Abstract
Hypersexuality and its relationship to impulsivity has seen conflicting results in the literature. Hypersexuality has been thought of as a univocal construct; however, in light of current research, hypersexuality may have two sub dimensions: problematic sexuality and sexual drive. This study attempted to replicate previous studies that support a multi-faceted model of hypersexuality and impulsivity. ADHD includes an impulsivity component and has a high correlation with hypersexuality, which will be used to help further clarify the relationship between these two constructs. A sample of 386 participants of Brandeis college students ( n = 106 ) and online Mechanical Turk participants ( n = 262) answered a questionnaire measuring components of all three constructs. Factor analyses were performed to replicate the findings of past research that Emotional Dysregulation (inability to stay within a socially acceptable emotional state) and Risk Taking (lack of taking others into consideration in pursuit of power) were factors of Impulsivity. Hypersexaulity was also determined to have two facets: Problematic Sexuality (using sex to cope and interrupting daily life) and Sexual Drive (frequent sexual activity). The subcomponents of Hypersexuality and Impulsivity covaried differently. Sexual Drive covaried non-significantly more with Risk Taking than Emotional Dysregulation. Problematic Sexaulity covaried significantly more with Risk Taking than Emotional Dysregulation which may suggest separate developmental paths for those high on both of these subtypes of hypersexuality. ADHD further supported these differential subcomponents as it covaried with all facets, and covaried more with Emotional Dysregulation and Problematic Sexuality.