The Sexual Repertoire of People Who Feel Out-of-Control

"The study is based on a nationally representative sample of 2,806 U.S. adults. Participants were asked whether, in the past six months, they had felt that one or more of their sexual behaviors were out of control, or whether they worried that those behaviors might feel like an addiction. Those who said yes to either question (6.1% and 7.4% of the sample, respectively) were then asked to identify which specific behaviors they had in mind when responding to the questions."

"Most people who expressed concerns regarding their sexual behaviors pointed to only one (44.3%) or two activities (33%). Across the sample, six behaviors came up most frequently: masturbation (59%), pornography use (45%), sex with a partner (25%), using apps to find sexual partners (15%), cruising for sex in public places (9%), and frequent casual encounters (20%). These categories were not always distinct. For example, someone who used apps to meet partners might also describe concerns about casual encounters with those partners."

A nationally representative sample of 2,806 U.S. adults answered questions about whether, in the past six months, they felt one or more sexual behaviors were out of control or worried those behaviors might feel like an addiction. Responses indicated 6.1% felt behaviors were out of control and 7.4% worried about addiction. Most respondents who reported concerns named only one (44.3%) or two activities (33%). The behaviors most frequently identified were masturbation (59%), pornography use (45%), sex with a partner (25%), frequent casual encounters (20%), using apps to find sexual partners (15%), and cruising in public places (9%). Solitary behaviors predominated, and gender, sexual orientation, age, and religiosity influenced which behaviors felt compulsive.

Read at Psychology Today