Conceptualization of Hypersexual Disorder with the Behavioral-Cognitive Inhibition Theory

Nenad Paunović, Jonas Hallberg

Center for Andrology and Sexual Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.

DOI: 10.4236/psych.2014.52024                

Abstract

Hypersexual disorder is conceptualized with the behavioral-cognitive inhibition (BCI) theory. The current article focuses on the following aspects: (a) triggers of dysfunctional sexual behaviors and fantasies, (b) dysfunctional beliefs of excessive sexual behaviors and fantasies, (c) negative interpretations of triggers of sexual behaviors and fantasies, (d) excessive sexual behaviors and fantasies as avoidance behaviors, (e) consequences of excessive sexual behaviors and fantasies vs. healthy coping strategies, (f) sexual behaviors as inhibitors of distressing memories associated with negative beliefs, (g) sexual fantasies and other valued memories as inhibitors of dysfunctional memories associated with negative beliefs, and (h) behavioral activation of valued activities as inhibitors of sexual behaviors and distressing memories. Some important issues are discussed.

Keywords

Behavioral-Cognitive Inhibition Theory; Hypersexual Disorder; Negative Beliefs; Avoidance Behaviors; Inhibition; Valued Memories; Dysfunctional Memories

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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