Prevalence and correlates of childhood sexual abuse in adults consulting for sexual problems.

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Nicolas Berthelot; Godbout, Natacha; Hébert, Martine; Goulet, Michel; Bergeron, Sophie

Source:

J Sex Marital Ther, Volume 40, Issue 5, p.434-43 (2014)

Keywords:

Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Anxiety Disorders, Child Abuse, Sexual, Cross-Sectional Studies, Depressive Disorder, Female, Humans, Male, Marriage, Middle Aged, Object Attachment, Referral and Consultation, Sex Counseling, Sex Factors, Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological, Statistics as Topic, Surveys and Questionnaires, Young Adult

Abstract:

<p>The main objectives of the study were to assess the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse in individuals consulting for sexual therapy and to explore the association between a history of childhood sexual abuse and psychological and couple functioning. A sample of 218 adults receiving sex therapy completed questionnaires assessing depressive and anxious symptomatology, as well as dyadic adjustment. Prevalence of childhood sexual abuse was high in women (56%) and men (37%), and clients with a history of childhood sexual abuse were more likely to report psychological and relationship problems. Findings should aware clinicians of the need to assess sexual trauma and related outcomes. </p>