(818) Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder and Sexual Distress in Italy

Abstract Introduction Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) is classified as an impulse control disorder, and involves a persistent inability to manage strong, recurring sexual urges or behaviors. CSBD is more prevalent among men than women or gender-diverse individuals. We hypothesize that there might be a positive relationship between CSBD and sexual distress, defined as negative emotional responses such as frustration, anxiety, guilt embarrassment, or shame during sexual activities. Previous studies have primarily focused on CSBD and its etiology or related aspects leaving sexual distress and potential gender differences relatively unexplored. Objective The present study aimed to explore the relationships between CSBD and sexual distress and examined the potential role of gender in these associations within an Italian population. Methods The participants consisted of the Italian sample from the International Sex Survey (ISS), with a total number of 2,437 individuals. After data cleaning a total of 2,401 (Mean age = 27.32 years, SD = 7.96, 21.32% men, 78.68% women) participants were included in the final dataset. Sex [BB4.1]at birth was included as a variable of focus. CSBD was assessed with the 19-item Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder Scale (CSBD-19), meanwhile sexual distress was assessed with the short version of the Sexual Distress Scale (SDS-3). Results The correlation analysis between CSBD and sexual distress was positive and statistically significant, r(2401) = .14, p < .001, supporting the hypothesis that individuals with higher levels of compulsive sexual behavior also reported higher levels of sexual distress. Moreover, in the regression model using sexual distress as dependent variable (statistically significant, F(7, 2401) = 4.74, p < .001, R2 = .01), the total CSBD score emerged as a significant positive predictor of sexual distress, B = 502.66, t(2401) = 5.48, p < .001. However, sex assigned at birth was not a significant predictor. Conclusions The small proportion of explained variance indicates that while the relationship between CSBD and sexual distress is statistically significant, the effect size of this association is small. Thus, additional factors likely contribute to sexual distress beyond CSBD and one’s sex. Overall, these results corroborate that CSBD may predict sexual distress, while sex assigned at birth was unrelated to sexual distress. These findings align with theoretical frameworks that propose CSBD as a potential source of intrapersonal conflict and psychological discomfort (e.g., sexual distress). Disclosure No