Sexual Motivations Underlying Compulsive Sexual Behavior in Women and Men From Germany and Hungary

Abstract

Background: There are ongoing debates about conflicting models on how to conceptualize compulsive sexual behavior. At the heart of these discussions is the question about the sexual motivations underlying compulsive sexual behavior, as different models assume different motivations.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to understand sexual motivations underlying compulsive sexual behavior and their relation to the most prominent conceptualizations of compulsive sexual behavior (eg, compulsive sexual behavior disorder [CSBD], sex addiction).

Methods: We used self-reported data from 2 large samples of Hungarian and German populations (N = 9814). The Sexual Motivation Scale (SexMS), a 24-item self-report measure based on self-determination theory, was used to assess a diverse set of sexual motivations. Compulsive sexual behavior was assessed with the 19-item Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder Scale (CSBD-19), that is based on the ICD-11 diagnostic guidelines of CSBD. We used structural equation modeling to examine the hypothesized associations between sexual motivations and compulsive sexual behavior and examined potential gender differences in these associations.

Outcomes: Compulsive sexual behavior was assessed in relation to a set of sexual motivations.

Results: Amotivation had the strongest positive association with compulsive sexual behavior, but integrated, introjected, and intrinsic motivations were also positively related to it. Importantly, these associations did not differ for women and men, and between the 2 samples.

Clinical implications: Future research and treatment should also consider sexual motivations that are not listed among the ICD-11 guidelines for CSBD, including high levels of sexual interest, continuing the behavior despite having little satisfaction from it and coping with sex.

Strengths & limitations: Although we used large samples of general populations in 2 Western countries, this motivational background of compulsive sexual behavior awaits replication in a clinical sample of individuals experiencing CSBD.

Conclusion: The identified sexual motivations underlying compulsive sexual behavior are relevant for assessing and treating patients as motivations may be integrated into psychotherapeutic interventions. Koós M, Fuss J, Klein V, et al. Sexual Motivations Underlying Compulsive Sexual Behavior in Women and Men From Germany and Hungary. J Sex Med 2022;19:170-181.

Keywords: Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder; Hypersexual Disorder; Hypersexuality Compulsive Sex; Sexual Addiction; Sexual Motivation.