Persistent Complications of Child Sexual Abuse: Sexually Compulsive Behaviors, Attachment, and Emotions. Issue 2 (17th February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meyer, Dixie; Cohn, Aaron; Robinson, Brittany; Muse, Fatima; Hughes, Rachel
• Is Part Of: Journal of child sexual abuse. Volume 26:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 140
• Page End: 157
• Publication Date: 2017-02-17
• Subjects: children -- gender issues -- mental health -- sexual abuse; Child sexual abuse -- Periodicals; Child sexual abuse -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Child molesters -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Sexually abused children -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Child Abuse, Sexual -- Periodicals; 362.76
• DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2016.1269144
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1053-8712

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Child sexual abuse has the potential to cause distress for the victim across the lifespan. Romantic relationships may be particularly difficult for victims of child sexual abuse. This retrospective study examined differences in adult romantic attachment, sexually compulsive behaviors, and emotion regulation by history of child sexual abuse in a large, nonclinical sample. Those with a history of child sexual abuse reported more attachment anxiety in romantic relationships and engaged in more sexually compulsive behaviors. Overall, males displayed more sexually compulsive behaviors than females regardless of history of sexual abuse. Males with a history of sexual abuse displayed the greatest number of sexually compulsive behaviors. Surprisingly, no differences were observed in emotion regulation or attachment avoidant behaviors by history of child sexual abuse. Future research should seek to replicate current findings and examine emotion regulation difficulties experienced as a result of trauma.