Herring, B. (2017) A Framework for Categorizing Chronically Problematic Sexual Behavior, Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity,

24:4, 242-247, DOI: 10.1080/10720162.2017.1394947

This article recognizes that many forms of problematic sexual behavior can be reduced or eliminated by changing either sexual or nonsexual components of a person’s life. The framework describes sexual behavior as problematic if it consistently:

  • Conflicts with a person’s commitments and/or
  • Conflicts with a person’s values and/or
  • Conflicts with a person’s self-control and/or
  • Results in negative consequences and/or
  • Lacks fundamental sexual responsibility

The framework does not use the type or frequency of sexual behavior as an assessment variable and does not consider causes or treatment of problematic sexual behavior.