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SWPS University - Main page

Examining psychological and neuronal mechanisms of compulsive sexual behavior in women
research
ongoing

Examining psychological and neuronal mechanisms of compulsive sexual behavior in women

principal investigator / project leader
Ewelina Kowalewska
M.A.

psychologist, dctoral student at SWPS University, researcher in the "Hiperseksualność.pl" team

project value: PLN 210,000
funding source: National Science Center
discipline: psychology
research center: Institute of Psychology
location: Warsaw
duration: 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

For over 20 years, the discussion on conceptualization approaches to the topic of compulsive sexual behaviors (CSB) has not been resolved. Our previous studies led to the identification of key neuronal mechanisms underlying CSB in men, and have proposed a conceptualization, which will be included in the future classifications of mental disorders. However, almost all the existing data concerning CSB apply to men. The noticeable lack of empirical research on uncontrollable sexual behaviors in women needs rapid attention, especially that our initial studies indicate significant clinical differences between women and men in this regard.

Project objectives

The purpose of this study is to:

  1. Gather information about the frequency of various forms of compulsive sexual behavior among women, and its broader clinical picture (e.g., relationships with specific personality profiles, psychological role of certain behaviors, impact on relationships and sexual functioning)
  2. Examine the co-occurrence of CSB with other behavioral addictions, substance use, and/or other mental disorders
  3. Verify whether neuronal mechanisms underlying CSB in women are the same as in men
  4. Verify the causal nature of the identified mechanisms by examining whether psychotherapy results in their weakening and effective CSB symptoms reduction.

Methodology

We will obtain data from questionnaires and diaries, and will conduct functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) measurement as well as psychological interventions based on mindfulness techniques.

The project will provide unique and high-impact data at the time when the World Health Organization (WHO) is in the process of including CSB in the ICD-11 classification.

Kowalewska, Ewelina Principal Investigator
Bio
Nie
Permanent employee
Nie
First and last name
Ewelina Kowalewska
Specialization
psychologist
Academic degree or title
M.A.
M.A. Ewelina Kowalewskapsychologist, dctoral student at SWPS University, researcher in the "Hiperseksualność.pl" team

Application of results

The project will provide unique and high-impact data at the time when the World Health Organization (WHO) is in the process of including CSB in the ICD-11 classification. Given the increasing availability of pornographic material enabled by the development of the internet, and considering the growing number of people who are not able to control their sexual behavior, this research topic is socially significant and. Results obtained over the course of this study will help to identify patterns of sexual functioning in women with CSB, and provide guidance for future clinical trials on effective methods that could help women suffering from this disorder.

Reserch team

Gola, Mateusz research supervisor
Bio
Nie
Permanent employee
Nie
First and last name
Mateusz Gola
Specialization
psychologist
Academic degree or title
Ph.D. / Associate Professor at IP PAN
Ph.D. / Associate Professor at IP PAN Mateusz Golapsychologist