'Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity' Journal to Pick New, 'Theory-Neutral' Name

'Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity' Journal to Pick New, 'Theory-Neutral' Name

BELLEVUE, Wash. — The prestigious academic journal in the field of sexual health known until this year as “Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity” has announced that it will “undergo a name change to reflect a theory[-]neutral examination (i.e., no bias on a journal level) of problematic sexual behavior and associated sexual health considerations.”

Earlier this month, sexual health expert Dr. James P. Olsen, a board member of the Society for Advancement of Sexual Health (SASH), which publishes the journal, circulated an email making the announcement, asking applications for the position of Editor-in-Chief and heralding a “new direction” for the influential publication.

Theories regarding “sex addiction” and “porn addiction," discredited by a large part of the scientific community, are routinely promoted as real by anti-sex crusaders and religiously motivated War on Porn activists. Online forums obsessed with the debunked Victorian notion of semen retention — under its 21st-century version, #nofap — also contribute to the pop culture spread of these models for behavior treatment.

With its new, yet-unannounced name, the SASH journal makes a commitment to “theory-neutral examination,” that is, not starting off a diagnosis presupposing a linguistic equivalence between chemical addictions — e.g., narcotics, alcohol — and self-harming, compulsive behavior regarding sex.

Religion-based counselors, particular among Evangelical Christians, are insistent on the efficacy of “addiction” models to modify sexual behavior.

Neurological studies, especially in the area of dopamine release, have not been conclusive about a scientific equivalence between actual addictions and exposure to pornography or desire for sex.

At Pacific Behavioral Healthcare, an outpatient mental health clinic in Bellevue, Washington, Dr. Olsen treats “problematic sexual behaviors and co-occurring mental disorders.” He has multiple credentials in developmental psychopathology, ethics in health care and serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Mental Health Law & Policy Journal.

Instead of “addiction,” Dr. Olsen’s statement announcing the change of direction in the academic journal uses “problematic sexual behavior and associated sexual health considerations” as a theory-neutral way of describing what he and his colleagues treat.

XBIZ spoke with Leah Briick, PhD, Executive Director of SASH, who stressed that the new, theory-neutral direction does not mean that the organization or the journal have stopped believing in the sex addiction model. 

“We believe it is not appropriate to have a journal focused on one theoretical approach,” Briick told XBIZ. “We want the journal to focus on a problem and wrestle with that problem without theoretical bias.”

SASH, according to its executive director, “finds it unfortunate that so many organizations can’t embrace thoughtful dialogue regarding the various theories. SASH wants to be a place where dialogue can respectfully occur from diverse perspectives.”

“Renaming the journal is not about turning towards or turning away from a theory but instead emphasizing all perspectives,” Briick added.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Evil Angel Launches 'Iconic Angels,' Names Annette Schwarz Inaugural Performer

Evil Angel has launched its new Iconic Angels spotlight retrospective and named Annette Schwarz its inaugural performer.

Charlie Valentine Channels Vintage Seduction

There’s a certain softness to Charlie Valentine’s voice — like velvet over steel. She’s warm and easy to talk to, but there’s no mistaking the strength in her words. A Vegas native with glossy black hair and classic Bettie Page bangs, she gives off a timeless kind of cool: the kind of woman who rescues senior pets, meditates before every shoot and genuinely wants to know the story behind your antique furniture.

Corey Silverstein to Host Webinar on 'SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling'

Where Does Age Verification Go From Here," to livestream July 10 at 4 p.m. (EDT).

Brazzers Debuts New Series 'MILF Quest'

Cherie DeVille stars in the first episode of new Brazzers limited series, “MILF Quest.”

Anna Claire Clouds Stars in Latest From Ricky's Room

Reigning XMAs Female Performer of the Year Anna Claire Clouds stars in the latest release from Ricky's Room, titled "Cloudy With A Chance Of DP."

Samantha Sinz Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Creator Samantha Sinz stars with her husband Gus and Isiah Maxwell in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

FSC Publishes Guidance on Google Analytics Lawsuits

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published guidance on how adult websites can protect themselves in the wake of several consumer class action lawsuits filed against sites for using Google Analytics.

Anna Claire Clouds Headlines 'The Sex Therapist 7' From Sweet Sinner

2025 XMAs Female Performer of the Year Anna Claire Clouds toplines “The Sex Therapist 7,” the latest release from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweet Sinner.

Ashby Winter Performs Her 1st DP in Finale of VMG Cross-Site 'In Vogue' Sequel

Ashby Winter performs her first DP alongside Dimitri Shadow and Troy Francisco in the final scene from Vixen Media Group (VMG) cross-site feature "In Vogue 2."

Addison Vodka on Playing Nice - and Playing Rough

‘It’s such a funny story,” says Addison Vodka, tossing her long, beachy blonde waves over her shoulder. “I discovered that my boyfriend at the time was using camming websites behind my back. So I was like, ‘Well, if you’re going to go on there, then I’m just going to go on there.’”

Show More