Compulsive sexual behavior, religiosity, and spirituality: A systematic review

Abstract

Background and aims In recent years, increasing attention has been given to the relationship between compulsive sexual behavior (CSB), religiosity, and spirituality. This review summarizes research examining the relationship CSB has with religiosity and spirituality, clarifying how these constructs inform the assessment and treatment of this syndrome. Methods The present paper reviews research published through August 1, 2021, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Only studies providing quantitative analyses were included. Results This review identified 46 articles, subsuming 59 studies, analyzing the relationship between CSB and religiosity or spirituality. Most studies used cross-sectional designs with samples primarily composed of heterosexual White men and women. Generally, the studies found small to moderate positive relationships between religiosity and CSB. Studies considering the mediating or moderating role of moral incongruence identified stronger, indirect relationships between religiosity and problematic pornography use (PPU), a manifestation of CSB. Few studies examined the association between spirituality and CSB, but those that did either reported negative relationships between indicators of spiritual well-being and CSB or positive relationships between CSB and aspects of spiritual struggles. Discussion and conclusions Although research examining CSB and religiosity has flourished, such growth is hampered by cross-sectional samples lacking in diversity. Moral incongruence assists in explaining the relationship between religiosity and PPU, but future research should consider other manifestations of CSB beyond PPU. Attention should also be given to examining other religiosity and spirituality constructs and obtaining more diverse samples in research on CSB, religiosity, and spirituality.

Online Sex Addiction: A Qualitative Analysis of Symptoms in Treatment-Seeking Men

“…Criticism has been specifically raised against the application of the addiction model to the out-of-control use of the internet for sexual purposes, which has been deemed inappropriate due to a lack of evidence for the presence of all six addiction-model components ( 26 , 28 , 29 ). Moreover, a large number of studies [see ( 30 , 31 ) for systematic review] found that religiosity or moral incongruence may affect the perceptions of one's own behavior and ultimately lead to the overestimation of the problem and an inappropriate (self) diagnosis. On the other hand, Gola et al ( 32 ) stated that moral incongruence (i.e., the potential religiosity behind it) is culturally influenced and its status as exclusion criteria for PSIU is questionable.…”

Iatrogenic effects of Reboot/NoFap on public health: A preregistered survey study

“…As with any study, this study had limitations. The sample suffers from the same problem of low ethnic and sexual orientation diversity as studies of sexual compulsivity (Jennings et al, 2021). However, this might reflect the nature of these particular men, many following a program with forums commonly assailing LGBT persons.…”

Hypersexual behaviour among young adults in Germany: characteristics and personality correlates

“…All items were phrased with gender-equitable and -sensitive language [ 21 ]. The questionnaire was divided into four parts.…”

“…Positive correlations were found between HB and neuroticism [16,17], hostility [16], sensation seeking [16,18], impulsivity [18,19], loneliness and lower levels of satisfaction with life and happiness [15,20]. Also, a relation between religiosity and HB is suggested, possibly explained by moral incongruence and feelings of shame and guilt regarding the individual sexual behaviour of the affected persons [21,22]. HB occurs often simultaneously with other psychiatric diseases and is associated with the adherence of them (e.g.…”