Funcionamiento sexual en hombres y mujeres víctimas de abuso sexual en la infancia y en la adolescencia/adultez

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study examined the relationship among previous sexual victimization experiences, their severity and several aspects of sexual functioning (desire, excitation/inhibition, and sexual satisfaction) in men and women. We distinguished the following types of sexual victimization: during childhood (CSA); during adolescence/adulthood (AASA); revictimization (CSA+AASA), and their severity (frequency of sexual victimization and sexual contact with penetration/without penetration). Material and methodA Spanish community sample composed by 228 men and 333 women with ages ranging between 18 and 50years. The sample was selected incidentally and the participants were administered the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire, Sexual Experiences Survey, Sexual Desire Inventory, Sexual Inhibition/Excitation Scales-Short Form and Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction. ResultsIndividuals who had suffered revictimization reported higher solitary sexual desire and more propensity for sexual inhibition due to difficulties for focusing/distraction during sexual relationships (SI1). Differences were observed in the association between the severity of the abuse and sexual functioning in men and women. Overall, as the frequency of sexual victimization increased, women reported more sexual desire and more propensity to get sexually excited. However, in men, the frequency of sexual victimization was associated with lower sexual desire and more sexual inhibition (SI1). For both men and women, sexual satisfaction was lower when the frequency of victimization during adolescence/adulthood (without penetration) was higher. ConclusionsFindings highlight revictimization experiences and the severity of sexual abuse in sexual functioning. Differences between men and women victims of abuse and their sexual functioning are discussed.