Andrew and Laura kick off the "Advanced Sex Ed" series — a deeper dive into topics first introduced in Season 3's purity culture episodes. This opening episode tackles the question: Does "sex addiction" actually exist? They walk through clinical diagnostic frameworks, the evangelical origins of the term, and why the language of addiction may do more harm than good. The conversation weaves together research, clinical experience, and personal history to reframe so-called sex addiction as an impulse control issue rooted in emotional dysregulation, trauma, and moral incongruence — not a clinical addiction.
Resources discussed in this episode:
Please note: the resources and references listed below are comprised of all references discussed in this podcast episode. The mentioning of a resource does not imply the host’s agreement or endorsement with the resource.
Andrew’s 2021 post
Facing the Shadows - Patrick Carnes
Every Man’s Battle - Stephen Arterburn, Fred Stoeker, Mike Yorkey
Grubbs, J. B., Perry, S. L., Wilt, J. A., & Reid, R. C. (2019). Pornography problems due to moral incongruence: An integrative model with a systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 48(2), 397–415. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-018-1248-x
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The views and opinions expressed by Sunday School Dropouts are those of the hosts and not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Center for Trauma Resolution and Recovery. Any of the content provided by our guests, sponsors, authors, or bloggers are their own ideas and opinions.
The Sunday School Dropouts podcast is not anti-religion but it is anti -harm, -power and control, -oppression and, -abuse and will speak to the harmful practices and messaging of fundamentalist groups.
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Hosts:
Laura Anderson and Andrew Kerbs
Music by Benjamin Faye Music @heytherebenji
Editing and Production by Kevin Crowe and can be found at www.kevincrowe.co.