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Addictive-type sexual behaviour results in significant distress and impact to daily functioning. Furthermore, differences have emerged regarding behavioural presentation and psychosocial outcomes between heterosexual men, heterosexual women, and gender and sexual minority (GSM) individuals. The current research employed partial correlation and Bayesian network modelling, analysing differences in symptoms of distress and sexual addiction among 934 adults aged 18-64 years (529 heterosexual men, Mage = 29.9; 211 heterosexual women, Mage = 31.8; 194 GSM individuals, Mage = 26.7). Sex addiction was measured using the Bergen-Yale Sex Addiction Scale (BYSAS) and distress operationalised by the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21). Distinct differences emerged. Heterosexual men may use sex to cope with underlying symptoms of depression, while GSM individuals may use sex as a means of coping with stress and anxiety. Heterosexual women displayed lower scores for sexual addiction and were more likely to endorse attempts at reducing sexual behaviour prior to experiencing consequences. Within-group analyses between non-heterosexual men and women largely converged with network models, revealing elevated symptoms of sexual addiction and distress relative to cisgender heterosexual individuals. The current study highlights the importance of intersectionality in the treatment, assessment, and continued research related to addictive-type sexual behaviour.
Hunt et al. (Tue,) studied this question.