Time Goes Back-Time Perspective in Polish Men with Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder and Risky Sexual Behavior.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Established links exist between time perspective and engagement in risky behaviors and addiction development.
• Understanding time perspective differences is crucial for differentiating compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) and risky sexual behavior (RSB).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare the intensity of individual time perspectives in men with CSBD, men with RSB, and a control group.
• To identify distinct temporal profiles associated with CSBD and RSB.

Main Methods:

• A comparative analysis involving 425 men: 98 with CSBD, 63 with RSB, and 264 controls.
• Utilized the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory, Sexual Addiction Screening Test-Revised, Risky Sexual Behavior Scale, and a custom survey.
• Statistical comparative analyses were performed to determine significant differences in time perspective intensities.

Main Results:

• The CSBD group exhibited higher past-negative and present-fatalistic, and lower past-positive outlooks compared to controls.
• Compared to the RSB group, the CSBD group showed higher past-negative, lower past-positive, and lower present-hedonistic perspectives.
• The RSB group displayed a higher present-hedonistic perspective than the control group, indicating an ability to enjoy current experiences.

Conclusions:

• CSBD is strongly associated with a focus on negative past experiences, distinguishing it from RSB.
• Men with RSB, without CSBD, show a greater capacity for present enjoyment, differentiating them from both CSBD patients and controls.
• Time perspective profiles differ significantly between CSBD and RSB, with implications for understanding and potentially treating these conditions.