Le modèle du double contrôle dans la compréhension des comportements sexuels problématiques chez les hommes

A strong sexual response in men is associated to a variety of sexual behaviors that can result in severe consequences, like hypersexuality, sexual risk-taking, and sexual coercion. However, considering a sexual response as an “out of control” impulse fails to take into account regulation and inhibition factors involved in these types of behaviors. The Dual Control model proposes that the strength of the sexual response depends on the balance between excitation and inhibitory systems. The goal of the present review is to demonstrate the usefulness of this model in understanding problematic sexual behaviors in both heterosexual and homosexual men. Empirical studies identify three main processes associated to the three control systems of this model: a sexual response that is too strong, a lack of inhibition of this response, and inhibition provoked by the preoccupation of sexual performance. Clinicians as well as researchers should thus consider excitation and inhibition factors when treating and conducting research on problematic sexual behaviors.