Normative and Clinical Self-Perceptions of Sexuality and Their Links to Psychopathology among Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) has been linked to psychopathology among adults. Only preliminary research has been conducted on adolescents. In our study, we examined whether CSB is linked to psychopathology among adolescents or whether it is a part of normal sexual development. We also, examined potential risk and resiliency factors that might influence this link.

METHODS: The study population included 311 high school students (184 males and 127 females) aged 16-18 years who completed self-report measures regarding CSB, psychopathology, temperament, and attachment orientations.

RESULTS: Adolescents with clinical CSB had more severe psychopathologies than nonclinical ones (with moderate and low levels of CSB) and were unable to utilize resilience factors (i.e., low negative affectivity, high effortful control, and/or attachment security).

CONCLUSIONS: Low and moderate levels of CSB seem to be part of the normal development of sexuality among adolescents. Clinical CSB seems to be a deviation from this normal development.