Compulsive Sexual Behavior in LGBTQ Individuals and Minority Stress Theory: A Literature Review and Theoretical Integration

This review summarizes research on compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals and integrates this literature with minority stress theory.

Research examining CSB in LGBTQ populations spans assessment, prevalence, etiology, comorbidity, and treatment domains. Assessment research presents concerns that CSB symptoms may be confused with aspects of an LGBTQ client’s sociocultural context, particularly minority stress processes (e.g., LGBTQ-related discrimination, internalized stigma). Due to assessment difficulties, it is unknown whether LGBTQ individuals exhibit a higher CSB prevalence than heterosexual and cisgender populations. Etiologically, minority stress may contribute to the development and maintenance of CSB and its comorbidities, including depression and anxiety. Lastly, LGBTQ-affirmative cognitive behavior therapy, an empirically supported treatment based on minority stress theory, is a promising intervention for CSB.

This review suggests that minority stress theory may enhance understanding, assessment, and treatment of CSB in LGBTQ populations.