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Gewirtz-Meydan A. Traumatized Sexuality: Understanding and Predicting Profiles of Sexual Behaviors Using Childhood Abuse and Trauma Measures. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2024; 29:350-363. [PMID: 36583251 DOI: 10.1177/10775595221148425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In the current study we sought to identify sexual behavior profiles and examine the levels of childhood abuse history and trauma measures in each profile. The study was conducted among a large non-clinical sample of men and women (n = 806). Latent profile analysis was employed to identify distinct profiles of sexual behaviors and then childhood abuse, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety, and motives for engaging in sex were assessed in each profile. Four distinct profiles of sexual behavior were identified: hyposexual individuals, hypersexual porn users, porn users, and within usual ranges (WURs). Hypersexual porn users had significantly more childhood trauma (emotional, physical, and sexual) than WURs, significantly greater PTSD symptom than WURs and hyposexual individuals, and significantly greater anxiety and depression as compared with all other groups. The hyposexual individuals had significantly lower scores on all motives for engaging in sex than did porn users or hypersexual porn users. Hypersexual porn users and porn users reported coping and peer-pressure as motives for engaging in sex more than did WURs or hyposexual individuals. Clinicians working with survivors of childhood abuse should consider directly targeting these different maladaptive sexual behaviors by addressing PTSD symptoms, affective disorders, and motives for engaging in sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ateret Gewirtz-Meydan
- School of Social Work, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Fereidooni F, Daniels JK, Lommen MJJ. Self-regulatory Sex Motives Scale in Online Dating: Exploratory Factor Analysis and Internal Consistency. Violence Against Women 2024:10778012241243048. [PMID: 38592309 DOI: 10.1177/10778012241243048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Risky sex behavior is common among online dating users. Understanding the motives behind risky sex behavior might help identify suitable targets for prevention. We developed the Self-regulatory Sex Motives Scale in Online Dating (SSOD) to assess sex motives for casual sex in online dating users. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the SSOD and examined the relationship between sex motives indexed by the SSOD and risky sex behavior. The new scale showed high internal consistency. Exploratory factor analysis suggested a one-factor solution. Sex motives were related to a higher frequency of having sex on the first date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Fereidooni
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Judith K Daniels
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Miriam J J Lommen
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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Dugal C, Brassard A, Kusion PY, Lefebvre AA, Péloquin K, Godbout N. Romantic Attachment, Sex Motives and Sexual Difficulties in Emerging Adults: The Role of Childhood Interpersonal Victimization. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024; 61:359-373. [PMID: 36378882 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2022.2141676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of research has revealed that many emerging adults (i.e., aged 18 to 25) experience sexual difficulties. Past studies have emphasized the need to examine sexual difficulties by accounting for sex motives (i.e., reasons for engaging in sex) and by using a trauma-focused or attachment-based framework. This study examined the role of sex motives in the associations among attachment insecurities (anxiety, avoidance) and sexual difficulties in emerging adults, and assessed whether these links varied on the basis of low or high exposure to childhood interpersonal victimization (CIV) (i.e., 0-3 different types of CIV or 4 or more types of CIV). A sample of 437 French-Canadian emerging adults completed validated questionnaires online. Path analyses revealed that participants with higher attachment anxiety were more likely to endorse the partner approval sex motive, which was related to more sexual difficulties. Participants with higher attachment avoidance were less likely to endorse the pleasure sex motive, which was associated with more sexual difficulties. Results indicated a significant effect of CIV showing that some indirect effects were significant only in participants who reported high CIV exposure. Results suggest that addressing sex motives using an attachment- and trauma-focused framework might help understand, prevent and treat sexual difficulties among emerging adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Dugal
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Audrey Brassard
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Pierre-Yves Kusion
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Audrey-Ann Lefebvre
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Katherine Péloquin
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Natacha Godbout
- Département de Sexologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Dugal C, Brochu ÈM, Kusion PY, Doucet É, Binette C, Péloquin K, Godbout N, Brassard A. Cumulative childhood trauma, sex motives and sexual satisfaction among emerging adults. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 143:106326. [PMID: 37392515 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To better understand sexual satisfaction in emerging adults, previous research has emphasized the importance of considering the role of developmental experiences, such as cumulative childhood trauma (CCT; the number of different forms of abuse and neglect sustained during childhood). However, the mechanisms by which CCT and sexual satisfaction are related remain unknown. Sex motives are suggested as an explanatory mechanism given the previously found associations between sex motives and both sexual satisfaction and CCT. OBJECTIVE This study examined the direct associations between CCT and sexual satisfaction, as well as indirect associations through sex motives, in emerging adults. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING A sample of 437 French Canadian emerging adults (76 % women, mean age of 2.3) were recruited. METHODS Participants completed online self-reported validated questionnaires assessing CCT, sex motives and sexual satisfaction. RESULTS Results from a path analysis revealed that CCT was associated with a higher endorsement of the self-affirmation sex motive (β = 0.25, p < .001) which was linked to lower sexual satisfaction (β = -0.13, p < .001). CCT was also associated with a higher endorsement of the coping (β = 0.25, p < .001) and partner approval (β = 0.09, p < .05) sex motives. A higher endorsement of the intimacy (β = 0.28, p < .001) and pleasure (β = 0.24, p < .001) sex motives, and a lower endorsement of the partner approval sex motive (β = -0.13, p < .001) were linked to greater sexual satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest education and intervention targets to improve emerging adults' sexuality.
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Neilson EC, Schraufnagel TJ, George WH, Davis KC. The Effects of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Mental Health, and Motives for Sex on Sexual Risk-Taking Among United States Men Who Have Sex with Women. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2023; 32:3-21. [PMID: 36515168 PMCID: PMC9911360 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2022.2155284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed the role of mental health symptoms and motives for sex in the association between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and sexual risk-taking among men who have sex with women (MSW). The sample consisted of young adult (ages 21 to 30), non-monogamous MSW (N = 532) who reported having condomless sex at least once in the past year. Due to alcohol-related aims from two larger studies from which the data were analyzed, participation was excluded to men who regularly consumed alcohol (3 to 35 weekly drinks) and reported no symptoms of alcohol use disorder. Participants answered background questionnaires in lab and then completed a six-week, follow-up survey assessing the number of sex partners and condom use during the prior six weeks. CSA survivors reported greater mental health symptoms and sex motives related to coping, self-affirmation, and partner approval relative to non-survivors. CSA, sex for partner approval, and sex to enhance motives were positively associated with the number of sex partners. Participants endorsing self-affirmation sex motives reported higher condom use than those who did not. CSA contributes to long-term mental and sexual health outcomes among MSW. Identifying and treating depressive and anxiety symptoms and motives for sex may improve sexual health among CSA survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C Neilson
- Department of Psychology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, United States
| | | | - William H George
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kelly Cue Davis
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States
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Fereidooni F, Daniels J, Lommen M. Predictors of Revictimization in Online Dating. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP23057-NP23074. [PMID: 35227116 PMCID: PMC9679550 DOI: 10.1177/08862605211073715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: While a significant association between childhood maltreatment and sexual victimization in adulthood has been established in previous research, it is unknown whether this also applies to the context of online dating. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether revictimization is common in online users and which mechanisms mediate this risk. Method: The participants were 413 heterosexual women aged between 18 and 35 who used mobile dating applications in the year before the assessment. The participants reported information on using mobile dating applications, motives for engaging in casual sex, protective dating strategies, and general motives for online dating. Results: Childhood maltreatment severity was positively related to both cyber and in-person sexual victimization severity. Motives related to regulating negative affect and self-esteem mediated the relationship between childhood maltreatment severity and in-person sexual victimization severity in adulthood. Furthermore, those motives moderated the association between cyber and in-person sexual victimization. The effect of cyber victimization on in-person sexual victimization was stronger at higher levels of affect/self-esteem regulatory sex motives compared to lower levels. The affect/self-esteem regulatory sex motives were not related to protective dating strategies. Discussion: The results of the study imply that a history of childhood maltreatment is a risk factor for sexual victimization in adulthood among young heterosexual women who use online dating. One of the factors linking these variables in this population might be affect/self-esteem regulatory sex motives. Future studies should aim at replicating these associations prospectively.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Judith Daniels
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Miriam Lommen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Groningen, Netherlands
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Gewirtz-Meydan A. Treating Sexual Dysfunctions Among Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse: An Overview of Empirical Research. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2022; 23:840-853. [PMID: 33317434 DOI: 10.1177/1524838020979842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sexual problems are very prevalent among survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA). Yet, various approaches to therapy do not seem to address this issue when treating these individuals. Traditional sex therapy may also not suit the experiences of CSA survivors, as CSA was not considered when the most well-known and frequently used techniques were developed. The present review sought to identify (1) theory-based therapeutic approaches that address sexual problems among CSA survivors and offer treatment protocols (including an outline of specific therapy stages, sessions, or techniques) to treat these sexual problems and (2) identify therapeutic approaches that include a protocol for treating sexual problems among CSA survivors that was empirically tested and validated. In total, six approaches for treating sexual dysfunctions among CSA survivors that provide detailed guidelines for implementing the approach within sex therapy for CSA survivors were identified in the literature. Only two of the studies conducted a randomized controlled trial to test the intervention. This overview concludes with important issues to address when treating sexual problems among CSA survivors and a call for additional evidence-based practices for treating sexual problems among survivors of CSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ateret Gewirtz-Meydan
- The Sex and Couple Therapy Unit, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
- The Crimes Against Children Research Center, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA
- School of Social Work, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Israel
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Tobar-Santamaria A, Kiefer R, Godin J, Contractor AA, Weiss NH. Sexual victimization and disordered eating among community individuals: The influence of negative and positive emotion dysregulation. Eat Behav 2021; 43:101567. [PMID: 34562858 PMCID: PMC8629879 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2021.101567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Individuals with a history of sexual victimization are at increased odds of developing an eating disorder in their lifetime. Emotion dysregulation has been identified as an outcome of sexual victimization and a vulnerability factor in the emergence and maintenance of disordered eating. However, research in this area has been limited by its narrow focus on dysregulation stemming from negative emotions. The aim of the current study was to explore the potential moderating roles of negative and positive emotion dysregulation in the relations between sexual victimization and disordered eating. METHOD Study participants included 473 community individuals who endorsed a history of sexual assault (Mage = 34.66; 44.8% male; 78.4% White). Participants completed measures assessing sexual victimization, negative and positive emotion dysregulation, and disordered eating. Data was collected from January to April of 2020 via Amazon's Mechanical Turk. RESULTS Results indicated significant positive relations among sexual victimization, negative and positive emotion dysregulation, and disordered eating. Sexual victimization was found to be more strongly associated with disordered eating at high (vs. low) levels of negative and positive emotion dysregulation. DISCUSSION This study provides evidence for the strengthening roles of both high negative and positive emotion dysregulation in the relation between sexual victimization and disordered eating, suggesting the potential utility of targeting both negative and positive emotion dysregulation in disordered eating interventions among individuals with a history of sexual victimization.
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Denis I, Brennstuhl MJ, Tarquinio C. Les conséquences des traumatismes sexuels sur la sexualité des victimes : une revue systématique de la littérature. SEXOLOGIES 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sexol.2020.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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