The circle of gain and loss: Iranian women's life stories of suffering from compulsive sexual behaviour

Abstract

This study is the first investigation on compulsive sexual behaviour (CSB) in Iran, and empirical data to contribute to a theoretical model can help prevent the onset or progression. The study's main aim is to investigate the life story of women with compulsive sexual behaviour, and the focus is on the process of compulsive sexual behaviour development. Self-destructive or high-risk sexual behaviours can cause feelings of shame and short and long-term problems. It also affects family and social relationships, health, employment, finances and can cause legal consequences (Carnes, 2001). Compulsive sexual behaviour refers to a long-lasting pattern of inability to control extreme, repetitive sexual impulses or forceful wishes over an extended period (6 months or more) that creates significant distress and can disturb interpersonal functions and well-being (Grubbs et al., 2020). There are some similarities between behavioural and chemical dependency, including being in a compulsive state and chronic reoccurrence of the behaviour and craving that creates tension or stimulation before the sexual act. When monitoring this behaviour in a clinical context, evaluating the severity of anxiety is crucial (Kor et al., 2013). It can trigger depression, loneliness, shame (Schreiber et al., 2012), sexual dysfunction, substance abuse, mood disorders, and anxiety (Reid, 2013). Sexual behaviour disorders like CSB can also create the risk of physical injury associated with sexual abuse or violence and sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancy, and abortion (Miner & Coleman, 2013;Roller, 2004Roller, , 2007. Genetic disorders, brain, and serotonergic dysfunctions, and dopamine system irregularities are neurobiological factors that may help rationalise abnormalities in sexual desire (Kraus et al., 2016).According to some reports, there is often a strong relationship between chemical misuse and CSB, particularly in women (Roller, 2004;Seegers, 2003). When these conditions co-occur, any lack of effective treatment can exacerbate both problems (Carnes et al., 2005;