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Dysregulated Sexuality and High Sexual Desire: Distinct Constructs?

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Abstract

The literature on dysregulated sexuality, whether theoretical, clinical or empirical, has failed to differentiate the construct from high sexual desire. In this study, we tested three hypotheses which addressed this issue. A sample of 6458 men and 7938 women, some of whom had sought treatment for sexual compulsivity, addiction or impulsivity, completed an online survey comprised of various sexuality measures. Men and women who reported having sought treatment scored significantly higher on measures of dysregulated sexuality and sexual desire. For men, women, and those who had sought treatment, dysregulated sexuality was associated with increased sexual desire. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a one-factor model, indicating that, in both male and female participants, dysregulated sexuality and sexual desire variables loaded onto a single underlying factor. The results of this study suggest that dysregulated sexuality, as currently conceptualized, labelled, and measured, may simply be a marker of high sexual desire and the distress associated with managing a high degree of sexual thoughts, feelings, and needs.

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Acknowledgements

We are indebted to Dan Savage for his assistance with data collection, and Dr. Bruno Zumbo for sharing his statistical expertise.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Jason Winters, Kalina Christoff & Boris B. Gorzalka

  2. British Columbia Provincial Health Services Authority, Forensic Psychiatric Services Commission, #300–307 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC, V5Y 1P9, Canada

    Jason Winters

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  1. Jason Winters
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  2. Kalina Christoff
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  3. Boris B. Gorzalka
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Correspondence to Jason Winters.

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Winters, J., Christoff, K. & Gorzalka, B.B. Dysregulated Sexuality and High Sexual Desire: Distinct Constructs?. Arch Sex Behav 39, 1029–1043 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-009-9591-6

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