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Abstract
Inconsistent nurturing as control (INC) theory provides a framework for understanding communication, relational dynamics, and recovery outcomes in romantic pairings where one partner is addicted to a substance or behavior. This study tested INC in the context of heterosexual male sex addict–female coaddict relationships. Results were generally supportive of the theory. Sex addicts with partners who nurtured their problematic sexual behavior through positive and negative reinforcement were the most likely to be sexually compulsive, whereas sex addicts with partners who consistently punished their problematic sexual behavior were the least likely to be sexually compulsive.
Notes
a Positive alternative behavior consistency.
*p < .05. **p < .01.
Male heterosexual sex addicts were targeted due to concerns about obtaining an adequate sample size. However, through the petitioning process, I was able to establish connections with therapists and 12-step members that should allow for future inquires with samples of male homosexual sex addicts and female heterosexual and lesbian sex addicts.
The other application of inconsistent nurturing as control (INC) to addiction (Le Poire, Hallett, & Erlandson, Citation2000) relied heavily on information provided by coaddicts, rather than addicts, for their test of INC. However, results using addicts' data “were entirely consistent” with the findings uncovered using data provided by addicts' partners (p. 446). Consequently, to facilitate data gathering, a decision was made to collect data from addicts only. A similar decision was made by Prescott and Le Poire (Citation2002), who interviewed daughters only in their application of INC to mother–daughter communication and disordered eating.