Compulsive sexual behavior may be more state-like than trait-like: Findings from a three-year longitudinal representative survey

Key Points

• To explore whether compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) is primarily a state-like or trait-like phenomenon in young adults.
• Conducted a three-year longitudinal representative survey of young adults from the general population.
• Analyzed fluctuations in compulsive sexual behavior over time to assess state-like and trait-like characteristics.
• Evaluated situational influences on the expression of CSB.
• CSB appears to be more state-like, showing considerable variability over time among participants.
• Situational influences significantly contribute to the transient nature of CSB in the population.
• Findings suggest the need for revised approaches in screening and diagnosing CSB disorders.