JOURNAL ARTICLE

Capacity to love and problematic sexuality: the role of defense mechanisms and psychopathological suffering.

  • Published In: Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2023, v. 20, n. 7. P. 1018 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Ciocca, Giacomo; Origlia, Giulia; Limoncin, Erika; Mollaioli, Daniele; Tanzilli, Annalisa; Lingiardi, Vittorio; Jannini, Emmanuele A 3 of 3

Abstract

This article investigates the relationship between the capacity to love and hypersexual behavior, focusing on the mediating roles of defense mechanisms and psychological distress. Using a convenience sample of 521 young adults who completed the Capacity to Love Inventory (CTL-I), Hypersexual Behavior Inventory (HBI), Defense Mechanisms Rating Scale, and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), the study found a significant negative association between capacity to love and hypersexuality. Mediation analyses indicated that psychological distress and immature defense mechanisms partially explain how limitations in the capacity to love relate to problematic sexual behavior. The findings suggest that assessing the capacity to love is important for diagnosing and treating individuals presenting with hypersexuality and related psychopathological symptoms.

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2023/07, Vol. 20, Issue 7, p1018
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Literature and Writing
  • Publication Date:2023
  • ISSN:1743-6095
  • DOI:10.1093/jsxmed/qdad066
  • Accession Number:171965940
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Journal of Sexual Medicine is the property of Oxford University Press / USA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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