Purpose of review: This aim of the present systematic literature review is to critically analyze problematic sexuality and sexual dysfunctions in personality disorders (PDs) and pathological personality traits.
Recent findings: An initial pool of 123 studies was found, out of which 17 met the selection criteria and were therefore included. Traumatic experiences as childhood sexual abuse and adverse childhood experiences characterize the relationship between sexual behavior and PDs. From this point of view, sexual compulsivity and sexual risk behaviors, typical of BPD and ASPD, respectively, are among the pathognomonic aspects of PDs and of pathological personality traits. A maladaptive personality functioning may manifest through a problematic sexuality and a sexual impairment. In this regard, traumatic life experiences may structure personality together with sexual functioning. Therefore, it would be useful to consider the relationship between trauma, sexuality, and personality in research and in the clinical setting.
Keywords: Adverse childhood experiences; Personality disorders; Personality traits; Problematic sexuality; Sexual dysfunction; Sexual risk behavior.
© 2023. The Author(s).