Understanding and predicting profiles of compulsive sexual behavior among adolescents

J Behav Addict. 2018 Dec 1;7(4):1004-1014. doi: 10.1556/2006.7.2018.100. Epub 2018 Oct 31.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: adolescents; compulsive sexual behavior; loneliness; personality traits.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior*
  • Compulsive Behavior / epidemiology*
  • Erotica*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control*
  • Internet / statistics & numerical data*
  • Israel / epidemiology
  • Loneliness*
  • Male
  • Object Attachment*
  • Personality*
  • Sexual Behavior / statistics & numerical data*

Grants and funding

Funding sources: MG is supported by the Polish National Science Centre, OPUS grant, number 2014/15/B/HS6/03792.