Running head: Characteristics and affects of a sex addict

The Characteristics and Affects of a Sex Addict

Shana Livingston
Western Washington University

Running head: Characteristics and affects of a sex addict

Abstract
Sex addiction is an existing issue that is common among many people. In order to
understand a bit more about the characteristics, issues, perspectives, and possible care
that can be assessed for this specific addiction. In order to do this, I will need to use a
cross sectional needs assessment approach that will consist of interviews with those who
are willing to participate. Knowing more about characteristics, habits and different
populations of sex addiction will be key in regards to analyzing an appropriate treatment
approach. Adults will be interviewed who have a history of sex addiction along with
those associated with the addict whose lives have also been affected. The hopes of this
study is to gain further knowledge on the addiction as well as formulate an analysis of
what should be done in the future to help those struggling from the addiction.

Running head: Characteristics and affects of a sex addict

Sex addiction has been defined as out of control sexual behavior that may cause
harm or distress of social functioning as well as the loss of control over ones ability to
make choices about ones sexual behavior (Black, Kehrberg, Flumerfelt, & Schlosser,
1997) (Roller, p. 53, 2004). Engaging in such behaviors include cybersex, heavy use of
pornography, compulsive masturbation, prostitution, child molestation, incest, rape and
more (Roller, C.G, p.53). Understanding sex addiction and what the symptoms include
may be critical in order to help one understand and take the proper steps to recovery, as
well as help others who are involved. Roller states, Originally it was estimated that
approximately 6-10% of the American population suffered from pathological sexual
behavior. More recent estimates are as high as 45% (Carnes, 2001a) (Roller, p.53, 2004).
Just like alcohol, sex addiction is a disease that can have long term effects as well
as alter ones life if not treated with the proper care and support. The effects that sex
addicts encounter can be harmful to both themselves and others such as spouses or
children. In terms of human services, it is important that there is more information
available about sex addiction, signs of sex addiction, and treatment for those either
experiencing sex addiction or those who are experiencing it from the sideline. With
information on sex addiction available, human service professionals such as case
managers, counselors, social workers and therapists can better assist the community of
sex addicts by insuring the availability of treatment for both addicts and family members
of addicts.

Running head: Characteristics and affects of a sex addict

Review of Literature
Roller (2004) states that, Originally, it was estimated that approximately 6-10%
of the American population suffered from pathological sexual behavior. More recent
estimates are as high as 45% (Carnes, 2001a) and of that 45%, approximately half are
women (p. 53). Sex addiction has become an increasingly self-destructing problem and
there are several aspects that explain the contributing factors of it in men and women.
Roller defines a sex addict as, an individual who ultimately has no control over their
sexual behaviors, wants, and needs, which can then lead to other dysfunctional aspects of
life such as family, work, habits, and health (p. 53). Within the Carnes addiction system,
there is an enhanced model of sexual addiction and what it all entails. Roller describes
Carnes model by stating, If you do not trust people, one thing that is true about sex-and
alcohol, food, gambling, and risk-is that it always does what it promises-for the moment.
Hence a relationship with a substance or behavior not people is created (p. 55). Roller
classifies these unhealthy, sexual behaviors to be things such as, extramarital affairs,
compulsive use of pornography, cybersex, compulsive masturbation, exhibitionism,
voyeurism, prostitution, child molestation, incest and rape (p. 54).
Breaking down addition even further, there are three particular factors that can
easily give insight to the addicts behavior. The three factors, given by Roller (2004),
include, (1) loss of ability for an individual to choose freely whether to stop or continue
the behavior, (2) continuation of a particular behavior despite adverse consequences, and
(3) obsession with the behavior (p. 54). By recognizing these different aspects to
addiction, it can better explain why sex addicts do what they do. In terms of conflict in
this particular addiction, Tripodi (2006) says, It is the secrecy, violation of trust and self-

Running head: Characteristics and affects of a sex addict

doubts about whether to trust again that are deep areas of conflict (p. 272). The want and
need for some to alter their lives even just slightly and escape to another reality turn to
this type of outlet, regardless of recognition of how unhealthy it may be or the
consequences in store. (Tripodi, 2006) In todays society, Internet sex addiction is
becoming more and more prominent in the way this addiction is being launched.
According to Koch and Pratarelli (2004), a persons addiction factor precedes
overuse of the Internet for either functional or sexual purposes (p. 371). The main
players of the game are people who are less inclined to associate and interact with others,
and create friendships and relationships because they are not socially inclined, or have
social interaction anxiety and would rather meet and talk to someone online. It is a less
risky move to do that on the Internet for them, rather than experience this in person
(Koch & Pratarelli). Giving sex addiction a bit more insight, the authors explain an
important aspect of sex addiction that many may not realize is it is not necessarily the
frequency or kind of behavior, but the loss of control, or compulsivity and negative
consequences, that indicate addiction (Orzack & Ross, p. 114, 2000). Lack of control
plays a major part of sex addiction and is something that takes years to overcome.

Despite stereotypical assumptions of sex addiction and the idea that it is mostly
men that partake in such behaviors, there is plenty of evidence that says otherwise.
According a study done in relation to the correlation of love and sex in both men and
women, it has been said that they show the same levels of correlation. (Eisenmann &
Dantzker, 2004) Another source describes the reason behind such implications that
women are not as addicted to sex as men starts with the fact that the term pervert was a

Running head: Characteristics and affects of a sex addict

term related to men only during the 1930s and 1940s (Roller, 2004). Another reason
women and sex addiction has been a topic hidden in the shadows is because,
women who suffer from sexual addiction often are in denial and have a
difficult time identifying themselves as sex addicts (M. Feree, personal
communication, September 2002; NCSAC, 2003). Women believe that sex
addiction is about sex which infers in our society, that a female sex addict
is a whore, slut, or nymphomaniac, (Roller, p.56, 2004).
The difference between sex addiction in both men and women has a lot to do with the
different personalities, cultural upbringings, and societal standards that are held for each
gender.
There are several types of varying symptoms of a sex addict, along with why they
do what they do. Of the many, dependency and lack of control play major parts in this
disease. Eisenmann states, the persons feeling of dependency or addiction to something
indicates their feeling of lack of control. There is some evidence that a person who lacks
control in one area often has additional problems in other areas (Eisenmann, et al.,
p.116, 2004). There are several underlying reasons that explain a bit about why sex
addicts act out they way that they do, and this is explained a bit by Giugliano (2011) as he
states, sexual addicts use sex in an attempt to compensate for the deficits in the selfs
capacities for self-soothing and regulation of tension and self-esteem, as well as to avoid
regressive fragmentation (Giugliano, p. 353, 2011). This goes to show that sex is the
main outlet or alternative for sex addicts to go to.
Not only does sex addiction affect the addict him/herself, but it can also be
assumed that it affects the family system as well. Often times, there will be a coaddict

Running head: Characteristics and affects of a sex addict

that is along for the ride of the addict him/herself. According to Tripodi (2006), this
person has a lack of control over their own lives. They report experiencing despair,
hopelessness, confusion, anger, and sadness over the escalation and continuation of the
sexual behaviors despite, at times, promises on the addicts part to stop (p. 272). The
sexual addiction can be so overpowering to both the addict and those in their lives. The
lack of control can be contagious, if you will, in this family/spouse dynamic. Co-addicts
will often blame themselves for the addicts problems and they continue to fester in this
system that emphasizes that misunderstanding of their relationship on that level. After
looking at the spouse aspect of the family system, next comes perspective of the issues
initiated onto the children. Tripodi states, For those partners with children, there is the
worry that the children may have been exposed to the behaviors. Overall they are
concerned about the adverse effects the addiction will have on the family system as a
whole (p. 278). The fear of having the children then exposed to this kind of disease is
then detrimental to the family environment and to how they must go about functioning as
a family with sex addiction in the mix. Ignorance is a major factor in the way in which
family systems lack communication about these kinds of topics. It may be a very
uncomfortable topic to want to bring up to the children in the household, so there is
ignorance. Tripodi mentions ignorance in that, the coaddict chose to ignore in favor of
the spouses reasoning and explanations of suspicious events, usually centering on his
work schedule. This resulted in children being exposed to matters that, if confronted
sooner, would have allowed the children greater protection by the mother (p.278). Had
the addict and the coaddict gone into this situation head on and addressed the problem,

Running head: Characteristics and affects of a sex addict

there would be no need for the children to be exposed to it on their own, in a very
uncomfortable manner.
For those going dealing with sex addiction, there is help and treatment available.
Sex addicts who use the Internet, as their addiction outlet may want to try limit their
access or time on the Internet. This will help to prevent instances such as cybersex and
pornography. Orzack and Ross (2006) suggest another method called Motivational
Enhancement Therapy (MET), that follows a less confrontational approach, and
treatment styles can be more innovative. The main goal of this is to help people to want
to change, hence the term motivational enhancement (p. 122). It is highly recommended
that those who struggle with this addiction also seek out therapeutic or psychotherapy
that is focused on not just the addict but those involved in their lives and that are greatly
affected by the diseased (Tripodi, 2006). For future research on sex addiction, one area
that Koch suggests further knowledge in is age and sexual activity online. Koch states,
More importantly, age differences should be examined more carefully to explore the
developmental consequences of exposures to online gambling and sexually explicit
material on children in particular (Koch & Praterelli p. 377, 2004). It is important for
people to be aware of the help and treatment that is available to them if they are a sex
addict, coaddict, daughter, son, victim, etc. Within the human services field, there are
counselors, therapists, case managers, and many more other professionals that can assist
people who are struggling with sex addiction and want to help those further understand
what it is and how to go about altering that mindset and eliminate those habits.

Running head: Characteristics and affects of a sex addict

Methods
Addiction can be a difficult consumption of time, emotions and habits in ones
life. In todays culture, awareness of sex addiction is becoming more heard of and more
prominent with new more advanced technology, and less prevention. There are many
contributing factors to sex addiction that should be addressed before assessing what needs
to be done in terms of support towards this issue. Although it may seem to some as an
addiction that may only affect the addict themselves, sex addiction can affect not only
self but families and possibly the work place. By researching the different effects on the
surrounding community of sex addicts, it may benefit the future possible treatments
available for those who need it to better grasp the addiction itself and how to alter habits,
behaviors and mindsets for a healthier lifestyle.

Research Design
For this study, I plan on using a cross-sectional needs assessment approach. With
this approach I will gain more knowledge in terms of what habits are most common, if
there is a trend in the population, similar characteristics in partners, and where
technology comes into play such as cybersex, sexting, and more can be seen. In order to
efficiently research this issue I will need to understand more about the addiction itself and
its characteristics before I begin to analyze it any further.
Participants
The participants of my study will be mostly adults who are willing to participate
in interviews about their habits and struggles with sex addiction. I will also be

Running head: Characteristics and affects of a sex addict

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interviewing those who are associated with people dealing with sex addiction such as
spouses, children, co-workers and so on.
Instrument
My main source of information will be in the form of interviews. Interviews will
help to get an understanding of what the addict needs, how behaviors initially start, and
how to limit habit tendencies.
Data Collection
I will be collecting all kinds of data from each individual that will be kept
confidentially in my care in separate files. I will want to conduct interviews over a period
of one year or so to be able to efficiently analyze and compare different behaviors that
contribute to the addiction and then determine what can be done from that point on.
Data Analysis
If I am able to gain enough understanding and insight from those interviewed
about the addiction itself and their personal stories and struggles, combined with the
perception of those who are affected by their addiction, I will then be able to provide
additional knowledge into how this specific population can be helped.

Feasibility
Limitations
There are some slight limitations to my study in that it may be difficult to find
people that are willing to share their stories and struggles in regards to sex addiction.
Finding people that are willing to participate will be the biggest concern. Another
limitation might be the efficiency of the interviews because of the topics that will be

Running head: Characteristics and affects of a sex addict

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discussed. Opening up about sex addiction can be a sensitive topic to anyone involved
and can cause negative thoughts or feelings, perhaps.
Ethical Considerations and Risk Factors
In terms of ethical considerations and risk factors, there are some things that need
to be accounted for. It may be beneficial for the study that if someone decides to
participate in this study to discuss their sex addiction, that their partner would also be
interviewed. However, there is a possibility that the spouse or partner does not
necessarily know or want to be involved.
Implications
If this study turns out to be effective, it may help to bring more awareness to the
addiction. It will, hopefully, specifically address the development of technology
encouraging sex addiction through pornography, and cybersex. This study may help to
benefit those who are struggling with a sex addiction but do not know of available
counseling, treatment, and so on.

Running head: Characteristics and affects of a sex addict

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References
Eisenman, R., Dantzker, M. L., & Ellis, L. (2004). Self ratings of dependency/addiction
regarding drugs, sex, love, and food: Male and female college
students.

Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, 11(3), 115-127.

Giugliano, J. R. (2011). Selfpsychological treatment of a sex addict with

sadomasochistic behaviours: A case report. British Journal of
Psychotherapy, 27(4), 352-367.
Koch, W. H., & Pratarelli, M. E. (2004). Effects of intro/extraversion and sex on social
Internet use. North American Journal Of Psychology, 6(3), 371382.
Orzack, M. H., & Ross, C. J. (2000). Should virtual sex be treated like other sex
addictions? Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, 7(1-2), 113-125
Roller, C. G. (2004). Sex addiction and women: A nursing issue. Journal of Addictions
Nursing, 15(2), 53-61.
Tripodi, C. (2006). Long term treatment of partners of sex addicts: A multi-phase
approach. Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, 13(2-3), 269-288.

Running head: Characteristics and affects of a sex addict

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Appendix A
Consent Form
Researcher: Shana Livingston, Western Washington University
(425) 244-9809 [email protected]
Description:
The purpose of this study will be to understand the affects that sex addiction has on
both the addict, co-addict, family, friends and others. This study will hopefully
provide more in-depth information on sex addiction, what can be done, which
population should be focused on and how it generally begins.
Confidentiality
Any and all participants who desire to participate in this optional study will have all
personal information kept confidentially within separate files, and will not be shared
beyond the professional field. The participant may share freely anything they wish to
share throughout the study period.
Risks:
Any potential risks of this study would be vulnerability among the participants, as
they voluntarily participate in sharing personal information about their history or
loved ones history with sex addiction.
Voluntary Nature of Participation:
Participation of this study is completely voluntary; you have the right to refuse and
may opt out of the study at any given time.
Contact
If you have any questions, concerns, or comments you may contact me directly by the
information located at the top of this page.
By signing this document, you are stating that you have read and understand the
information above. This document has been read to you, and you are agreeing to
participate voluntarily.
Signature: _____________________________________ Date:
___________________________________
(Modified from Marlow, 2005, p. 155)

Running head: Characteristics and affects of a sex addict

Appendix B
Interview Questions for Addicts
1.) When do you think the addiction started?
2.) How often do you catch yourself engaging in these habits?
3.) Would you say technology has encouraged that behavior?
4.) How has sex addiction affected your relationship with your partner/spouse?
5.) How has sex addiction affected your relationship with your children? (If any)
6.) How has sex addiction affected your behavior in the work place?
7.) Where do you think the most influence has come from
8.) Have you ever seeked treatment or care?
9.) Is there something you can think of that would help you quit?
10.) Does any family or close friends know about your addiction?

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