Program in Human Sexuality

"Understanding and Treating Behavioral Addictions" by Jon Grant, MD, JD, MPH

Behavioral addictions, such as pathological gambling, kleptomania, pyromania, compulsive buying and compulsive sexual behavior, represent significant public health concerns and are associated with high rates of psychiatric comorbidity and morta...lity. Although research into the biology of these behaviors is still in an early stage, recent advances in our understanding of motivation, reward, and addiction, have provided substantial insight into the possible pathophysiology of these disorders. Biochemical, functional neuroimaging, genetic studies, and treatment research have all suggested a strong neurobiological link between behavioral addictions and substance use disorders. Given the substantial co-occurrence of these groups of disorders, improved understanding of their relationship has important implications not only for understanding further the neurobiology of both categories of disorders but also for improving prevention and treatment strategies.

Photo by Emily Jensen, AHC CommunicationsRead More

"Hostile Masculinity and Juvenile Sex Offenders"

Charles Helm, MA

Roots of Sexual Abuse is a CDC funded, multi-method, cross-sectional research study of adolescent males who have sexually abused children, sexually assaulted peers or adults, and/or committed other types of criminally delinquent behavior. The study applie...s attachment theory to identify the unique and shared risk factors for adolescents perpetrating child sexual abuse, sexual assault, and delinquent behavior. In his presentation, Helm will discuss findings from over five years of data collection with adolescent males in Minnesota. The variables described and analyzed will help to illuminate how significant hostile masculinity may have influenced the etiology of adolescent sex offender behavior. Information will be presented on the degree to which each variable is found for each participant group (child sex offender, peer sex offenders, and delinquents) and the degree to which theses groups differ from one another. An understanding of these variables has the potential to further elucidate our knowledge of the antecedents to adolescent sex offender behavior and to inform prevention interventions and therapeutic practices.Read More