Addressing Risk Factors Associated With Women's Sexually Compulsive Behaviors Through Psycho-Education and Self-leadership Development

Abstract

The author believes that one can teach women self-leadership strategies to successfully deal with risk factors that—if left unattended—increase women's likelihood of engaging in sexually compulsive behaviors. A literature review included studies published in Medline and PsychInfo databases with articles, textbooks, and textbook chapters. Experimental and correlational studies were included if sample size was greater than 20 per group and if samples were separated by gender. Case studies were included if they pertained to the treatment of sexually addicted women. The literature review yielded several risk factors: (1) Exposure to developmental stressors; (2) Unregulated negative affect; (3) Comorbid addictions; (4) Lack of relationship skills; and (5) Sex work. The author derived treatment strategies for at-risk women (i.e., psycho-education and the teaching of self-regulatory or so called self-leadership strategies) from current treatment practices of sexually compulsive women. Implications for treatment providers of at-risk women are discussed.

Psycho-education on risk factors associated with sexual compulsivity in women and self-leadership trainings to deal with such risk factors seem a promising tool to decrease at-risk women's likelihood of engaging in sexual compulsive behaviors.