MOTIVATIONS
In general, the motivations for the use of are varied, such as seeking information, forms of sexual arousal and gratification (enhancement motivations: fantasy stimulation, partner excitement) or building self-esteem. Social motivations (social motivations) seem particularly important for sites that promote exchanges or encounters between people. The use of is also motivated by the regulation of emotions (coping motivations: seeking to cope with perceived stresses) as described for other addictions with, and without substances. A recently developed scale confirms three of the main dimensions of motivations for (enhancement search for excitement, coping and social motivations, social motivations). The links between motivations for and addictive behaviours remain to be explored, in particular, in association with other possible determinants such as sexual desire.
DETERMINANTS OF ADDICTIVE CONDUCT
In addition to the motivations for the use of, some psychological variables are considered to be possible contributors to the addictive use of cybersex, in particular: sexual desire, attachment, self-esteem, depressive mood and impulsivity.
Sexual desire
Sexual desire reflects a person’s attraction to sexual behaviour. It is defined as a subjective experience characterized by an inner impulse that drives a person to initiate or be receptive to a sexual experience. Sexual desire is also characterized by an “increase in the frequency and intensity of sexual thoughts and fantasies, and the desire for sexual act, desire to interact with others.” In addition, it is influenced by multiple contextual, interpersonal factors, attractiveness to a partner, as well as thymic fluctuations. The use of may offer some form of satisfaction with that desire and contribute to a measure of the addictive use of cybersex. Therefore the subjects love to watch people engaging in sexual intercourse live on webcam.
Mood
As in other studies of substance less addictions, an association between addictive use of and depressive mood is frequently reported.
Self-esteem
Low self-esteem has been associated with a particular form of, sexting (sharing sexual photos and messages) as well as with addictive sexual conduct. This association with is not found in all studies. These differences can be explained by variations related to the characteristics of the samples recruited and methods of assessing self-esteem or regarding the offerings of considered.
Attachment
Attachment theory states that early interactions help to condition beliefs and behaviours related to forms of intimate attachment. Avoiding attachment (leaking too intimate relationships with the risk of multiplying partners) and anxious attachment (fear of abandonment) and rejection leading to reassurance-seeking behaviours) are known for their impact on emotional and sexual relationships. relationships.
