Hypersexuality: A Critical Review and Introduction to the 'Sexhavior Cycle'
- Authors
- Walton, M. T., Cantor, J. M., Bhullar, N., & Lykins, A. D.
- Year
- 2017
- Journal
- Archives of Sexual Behavior
- Type
- Conceptual / review paper
- Last verified
- 2026-10-04
Main question
Is hypersexuality a valid, distinct disorder?
Summary
Walton and colleagues (2017) critically reviewed the concept of hypersexuality and questioned whether it constitutes a distinct disorder. They proposed an alternative “sexhavior cycle” model.
Why it matters
This paper represents the skeptical side of the classification debate and is relevant to compulsive sexual behaviour and the behavioural addiction debate.
Findings
- Critically reviews the hypersexuality construct and questions whether it represents a distinct, valid disorder.
- Proposes an alternative 'sexhavior cycle' model to describe the interaction of sexual behaviour and related factors.
Limitations
- Conceptual paper; the proposed alternative model is not yet empirically established.
- verification needed (DOI/PMID not recorded)
Clinical relevance
Questions whether hypersexuality is a coherent diagnostic category.
Relevance to problematic pornography use
Represents the skeptical side of the classification debate.