Interpersonal Sensitivity as a Mediator Between Cumulative Childhood Traumatic Events and Adult Sexual Disturbance. Issue 2 (17th February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Krammer, Sandy; grosse Holtforth, Martin; Burri, Andrea; Soyka, Michael; Gamma, Alex; Liebrenz, Michael
• Is Part Of: Journal of sex & marital therapy. Volume 44:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 213
• Page End: 220
• Publication Date: 2018-02-17
• Subjects: Sexual disorders -- Periodicals; Sexual deviation -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Marital psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Marriage; Sex Disorders; 616.8583005
• DOI: 10.1080/0092623X.2017.1354343
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0092-623X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Previous research has shown that cumulative childhood traumatic events are stronger predictors of sexual disturbances than childhood sexual abuse. Additional factors are likely to influence this relationship. Whereas socio-interpersonal factors such as interpersonal sensitivity have repeatedly been shown to be salutogenic in the aftermath of traumatic events, the specific underlying mechanisms are little understood. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between cumulative childhood traumatic events and adult sexual disturbances (i.e., the avoidance of sexual contacts, disruptive sexual behavior, poor sexual boundaries, decreased regulation of sexual impulses) and to investigate the role of interpersonal sensitivity as a potential mediator. The sample comprised 100 adult psychiatric in-patients. As expected, cumulative childhood traumatic events were found to be strong predictors of sexual disturbances, with interpersonal sensitivity partially mediating this relationship.