Effects of Child Sexual Abuse on Adult Sexual Dysfunction

Effects of Child Sexual Abuse on Adult Sexual Dysfunction

  • Submitted By: jivetank
  • Date Submitted: 07/21/2008 8:26 AM
  • Category: Psychology
  • Words: 963
  • Page: 4
  • Views: 1

Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) is a common cause of developmental disorders in children and adults. One particular domain of personality directly affected by CSA is the development of sexuality. Victims of CSA are more likely to develop sexual problems and dysfunctions later in life (Loeb et al., 2002). This paper will discuss research on the relationship of CSA and sexual problems and some of the theoretical models that have been used to explain it.
The effects of CSA can be seen in early developmental phases. Preschool-aged victims of CSA tend to display inappropriate sexual behaviors such as excessive masturbation, sexualized play, sexual requests and age-inappropriate sexual knowledge (Beitchman, Zucker, Hood, & DaCosta, 1991). Other studies have shown sexually abused children to be more prone to fear, mental illness, cruelty, poor self-esteem and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Kendall-Tackett, Williams, & Finkelhor, 1993). Though many studies have shown that most sexually victimized children display remarkable resilience in overcoming psychological disorders such as PTSD and fear, the same research has demonstrated that aggressiveness and sexual preoccupation is likely to increase (Kendall-Tackett et al., 1993). In adolescence and early adulthood, this translates into increased risks of early sexual experimentation, prostitution, revictimization and perpetration of sexual violence (Paolucci, Genuis, & Violato, 2001; Fergusson, Horwood, & Lynskey, 1997; Loh & Gidycz, 2006).
Many common adult sexual dysfunctions are also predicted by CSA. Laumann, Paik, & Rosen (1999) found that CSA, specifically in the form of inappropriate touching, led to difficulty in attaining and sustaining sexual arousal in adulthood. In men, this translated to the common sexual disorders of premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. There is also evidence to suggest that CSA alters victims’ perceptions of their sexuality. Meston and Heiman (2000) used a word association study...

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