Sexual Addiction Among College Students

Abstract

Previous research suggests that not only is sexual addiction a problem within our society, its prevalence is on the rise Seegers [1]. Exposure to sexually explicit stimuli helps to create this problem. The advent of broadband internet has made this type of material more available than ever before Hall [2]. Pair this alongside other factors that contribute to the development of sexual addiction; childhood abuse and trauma, difficulties in formulating attachments and lack of coping skills and one can see the ease at which this problem can spread. Although the DSM-V has not yet recognized this as an actual disorder, nor included a workable diagnosis, it does appear to be a growing problem. Previous literature by individuals such as; Patrick Carnes and Ariel Goodman has provided us with actual diagnostic criterion that could be utilized to do just that. Evidence supports the fact that the problem does exist and that it is an uncontrollable maladaptive behavior. Our research will help to expand this knowledge by utilizing university students to establish if sexual addiction is presenting within the population we will sample. In determining this we can then move forward with research so as to better understand how and why this may be occurring.