Abstract

Although there are several measures available to healthcare professionals that purport to measure compulsive sexual behavior (CSB), previous analyses have found that these measures have many shortcomings. These deficiencies include a focus on the presence of aberrant sexual behavior, or a strict quantification of sexual acts or partners. Current research demonstrates that CSB interventions have more validity when the focus is placed on the detriments of CSB and the ways in which CSB disrupts daily functioning. The Compulsive Sexual Behavior Inventory (CSBI) is the first measure that purports to assess CSB according to such detriments and disruptions. Analysis is necessary in order to assess the psychometric properties of the CSBI among a diverse (e.g., ethnic/gender/sexual orientation) sample of participants. Because of the association between CSB and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), and drug abuse, it is paramount that a psychometrically sound measure of CSB is made available to all healthcare professionals working in disease prevention and other areas.

Keywords: Compulsive sexual behavior, Sexual risk, HIV, STI, Drug abuse.