Compulsive Sexual Behavior and its Relationship to Risky Sexual Behavior

The extant literature indicates a robust association between compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) and HIV sexual risk. Our research has found that CSB influences multiple measures of HIV sexual risk and that the association between CSB and HIV sexual risk behavior is consistent across multiple populations, including men who have sex with men and African American women. Further, we have found that CSB can be characterized by disruptions of certain executive functions, impulsivity, and difficulties with emotional regulation. These factors are described within the context of HIV prevention and a model is proposed of how CSB leads to HIV sexual risk behavior.