Hypo- or hyperfunction? Differential relationships between compulsive sexual behavior disorder facets and sexual health.

Background: Previous studies linking compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) and sexual health have shown mixed results, which could be due to the fact that different CSBD facets may have differential relationships with sexual functioning.

Aim: As CSBD is a multidimensional disorder, we wanted to investigate whether distinct CSBD domains are differentially related to sexual health.

Methods: Two online studies were conducted-the first on a convenience sample (812 Polish participants; mean [SD] age, 22.07 [5.91] years) and a replication study on a representative sample of Polish adults (n = 1526; 43.02 [14.37]). Hierarchical regression was employed with sexual functioning as a predicted variable and CSBD symptoms as predictors.

Outcomes: The Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder Scale was used to assess CSBD symptoms, and the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale was used to measure sexual dysfunction.

Results: In study 1, CSBD salience (β = -.20, P < .001) predicted hyperfunction (ie, stronger sex drive, easier sexual arousal, easier vaginal lubrication/penile erection, easier ability to reach an orgasm, and more satisfying orgasms). Yet, CSBD negative consequences (β = .15, P = .001) and dissatisfaction (β = .22, P < .001) predicted hypofunction (ie, weaker sex drive, more difficulties in sexual arousal, greater difficulties in vaginal lubrication/penile erection, less ability to reach an orgasm, and less satisfying orgasms). Similar results were found in study 2: salience (β = -.26, P < .001) and relapse (β = -.11, P = .004) predicted hyperfunction, while negative consequences (β = .12, P < .001) and dissatisfaction (β = .12, P < .001) predicted hypofunction.

Clinical Implications: Our results stress the importance of assessing the severity of each group of symptoms in patients with CSBD to better understand possible difficulties in their sexual functioning.

Strengths And Limitations: Our studies are the first to evaluate the effects of each CSBD domain on sexual health. We also replicated results obtained from a convenience sample on a representative sample. The cross-sectional design of the current studies does not allow causal relations to be tested, so future longitudinal research should be carried out. We also gathered data from a general population-thus, it is important to replicate these results on patients diagnosed with CSBD.

Conclusion: Our research points out the differential impact of CSBD domains on sexual health: salience and relapse are related to sexual hyperfunction, while negative consequences and dissatisfaction to hypofunction.