← Research library · All studies
Using Twelve-Step Treatment for Sex Addiction and Compulsive Sexual Behaviour (Disorder): A Systematic Review of the Literature
Open AccessAbstract The aim of this study is to explore the current scientific evidence for using the twelve-step method as a treatment method for sex addiction and compulsive sexual behavior (disorder). Peer-reviewed empirical articles on the twelve-step method and sex addiction and compulsive sexual behavior (disorder) written in English, Danish, Norwegian, or Swedish, retrievable in selected databases were included. No limits were set on publication date or study design. The systematic review resulted in eight empirical studies which were read and assessed according to the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. The results were inconclusive, and we found only three articles of high quality, where the samples were composed mainly by men, which indicate that peer-therapy in combination with individual therapy might be beneficial. That twelve-step treatment rests heavily on the idea of sex addiction was unproblematized in most of the publications. Overall, the findings raise issues concerning who benefits from this treatment.
Abstract as published by the authors. Sanatio indexes the published record and links to the source.
Find a clinician in the Sanatio provider directory.