Hypersexuality and Religion/Spirituality: A Qualitative Review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Prior research has linked hypersexuality to negative mental health outcomes, and this relationship is partially explained by one's appraisals of sexual behavior. Religious/spiritual beliefs can strongly influence appraisals of sexual behavior, especially to the degree that individuals view themselves as failing to act in line with their sexual values. The purpose of the present article was to review empirical studies on the intersection of religion/spiritualty and hypersexuality. Most studies were based on convenience samples and used measures of hypersexuality that only partially align with proposed diagnostic criteria. Studies consistently demonstrated a negative relationship between religiosity and hypersexual behavior. In addition, hypersexuality was negatively related to measures of spiritual adjustment. Implications for future research as well as treatment of hypersexuality are discussed.