Sexual Addiction Assessment (Sexual Addiction Screening Test – SAST)
Sexual Addiction Assessment (Sexual Addiction Screening Test – SAST) used in psychology are essential tools for clinical and research assessments. This post is based on dissertations submitted by students during their academic programs. At ‘Mental Health,’ we arrange and provide these resources to you. Here is the complete list of resources (Click Here). To access these materials, click on the ‘Avail File’ section below.”
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About Sexual Addiction Assessment (Sexual Addiction Screening Test – SAST)
Sexual addiction or hypersexuality can significantly impact a person’s emotional, mental, and physical health. The Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST) was introduced to help identify individuals who exhibit high-risk behaviors and may require intervention. Unlike other psychological tools, the SAST focuses specifically on sexual compulsivity and its impact on the individual’s life.
The SAST is commonly used in both clinical and research settings and has been validated in numerous studies. It provides an easy-to-administer method to assess whether further investigation into an individual’s sexual behavior is warranted. Clinicians, addiction counselors, and mental health professionals frequently use the SAST as a first step in the treatment process.
Purpose of the Tool
The Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST) is a psychometric tool designed to identify individuals who may struggle with sexual addiction or compulsive sexual behaviors. Its primary purpose is to screen for problematic sexual behaviors that may have detrimental effects on an individual’s personal, social, and professional life. The SAST can help clinicians determine whether further evaluation and treatment for sexual addiction is necessary.
Background
The Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST) was developed by Dr. Patrick Carnes, a pioneer in the field of sexual addiction, as part of a broader movement to understand compulsive sexual behavior. Sexual addiction is defined as a condition in which an individual is unable to control their sexual urges and behaviors, leading to negative consequences. The development of the SAST was aimed at creating an initial screening tool to identify individuals who may be at risk of developing or currently suffering from sexual addiction.
Sexual addiction is increasingly being recognized as a behavioral disorder, with similarities to other forms of addiction such as substance abuse and gambling. The SAST helps clinicians make informed decisions about treatment pathways for individuals who exhibit symptoms of compulsive sexual behavior, including obsessive thoughts, inability to stop engaging in sexual acts, and using sex to manage emotions.
Description
The Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST) consists of a series of yes/no questions designed to assess various aspects of sexual behavior. The questions explore whether an individual’s sexual behavior is secretive, out of control, or causing emotional, physical, or financial harm. Some of the key areas evaluated include:
- Preoccupation with sexual thoughts and fantasies.
- Engaging in risky sexual behavior, such as unprotected sex or multiple partners.
- Experiencing negative consequences, such as damaged relationships or job loss, due to sexual behavior.
- Efforts to stop sexual behavior without success.
- Using sex as a way to escape or manage difficult emotions, such as stress, anxiety, or depression.
The SAST is often used in conjunction with other assessments to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s condition. Clinicians can use the results of the SAST to inform treatment plans, which may include therapy, support groups, or behavioral interventions aimed at reducing compulsive sexual behavior.
Psychometric Properties
Reliability: The SAST has shown good internal consistency across different populations, indicating that it is a reliable measure of sexual addiction. It has been used in clinical populations, as well as with individuals who are not in treatment, providing consistent results across both groups.
Validity: The SAST has been validated in numerous studies, demonstrating strong predictive validity in identifying individuals with compulsive sexual behavior. Its correlation with other measures of addiction, such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), further supports its use as a screening tool for sexual addiction.
Scalability: The SAST is scalable for use in different settings, from primary care clinics to specialized addiction treatment centers. Its simplicity makes it an efficient tool for initial screenings and referrals for further evaluation.
Age Group
The Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST) is designed for use with adults aged 18 years and older. Although sexual addiction can occur across various age groups, the SAST is generally administered to adults who may be experiencing problems related to sexual behavior in their personal or professional lives.
References
- Perkinson, R. R. (2004). Treating Alcoholism: Helping Your Clients Find the Road to Recovery. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Page(s): 281-282.
- Carnes, P. J. (1991). Don’t Call It Love: Recovery from Sexual Addiction. Bantam Books.
- Carnes, P. J. (2001). Out of the Shadows: Understanding Sexual Addiction. Hazelden Publishing.
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Reference File: Addiction-A36
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