affordability, and anonymity are critical factors that make the Internet viable for the acquisition, development, and maintenance of online sexuality. For some, sexual behaviors online are used as a complement to their offline sexuality, whereas for others, they serve as a substitute, potentially resulting in Internet sex addiction, which can be conceptualized as the intersection between Internet addiction and sex addiction. The current literature suggests that there does not appear a clear dividing line between these psychopathologies. The aim of this review was therefore to provide a comprehensive overview of the empirical studies that have investigated Internet sex addiction in adults. Based on the five qualitative and nine quantitative studies conducted in Western countries that were identified, it was concluded that engaging in sexual behaviors on the Internet can go awry and result in Internet sex addiction, as it can lead to a wide variety of negative consequences for the individuals affected. Particular attention is drawn to the implications for future research in order to establish the pathological status of Internet sex addiction as a sub-form of Internet addiction, that shares characteristics of real life sex addiction, but that is not to be equated with it. Accordingly, the need for a clear diagnostic framework to clinically assess Internet sex addiction is emphasized as the first step toward understanding the potentially psychopathological qualities and repercussions of sexual behaviors on the Internet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nucleus accumbens, a site within the ventral striatum, plays a prominent role in mediating the reinforcing effects of drugs of abuse, food, sex, and other addictions. Indeed, it is generally believed that this structure mandates motivated behaviors such as eating, drinking, and sexual activity, which are elicited by natural rewards and other strong incentive stimuli. This article focuses on sex addiction, but we hypothesize that there is a common underlying mechanism of action for the powerful effects that all addictions have on human motivation. That is, biological drives may have common molecular genetic antecedents, which if impaired, lead to aberrant behaviors. Based on abundant scientific support, we further hypothesize that dopaminergic genes, and possibly other candidate neurotransmitter-related gene polymorphisms, affect both hedonic and anhedonic behavioral outcomes. Genotyping studies already have linked gene polymorphic associations with alcohol and drug addictions and obesity, and we anticipate that future genotyping studies of sex addicts will provide evidence for polymorphic associations with specific clustering of sexual typologies based on clinical instrument assessments. We recommend that scientists and clinicians embark on research coupling the use of neuroimaging tools with dopaminergic agonistic agents to target specific gene polymorphisms systematically for normalizing hyper- or hypo-sexual behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain SPECT imaging is a nuclear medicine study that uses isotopes bound to neurospecific pharmaceuticals to evaluate regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and indirectly metabolic activity. With current available technology and knowledge SPECT has the potential to add important clinical information to benefit patient care in many different areas of a substance abuse practice, including in the area of process addictions. This article explores the ways brain SPECT has the potential to be useful to clinicians in helping to understand and direct treatment for complex cases of obesity and sexual addictions. Areas where SPECT can add value include helping clinicians ask better questions, helping them in making more complete diagnoses, evaluating underlying brain systems pathology, decreasing stigma and increasing compliance, and visualizing effectiveness via follow-up evaluations. In particular, SPECT can help in identifying and assessing the issue of brain trauma and toxicity in process addictions, which may be significant contributing factors in treatment failure. Three illustrative case histories will be given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential adverse consequences, personal distress, shame and guilt presented by patients who suffer from sexual addiction require a more in-depth understanding of the phenomenology and psychobiology of this disorder. Methods: A bibliographic review was conducted using MEDLINE and EBSCO databases with the following keywords: “sexual addiction,” “hypersexuality,” “compulsive sexual behavior,” “behavioural addiction,” “treatment,” and “addiction.” Results: Several conceptualizations of excessive nonparaphilic sexual disorder have been proposed based on the models of, respectively, obsessive compulsive disorder, impulse control disorder, out of control excessive sexual disorder, and addictive disorder. Despite the lack of robust scientific data, a number of clinical elements, such as the frequent preoccupation with this type of behavior, the time spent in sexual activities, the continuation of this behavior despite its negative consequences, the repeated and unsuccessful efforts made to reduce the behavior, are in favor of an addictive disorder. In addition there is a high comorbidity between excessive sexual behavior and other addictive behaviors. Conclusion: The phenomenology of excessive nonpara- philic sexual disorder favors its conceptualization as an addictive behavior, rather than an obsessive-compulsive, or an impulse con- trol disorder. Moreover, the criteria that are quite close to those of addictive disorders were recently proposed for the future DSM-V in order to improve the characterization of this condition. Finally, controlled studies are warranted in order to establish clear guidelines for treatment of sexual addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports the findings of a study investigating psychopathology, personality traits, and marital distress among a sample of women married to hypersexual men (n = 85) compared with a control group (n = 85) drawn from a combined college and community sample. Psychopathology and personality traits were measured using the NEO Personality Inventory—Revised (NEO-PI-R), and martial satisfaction was measured using the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS). A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) of between-group differences was significant. However, although there were a few minor differences with modest effect sizes, examination of post-hoc univariate tests revealed that generally, the wives did not show any more psychopathology or problematic personality traits than would be found within a community sample. In contrast, wives were significantly more distressed about their marriages compared with the controls. Overall, these findings contradict much of the existing research that characterizes wives of hypersexual men as being more depressed, anxious, and chemically dependent, as well as emotionally needy. These findings are discussed as they relate to clinical practice, and recommendations for future research are offered for investigators working with this population of women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated distinct emotions in a sample of men (n = 103) seeking help for hypersexual behavior compared to a control group of college students (n = 100) using the Hypersexual Behavior Inventory and the Differential Emotions Scale. Significant differences between groups emerged on several domains of emotion and hypersexual behavior. Self-hostility was the most significant predictor of hypersexual behavior. These findings suggest that self-critical affect, such as shame, might exert an influence in precipitating or perpetuating hypersexual behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth in the understanding of "out of control sexual behaviours" (OOCSB) evolves between research and practice. Bancroft and Vukadinovic (2004) have suggested that, as the patterns of such behaviours (previously labelled sexual compulsivity, sexual addiction, sexual impulsivity) are so varied in their etiological determinants, it is too soon to attempt an overriding definition and a treatment model. However, there is a distinct need for clinicians to treat those with this disorder and raise subsequent hypotheses for research from our treatment experiences. Having successfully treated a number of men with differing presentations of OOCSB, this paper will describe a developing practice model using a client case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex addictions have become an increasing concern since the growth of the sex industry, sex in advertising, and the ease of Internet access to sex. This article uses the foundational principles of Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT) to conceptualize sexual addiction and its relational impact. Particular attention is paid to the principles of connection, mutuality, authenticity, power, and culture. In closing, the author offers some creative interventions for relational transformation for affected couples in order to move from a state of disconnection towards mutuality, growth, and connection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background : In recent decades, the diagnosis of sexual or love addiction has increasingly become part of the spectrum of addiction medicine. Although it does not figure under this name in either the BNO‐10 or DSM‐IV, the present scientific position is that it can be regarded as a compulsive sexual behaviour disorder that does not show the criteria of paraphilia. Method : A case report. Results : In the case of the 61‐year‐old patient we observed, the problems of an extramarital relationship play a central part in the syndrome with a serious conflict situation and prolonged personal and family crisis. This sexual addiction can be interpreted as identification with the father and also as the means of masculine identity. The sexual behaviour meets the criteria of addiction. Follow‐up will decide the stability of the diagnosis. In connection with this case, the authors attempt a psychodynamic analysis of triangular relationships destabilizing couple relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possible relationship of dissociation to sexual addiction/compulsivity (SAC) among childhood sexual abuse (CSA) survivors is explored. In applying a treatment procedure based on functional behavioral analysis to CSA survivors exhibiting SAC it was frequently observed that SAC patterns of behavior were not sexually gratifying, but that clients had been previously unaware of this. These clients often had poor recall of even recent instances of SAC and described a subjective sense of being in a daze, truncated awareness, and absense of a sense of agency during SAC episodes. Repeated detailed description of recent incidents of SAC in session helped clients become less dissociative when subsequently participating in SAC behaviors and gradually reduced the appeal of engaging in them. On the basis of these observations it is argued that recognition of the dissociative quality of SAC behavior in CSA survivors is essential to adequately understanding it, and that targeting the dissociative elements of SAC in treatment is crucial to disrupting it. It is also proposed that in this clinical population SAC can reflect the dissociative disconnectedness represented by re-enactment of CSA experiences, failure to integrate emotional intimacy with sexuality due to insecure or disorganized attachment, association of sexual activity with soothing and validation rather than sexual arousal, or a combination of these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Despite some skepticism about the existence of sexual addiction, the addiction model has proven very useful for treating compulsive sexual behaviors. Addictive sexual disorders often coexist with chemical dependency and are a frequently unrecognized cause of chemical dependency relapse. Sex addiction also contributes significantly to the spread of HIV disease. This paper reviews the differential diagnosis of addictive sexual disorders, their assessment, their treatment, and their interaction with chemical dependency, and provides information about 12-step (mutual-help) resources. [Translations are provided in the International Abstracts Section of this issue.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What causes one person to enter into a life-long relationship, while someone else moves from person to person, romance to romance? How does one distinguish between love and the out-of-control behavior of addiction? This paper addresses these issues of love, differentiating between what Maslow has called B-love, love for the being of the other, and D-love, love which fills a deficiency within oneself. Sexual addiction, with its unfulfilled quest for unity with another, is the outer limit of D-love. The form behavior addiction takes depends on what is being defended against. Sexual addiction, which frequently has its roots in sexual abuse, is usually accompanied with extreme levels of unhealthy shame. Successful treatment will focus on building positive relationships with self and other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes critically the newly discovered "conditions" of sexual addiction and sexual compulsion from the sociological perspective of symbolic interactioinism. We begin by describing the concepts of sexual addiction and sexual compulsion and by providing case studies of each "condition." We then discuss the cultural relatively of sexual conduct, and identify features of the late 1970s' 1980s' sociosexual landscape that encouraged a perception of nonrelational sex as pathological. We conclude by critically analyzing the concepts of sexual addiction and sexual compulsion. We demonstrate that the definitions are conceptually flawed and that the criteria for these "conditions" are subjective and value laden. There is nothing inherently pathological in the conduct that is labeled sexually compulsive or addictive. Rather than referring to actual clinical entities, sexual addiction and compulsion refer to learned patterns of behavior that are stigmatized by dominant institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]