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

J Sex Marital Ther. 2014;40(5):434-43. doi: 10.1080/0092623X.2013.772548. Epub 2013 Oct 15.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

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