Avoidant and compulsive sexual behaviors in male and female survivors of childhood sexual abuse

Child Abuse Negl. 2015 Feb:40:48-59. doi: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2014.10.024. Epub 2014 Nov 28.

Abstract

The main objectives of this study were to test a theory-based mediation model in which the relation between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and dyadic adjustment is mediated through adult sexual avoidance and sexual compulsivity and to examine the gender-invariance of this model. A sample of 686 adults currently involved in a close relationship completed online self-report computerized questionnaires. Prevalence of CSA was 20% in women and 19% in men. In line with our hypotheses, path analyses and structural equation analyses showed that, for both women and men, CSA was associated with more sexual avoidance and sexual compulsivity, which, in turn, predicted lower couple adjustment. Overall, these findings suggest that both avoidant and compulsive sexuality are relevant intervention targets with couples in which one or both partners are CSA survivors.

Keywords: Childhood sexual abuse; Dyadic adjustment; Sexual avoidance; Sexual behaviors; Sexual compulsivity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Adult Survivors of Child Abuse / psychology*
  • Adult Survivors of Child Abuse / statistics & numerical data
  • Aged
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / psychology*
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / statistics & numerical data
  • Compulsive Behavior / epidemiology
  • Compulsive Behavior / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Self Report
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology*
  • Sexual Behavior / statistics & numerical data
  • Young Adult