An Exploration on the Public Stigma of Sexual Addiction

Abstract This study explored the stigma toward individuals with sexual addiction and how it compared to gambling addiction, alcohol addiction, and depression in both males and females. Undergraduate students (N = 241) were assigned to read one of eight vignettes (mental illness x gender) and completed quantitative stigma measures (e.g., social distance). Results showed that alcohol addiction was the most stigmatized, followed closely by gambling addiction. Sexual addiction and depression had similar levels of stigma. Participants were less stigmatizing toward females with sexual addiction, and no other gender differences emerged. Additional variables and measures (e.g., perceived causes) were also explored.