Exploring how professionals in Malta conceptualise hypersexual behaviour

Abstract

According to Bőthe et al. (2018), hypersexual behaviour refers to “excessive and uncontrollable sexual fantasies, urges, and behaviours accompanied by significant personal distress and adverse consequences”. Hypersexual behaviour can include an excess of masturbation, pornography use, sexual behaviour with consenting adults, cybersex or telephone sex use, and strip club visits (Kaplan & Krueger, 2010). The aim of this research was to explore how professionals working within the therapeutic field conceptualise hypersexual behaviour by sharing their views and the approaches they use in their work. Eight participants were recruited and semi-structured interviews were conducted. Thematic Analysis was used to analyse the data obtained from the interviews, and themes and sub-themes emerged. Findings showed that engaging in hypersexual behaviour can have significant impacts and that several factors may contribute to this engagement. It was also found that certain aspects may influence the way individuals view hypersexual behaviour. Findings concluded that professionals’ perceptions on this subject vary, particularly with regard to their thoughts on diagnosis, their views on sex addiction, and the therapeutic interventions they use. Having a lack of consensus on diagnostic criteria has its implications. Future research on hypersexual behaviour might help professionals to better differentiate between healthy and problematic sexual behaviour. This might aid in providing better interventions and treatment for those who struggle with their sexual behaviour, while ensuring that high levels of sexual drives and common behaviours are not pathologised. Research on this phenomenon within the local context might reduce the stigma surrounding problematic sexual behaviours and help individuals to seek help if needed.