ABSTRACT
The term « cybersex ¼ refers to the use of the Internet for sexual purposes (pornography, webcams, dating). While moderate use of cybersex could have a positive effect on sexual life, a small fraction of these cyber-users could have difficulties to control their consumption with negative consequences. This phenomenon, whose understanding of the mechanisms still raises debates, seems to be influenced by various psychological factors, including avoidant attachment (avoidance of close emotional relationship) and depressed mood. Sexual desire, different types of motivations for using cybersex, and impulsivity could contribute, to some extent, to this phenomenon. Despite of their preliminary character, current available data lead us to recommend an integrated approach of the treatment of the persons facing these difficulties.
Le terme de « cybersexe ¼ fait référence à l'utilisation d'internet pour des motifs sexuels (pornographie, webcams, rencontres). Alors qu'un usage modéré du cybersexe pourrait avoir des effets positifs sur la vie sexuelle, une petite fraction de ses utilisateurs pourrait en avoir une consommation peu contrôlée avec des conséquences négatives. Ce phénomène dont la compréhension est encore sujette à débats semble influencé par différents facteurs psychologiques, notamment l'attachement évitant (fuite des relations trop intimes) et l'humeur dépressive. Le désir sexuel, le type de motivations à l'usage du cybersexe et l'impulsivité pourraient dans une certaine mesure y contribuer. Malgré leur caractère préliminaire, les données disponibles à ce jour invitent à une approche intégrée du traitement des personnes confrontées à ces difficultés.
Subject(s)
Behavior, Addictive , Sexual Behavior , Erotica , Internet , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: An increasing number of studies are concerned with various aspects of cybersex addiction, the difficulty some persons have in limiting cybersex use despite a negative impact on everyday life. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess potential links between the outcome variable cybersex addiction, assessed with the Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS) adapted for cybersex use, and several psychological and psychopathological factors, including sexual desire, mood, attachment style, impulsivity, and self-esteem, by taking into account the age, sex, and sexual orientation of cybersex users. METHODS: A Web-based survey was conducted in which participants were assessed for sociodemographic variables and with the following instruments: CIUS adapted for cybersex use, Sexual Desire Inventory, and Short Depression-Happiness Scale. Moreover, attachment style was assessed with the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised questionnaire (Anxiety and Avoidance subscales). Impulsivity was measured by using the Urgency, Premeditation (lack of), Perseverance (lack of), Sensation Seeking, Positive Urgency Impulsive Behavior Scale. Global self-esteem was assessed with the 1-item Self-Esteem Scale. RESULTS: A sample of 145 subjects completed the study. Addictive cybersex use was associated with higher levels of sexual desire, depressive mood, avoidant attachment style, and male gender but not with impulsivity. CONCLUSIONS: Addictive cybersex use is a function of sexual desire, depressive mood, and avoidant attachment.
