A preliminary investigation of the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and compulsive sexual behaviors in a substance-dependent population

Abstract

Past research has consistently demonstrated high co-occurrence between substance use disorders (SUDs) and compulsive sexual behaviors (CSBs). Numerous studies have also indicated that maladaptive core beliefs and early maladaptive schemas (EMS) are prevalent among individuals with SUDs and CSBs. However, research has yet to examine the relationship between EMS and CSBs among substance-dependent populations. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to examine this relationship in a sample of 198 men and 62 women in residential treatment for SUDs. Findings demonstrated that the five EMS domains were positively associated with CSBs. Results further demonstrated that patients meeting the cutoff score for CSBs scored significantly higher than patients not meeting the cutoff score for CSBs on the EMS domains of disconnection/rejection, impaired autonomy, and impaired limit. These findings suggest that there is an important and significant relationship between EMS and CSBs among adults in substance use treatment. Results from the current study indicate that EMS may provide a potentially important focus for treatment, particularly among individuals with co-morbid CSBs and SUDs. Given the preliminary nature of this study, continued research is needed to replicate and extend the findings from the current study.

• Compulsive sexual behaviors
• early maladaptive schemas
• substance dependence
• sexual addiction

Declaration of interest

This work was supported, in part, by grant K24AA019707 from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) awarded to the last author. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIAAA or the National Institutes of Health.