Sex and porn addiction – medicalisation and treatment of sexual issues
Facts
- Contact person:
- Kiin Catrine Andersson
- Financer:
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- Malmö universitet
- Responsible at MaU:
- Kiin Catrine Andersson
- Project members at MaU:
- Time frame:
- 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2029
- Faculty/department:
- Research environment :
- Research subject:
Project description
Despite the lack of a formal diagnosis for the phenomena often described as sex addiction and porn addiction, these terms are spreading rapidly both in professional circles and in the media. Treatment for sex addiction—often based on the twelve-step model—is currently offered in various forms in Sweden, ranging from self-help groups and private therapists to care in institutional settings. All methods promise help for sex addiction, even though the scientific support for the twelve-step model, particularly regarding sexuality, is very limited (Andersson, Carlström, Amroussia & Lindroth 2024).
Institutions and organizations offering support, care, and treatment are constantly confronted with new concepts and self-diagnoses that lack scientific grounding but are becoming increasingly popular. Social workers and healthcare professionals encounter individuals who perceive their sexual practices as highly problematic, yet no established diagnoses or treatment methods are available. This also applies to sex and porn addiction. These phenomena are examples of sexual problems that are labeled as “diagnoses” in the media and in public discourse, but whose medicalization occurs outside of scientifically grounded practices. This study examines experiences of sex and porn addiction, as well as the treatments offered.
Publications so far in the project
Hinnersson, E. & Andersson, C. (forthcoming)
Porn, Morality and Meaninglessness: Experiences of Therapists Who Meet Men Seeking Treatment for Problematic Porn Use. Sexual and Relationship Therapy.
Andersson, C., Carlström, C., Amroussia, N., & Lindroth, M. (2024).
Using Twelve-Step Treatment for Sex Addiction and Compulsive Sexual Behaviour (Disorder): A Systematic Review of the Literature. Sexual Health & Compulsivity, 31(2), 170–188.