Self-reported indicators of hypersexuality and its correlates in a female online sample

Abstract

Introduction: Hypersexual behavior has been a controversial and much disputed issue in the field of sexual medicine. However, only little attention has been paid to hypersexual behavior in women. Therefore, to date there is limited knowledge on the behavioral patterns of hypersexuality in women.

Aims: The purpose of the present study was to examine which sexual behavioral patterns are associated with self-reported indicators of hypersexuality in a female online sample. The second aim was to evaluate the association between hypersexuality and sexual risk behavior in women.

Methods: In total, 988 women participated in an online survey. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between sexual behavioral patterns and hypersexuality. Furthermore, correlation analyses were calculated in order to identify the relationship between sexual risk behavior and hypersexuality.

Main outcome measures: Indicators of hypersexual behavior were measured by the Hypersexual Behavior Inventory (HBI). In addition, current and present impersonal sexual activities were investigated. Sexual risk behavior was assessed using the Sexual Sensation Seeking Scale (SSSS).

Results: High masturbation frequency, number of sexual partners, and pornography use were associated with a higher degree of hypersexual behavior in women. Furthermore, the HBI total score was positively correlated to sexual risk behavior.

Conclusion: The results of the current study do not support the idea of previous research that hypersexual women are typically engaged in more passive forms of sexual behavior. Rather female hypersexuality seems to be more characterized by impersonal sexual activity. An association between hypersexual behavior and sexual risk behavior was identified. The implications of these findings for potential prevention strategies and therapeutic interventions are discussed.

Keywords: Compulsive Sexual Behavior; Female Hypersexual Behavior; Hypersexuality; Sexual Addiction; Sexual Risk Behavior.