Question

Ben is an exhibitionist who finds himself unable to concentrate on his work because he is constantly thinking about the sexualpleasure he derived from his previous outings and from fantasizing about future scenarios. Ben is at the _____ step of the fourstep cycle of sexual addiction identified by Carnes.A. despairB. preoccupationC. compulsive sexual behaviorD. rituals

Answer 1

The correct answer is B. Preoccupation

Explanation:

Patrick Carnes Ph.D. defines sexual addiction through a cycle of four steps that include preoccupation, rituals, action out, and despair. In the case of preoccupation, this is defined as the first stage of the cycle, in which the individual engages in compulsive thoughts, and fantasies related to his/her desired sexual situation. This means, during this stage the individual escapes from reality and focus on fantasying about a situation, person, object, etc. that arouses sexual desire.

Ben is in the preoccupation step of this cycle because he cannot concentrate because he is fantasizing about the future, and past scenarios for exhibitionism, which means he engages in fantasies and though he cannot control and make him be away from reality.