Citation

Hopkins TA, Brawner CA, Meyer M, Zawilinski L, Carnes PJ, Green BA. Sex. Addict. Compuls. 2016; 23(1): 114-140.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10720162.2015.1095137

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The current exploratory study investigated associations between personality and psychopathology, as measured by the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2), and engagement in sadomasochistic (S&M) behaviors in a sample of individuals presenting for treatment of problematic sexual behavior and/or sexual addiction. Profiles were established by sex for both low-risk (e.g., seeking out humiliation and loss of power during sexual experiences) and high-risk (e.g., engagement in sexual asphyxiation) presentations. A series of correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted to establish associations.

RESULTS indicated that a scale measuring trauma-related symptoms (PK) predicted both high-risk and low-risk S&M behaviors, across sexes. Among men, schizoptypal characteristics, hypomanic activation, disconstraint, and negative emotionality predicted both risk levels. Low-risk behaviors in men were also predicted by self-deprecation, familial alienation, low positive emotions, and anxiety. Conversely, high-risk S&M behaviors in men were predicted by antisocial behavior, trait psychoticism, and generalized fearfulness. High-risk S&M behaviors in women were predicted by self-deprecation, disconstraint, competitiveness, anger, antisocial behaviors, and aberrant experiences, among others. History of sexual abuse was a predictor of low-risk and high-risk S&M behavior in women only.

FINDINGS are discussed in terms of implications for treatment and further research.

Language: en