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Shame, sexual compulsivity, and eroticizing flirtatious others: an experimental study
Raluca Petrican1, Christopher T Burris, Morris Moscovitch
1a Rotman Research Institute.
Journal of Sex Research
|December 5, 2013
Summary
Shame induction increases sexual interest in sexually compulsive individuals. This occurs because shame makes erotic stimuli appear more attractive, influencing attention towards physical cues.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Sexual compulsivity is linked to negative emotions like shame.
- Previous research suggests a connection between shame and erotic engagement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if experimentally induced shame increases interest in erotic stimuli among sexually compulsive individuals.
- To explore the role of shame in the sexualization of targets.
Main Methods:
- 74 university students recalled neutral or shame-inducing experiences.
- Participants completed a gaze-cueing task with flirtatious/neutral faces.
- Sexual compulsivity, executive control, and sociosexuality were measured.
Main Results:
- Higher sexual compulsivity correlated with reduced attention to flirtatious faces after shame induction.
- This effect was mediated by increased attractiveness ratings of flirtatious faces.
- Shame appears to enhance the appeal of physical attributes in erotic stimuli.
Conclusions:
- Shame experimentally increases the sexualization of erotic targets in sexually compulsive individuals.
- Findings support the link between negative affect and sexual compulsivity.
- Shame may alter the perception of erotic stimuli, emphasizing physical aspects.
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