Conceptualizing Problematic Sexual Behaviors - A History and a Path Forward

Mental health professionals have struggled for decades to conceptualize sexual behavior struggles in a manner that generates broad consensus in the profession. Currently, many different conceptual models attempt to explain problematic sexual behavior and these models diverge from one another significantly in their theoretical underpinnings. This talk will explore the history of this topic. Specific attention will be given to each of the major theoretical models, to include the conceptual models of sexual addiction, out of control sexual behavior, impulsive-compulsive sexual behavior, hypersexuality, and more. Additional time will be spent critiquing the strengths and weaknesses of each model from a clinical and empirical perspective. Specific criticisms of the sexual addiction model will be offered, demonstrating that the framework is inconsistent with contemporary standards of the profession and is unsupported by empirical research.  Additional time will be spent discussing how sexual behavior problems can present as a primary or secondary symptom of many mental health conditions. A comprehensive analysis of the viable models for problematic sexual behavior will be made that allows participants to better understand the current best methods for conceptualizing these complex behavior problems from a heterogenous framework that acknowledges the empirical findings and limitations of the literature to date. Finally, an agenda for future research will be made for this critically understudied area.