SEX addicts are actually more likely to avoid sex in a relationship, new research from Massey University has found. The findings also show people with appetites for online sex, prostitution, sex that puts you at risk of harm, degrading sex, or public indecency tend to have commitment issues.
The first New Zealand study of “out-of-control sexual behaviours” and their impact on relationships has been completed by Massey psychology student Karen Faisandier as part of her honours degree.
Of the 621 participants in the anonymous online survey, two-thirds were assessed as having out-of-control sexual behaviour. There people were more likely to be anxious about closeness and find relationships threatening.
By contrast, most of the other respondents perceived relationships as safe, partners as trustworthy and intimacy as desirable.
Study shows sex addicts turned off by intimacy. The Dominon Post, p. A11, December 18, 20100
[Note: The SPCS has as one of its objects: “To focus atention on the harmful nature and consequences of sexual promiscuity, … pornograhy..”].
Ms Faisandier said women with out-of-control sexual behaviours were more likely to be turned off by intimacy in a relationship than men. “But perhaps it just indicates … women will acknowledge and mention these anxieties, whereas men just don’t.”
Clinical psychologist and sex therapist Robyn Salisbury said it wasn’t uncommon for people with sex addictions to shum the intimaby they got at home, in favour of finding it elsewhere. “People who present with that sort of problem are no longer enjoying the sex. I’m sure Tiger Woods would say that, at the beginning, he had a great time but it actually would have got a bit ho-hum.”
Participants were also asked about alcohol and drug use, as well as their moods, to see if any links could be drawn. Depression was more prevalent in the minority group – a trend found only in New Zealand so far.
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