Emotion Dysregulation in Individuals with Risky Sexual Behaviors and Normal People

Background and In recent years، emotion dysregulation has been introduced as one of the most effective factors in tendency of people، especially young people، for risky behaviors. Risky sexual behaviors could result in serious social and individual damages، therefore، study of determinant variables are considered important. The present study aimed at investigating emotional dysregulation in people with risky sexual behaviors in comparison with ordinary people. This descriptive comparative study was performed in eighty people with behavioral disorders attending Urmia City counseling centers between 2005-2011. Another group was also selected which was matched with the first group in terms of age، sex and educational background. Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS; Gratz & Roemer، 2004) were applied for both groups. Dependent group’s T- test was used in this study. The results indicated a significant difference between total score and all components of emotional problems in both groups and the mean of total score in group with sexual risky behavior was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0. 01، P<0. 05، respectively). This study showed various problems in emotional regulation in the group with risky sexual behaviors hence، more training on emotional regulation and management are recommended. Furthermore، treatments based on reducing emotional self-regulatory problems should be considered as an alternative in treatment centers.