History Of Sexual Trauma Research Articles

Sexual Abuse, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Psychopathological Characteristics in Women with Functional/Dissociative Seizures.

Functional/dissociative seizures (FDS), also known as psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), are sudden, transient, and involuntary events that include motor, sensory, cognitive or autonomic function alterations. In this work we analyzed the psychopathological characteristics of a subgroup of women who suffer from FDS with the aim to analyze the role of psychological trauma, with special emphasis on trauma due to sexual abuse (SA). Forty-five women diagnosed with FDS were included in the study (age range 18 to 64 years, mean = 34.7, standard deviation (SD) = 13.1). Clinical and psychopathological characteristics were reviewed. All patients have completed the clinical interviews, the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I), the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II Personality Disorders (SCID II) and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) according to a special protocol for mental health assessment. Also, the history of sexual abuse trauma, the history of other non-sexual traumas and absence of history of trauma were reviewed. Eighty percent of the cases reported a history of trauma, and 40% reported a history of SA. Patients with a history of SA presented a significantly lower average age of seizure onset than patients with a history of other non-sexual traumas (p = 0.021). Significant associations were found between SA and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (p = 0.031), and SA and history of suicide attempts (p = 0.037). SA carries serious implications for the mental health of women suffering from FDS. Mental health professionals must consider the history of this type of trauma to provide the necessary care for this patient population.

Sexual Function in Women With Pelvic Floor Disorders Who Have Sex with Women: A Qualitative Study

BackgroundUrogynecologic literature confirms that pelvic floor disorders are detrimental to sexual function in heterosexual women and that sexual function improves following treatment. Few data exist regarding these issues in women who have sex with women, potentially affecting patient-provider interactions, treatment choices and outcomes. ObjectiveTo describe sexual function concerns of women with pelvic floor disorders among women who have sex with women. Study DesignThis was a multi-center qualitative study conducted to explore the sexual function of women who have sex with women and to investigate how pelvic floor dysfunction affected their sexual function. A semi-structured interview guide was created to conduct one-on-one interviews via digital conferencing. The audio interviews were transcribed and deidentified. Transcripts were then analyzed with line-by-line coding by at least two independent researchers and organized into themes using a team-based approach. Interviews were conducted until thematic saturation was reached. Domains investigated included: knowledge and beliefs regarding pelvic floor disorders, impact of pelvic floor disorders on sexual function, and sexual function in general. ResultsEighteen women who have sex with women participated in cognitive interviews. Thematic saturation was reached. Participants’ average age was 49.0 (+/-16.6) years, the majority self-identified as Non-Hispanic White, were healthy with minimal chronic medical conditions, and were married or living with a partner. Four major concepts emerged from the focus groups: (1) pelvic floor disorders resulted in fear and embarrassment and negatively affected sexual function, (2) women adapted their sexual lives to accommodate PFDs, (3) partner choice & communication with that partner could ameliorate PFD effects on sexual function, and (4) women shared impressions potentially affecting future sexual function research and clinical care of women who have sex with women; a need for broader interpretation of sexual activity, the importance of non-judgment and recognition of potential history of sexual trauma. ConclusionA major theme reported by women with pelvic floor disorders who have sex with women mirrored those of heterosexual women; fear and embarrassment regarding their pelvic floor disorders and their effect on sexual function. These women also voiced novel viewpoints regarding sexual function and amelioration of pelvic floor disorder effects on sexual activity by partner choice and partner communication. Novel issues that could affect future sexual function research and clinical care of women who have sex with women include broadening the definition of sexual activity and emphasizing the importance of non-judgmental and trauma-informed care.

A - 62 Sexual Trauma in the Autistic LGBTQ+ Community

Abstract Objective Individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities are more than twice as likely to be sexually abused than individuals without neurodevelopmental disabilities. Similarly, LGBTQ+ individuals experience greater instances of sexual assault than their heterosexual, cisgender counterparts. Using a qualitative approach, this study explored reports of sexual trauma in a sample of LGBTQ+ individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Method Participants were recruited electronically, by word of mouth, and using handouts disseminated throughout the Chicagoland community. In addition to reporting a diagnosis of ASD and identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community, participants had to be at least 18 years of age, independent of a legal guardian, and English-speaking. Sixty-four participants completed electronically-administered surveys with forced-choice and open-ended questions about their experiences of sexuality and gender identity formation. A secondary analysis was completed to identify participants who reported histories of sexual trauma. Results Five participants (7%) reported histories of sexual abuse. Two participants referenced learning about sex as a result of their abuse. One participant referenced their sexual abuse as a contribution to their identity formation as a queer, non-binary individual. Participants noted current personal struggles as a result of their trauma (e.g., sexual and relationship difficulties, loneliness, isolation). Conclusions Participant responses demonstrate the lasting, pervasive impact sexual assault has on social and emotional wellbeing. Findings from this analysis indicate a need for early educational opportunities for children regarding consent, boundaries, and sexual safety. Future research to address abuse and trauma prevention in sex education curriculum is warranted.

"I Felt Dirty in a Way a Shower Wouldn't Fix": A Qualitative Examination of Sexual Trauma-Related Mental Contamination.

Trauma-related mental contamination (MC) is a distressing sense of dirtiness that arises absent a contaminant following a traumatic event. Existing work has linked MC to more severe posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms among individuals with sexual trauma histories and has begun to characterize some aspects of the experience of trauma-related MC. However, a more nuanced understanding of how individuals experience and respond to trauma-related MC is lacking. The present study explored lived experiences of trauma-related MC among a sample of 34 women with sexual trauma histories using semi-structured qualitative interviews. Women were asked about MC across several domains, including somatic locations where trauma-related MC is experienced; triggers for trauma-related MC; and engagement in MC-related coping strategies, including washing behaviors. Women reported experiencing trauma-related MC in various bodily locations (internal, external, and both). Both overtly trauma-related triggers (e.g., trauma-relevant people or words, sexual contact) and non-trauma-related triggers (e.g., sweating, being around other people) were mentioned. Women also reported experiencing a variety of emotions alongside trauma-related MC (e.g., disgust, shame, anger) and using a range of strategies to cope with trauma-related MC, including washing behaviors, distraction, and substance use. Findings suggest that triggers for and responses to trauma-related MC are heterogeneous. Future work should explore the role of context in individuals' experiences of and responses to trauma-related MC, as well as whether experiences of trauma-related MC may differ by gender or across settings. Increased understanding of trauma-related MC may inform efforts to more readily and effectively identify and target MC in clinical practice.

The association between gynecologic healthcare providers’ sexual health and their comfort discussing their patients’ sexual function

ObjectiveStigma surrounding discussions of sexuality can prevent patients from discussing sexual health issues with their healthcare providers. Clinicians may also experience similar stigma, compounding the problem if also reticent to assess their patients’ sexual health. We explored the association of healthcare providers’ personal sexual experience and health with their comfort with and frequency of optimizing their patients’ sexual function and satisfaction. MethodsWe conducted an anonymous online survey of gynecologic care providers and their comfort with and frequency of addressing their patients’ sexual function. Covariates examined via bivariate analysis included: socio-demographics, training level, prior sexual experiences and education, history of sexual trauma, and current sexual problems and satisfaction. ResultsMost respondents (N = 189) identified as sexually active (82.5 %), heterosexual (90.5 %), female (85.7 %) medical trainees (63.5 %). A quarter (23.8 %) reported currently having at least 1 sexual problem and 27.0 % reported a history of sexual trauma. Notably, 91.0 % of respondents had never been asked about their own sexual health by a healthcare provider. Less than half (43.9 %) reported frequently bringing up sexual health issues with their patients, while about half (50.8 %) reported being comfortable optimizing patients’ sexual function, which was significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with practicing at the attending level, being comfortable talking about their own sexuality, the absence of sexual problems, reported sexual satisfaction, and prior education in a greater number of sexual healthcare topics. ConclusionVariation in how gynecologic healthcare providers manage their patients’ sexual function may be linked to their own sexual experiences and well-being.

Longitudinal changes in the PTSD symptom network following trauma-focused treatment in military populations: Identifying central symptoms and the role of military sexual trauma

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition affecting military populations, with a higher prevalence compared to the general population. Despite the development of first-line trauma-focused treatments such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), a significant proportion of patients continue to experience persistent PTSD symptoms following treatment. This study utilized network analysis to explore the PTSD symptom network's dynamics pre- and post- trauma-focused treatment and investigated the role of military sexual trauma (MST) history in shaping the network. Network analysis is a novel approach that can guide treatment target areas. The sample was comprised of 1648 service members and veterans who participated in a two-week intensive PTSD treatment program, which included completion of evidenced-based individual therapy as well as skill-building focused group therapy. PTSD severity was assessed using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 at baseline and post-treatment. Network analyses revealed strong connections within symptom clusters, with negative emotions emerging as one of the most central symptoms. Interestingly, the symptom network's overall structure remained stable following treatment, whereas global strength significantly increased. MST history did not significantly impact the network's structure or its change relative to treatment. Future research should further examine whether targeting negative emotions optimizes PTSD treatment outcomes for military populations.

Posttraumatic cognitions about the self are associated with depression symptoms in veterans endorsing a history of assaultive military sexual trauma.

Depressive symptoms are a commonly observed yet understudied mental health sequalae of military sexual trauma (MST). Prior research supports the relationship between negative posttraumatic cognitions (NPCs) and the onset and course of trauma symptoms more broadly. We hypothesized that NPCs would be associated with depression symptoms in veterans endorsing a history of MST, specifically assaultive type MST. Our clinical sample included veterans presenting for treatment related to assaultive MST (N = 158; 70.9% female, 65.2% White, 27.8% Black). Participants completed self-report measures of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and NPCs during intake at a Veteran's Affairs specialty trauma clinic. Linear regressions were used to analyze the association between NPCs and depression symptoms controlling for PTSD symptom severity. PTSD severity and NPCs about the self were significantly associated with depression symptoms, explaining 46% of the variance severity, F(4, 153) = 33.16, R² = .46, p < .001. These findings newly demonstrate a relationship between NPCs about the self and depression in veterans with a history of MST. Clinicians may benefit from incorporating cognitive interventions into preexisting depression treatments to directly address NPCs in this population. Future study is needed to determine how these results may extend to other forms of MST or trauma types. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Are women with a history of sexual trauma at an increased risk of developing chronic pelvic pain compared with women without this history?

Are women with a history of sexual trauma at an increased risk of developing chronic pelvic pain compared with women without this history?

Associations between traumatic life events and substance use among Black Men who are incarcerated

The current study examined associations between traumatic life events, current and lifetime importance of mental health and substance use treatment, and crack cocaine use among 201 Black men who were incarcerated and nearing community reentry. Results indicated age, sexual trauma and lifetime importance of drug treatment were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of crack cocaine use. Substance abuse treatment in correctional settings should consider culturally tailored assessment and treatment for history of unaddressed sexual trauma among Black men who are incarcerated and use crack cocaine.

Mindful self-compassion for veteran women with a history of military sexual trauma: feasibility, acceptability, potential benefits, and considerations

ABSTRACT Background: Military sexual trauma (MST) is reported by up to 74% of women veterans in the United States and is a driver of poor behavioural and physical health. Self-compassion is a transdiagnostic, protective factor linked with improved posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and health behaviours. Thus, Mindful Self-Compassion training (MSC) may help ameliorate MST-related impacts. However, MSC can also temporarily increase distress (i.e. backdraft). Delivering it with elective trauma-informed yoga (TIY), which regulates acute distress, may help address this issue. Objective: This VA quality improvement project examined feasibility, acceptability, and reported benefits and challenges of a manualized 8-week MSC including within non-randomized subgroups: MSC (n = 4) and MSC+ elective TIY classes (MSC+; n = 4). Methods: Nine women veterans with a history of MST at a Vet Center in the Northeastern U.S.A. enrolled; eight completed, excluding one MSC+ participant. Measures included attrition (n = 9), attendance (n = 8), weekly (n = 8) and posttreatment acceptability (n = 6), validated symptom severity assessments (n = 7), and an exit interview (n = 8). Results: Among completers, MSC attendance was excellent (89%) and higher among in MSC+ vs. MSC (94% vs. 84% sessions completed). On average across the two groups, depressive and PTSD symptom severity decreased by 21% and 30%, respectively. In exit interviews, participants across groups described improved coping with distress and psychiatric symptoms, reduced stress, and improved self-care and health behaviours. Although women in both groups reported backdraft during the programme, MSC+ also reported healthier coping and improved emotional processing. Conclusion: The results of this programme evaluation infer MSC may be feasible, acceptable, and beneficial for women survivors of MST in one Vet Center in the Northeastern USA. Further, temporary elevations in MSC-related distress may be ameliorated with adjunctive TIY. Given requests of women veterans in the USA. for additional complementary and integrative health treatment options, formal research on these approaches is warranted.

Transgender and non-binary peoples experiences of cervical cancer screening: A scoping review.

To synthesise the literature about transgender and non-binary people's experiences of cervical cancer screening and identify ways to improve screening. Transgender people often face barriers to accessing health services including cervical screening, where transgender people have a lower uptake than cisgender women. A scoping review was undertaken following the Arksey and O'Malley (2005) framework and the PRISMA-ScR checklist. Following database searching of Medline via PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and CINHAL, 23 papers published between 2008 and 2003 were included. Papers were included if they shared trans and non-binary people's experiences of cervical screening and were written in English. There were no date or geographical data restrictions due to the paucity of research. Transgender people experience barriers to cervical screening including gender dysphoria, a history of sexual trauma, and mistrust in health professionals or health services, which can result in having negative experiences of screening or avoiding screening. Health professionals can help to create a positive experience by informing themselves about best practices for trans+ health. Changes are required to improve transgender people's experiences and uptake of cervical screening. Improving medical education about trans health and updating health systems would help to combat issues discussed. Having an understanding of the reasons why accessing health services can be more difficult for transgender people will help health professionals to provide appropriate care for transgender patients. This paper details this in the context of cervical cancer screening and can be applied to other areas of healthcare. We have adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines and used the PRISMA-ScR reporting method. No Patient or Public Contribution.

The mediating role of social support in associations between childhood adversity, military sexual trauma, and homelessness in a nationally representative sample of USveterans.

Among veterans, availability of social support and histories of military sexual trauma (MST) and/or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are particularly salient correlates of homelessness.Using path analyses, we investigated whether social support (i.e., interpersonal social support and community integration) would at least partially account for the relationships of MST and ACEs with any lifetime homelessness in a large, nationally representative sample of veterans (N = 4069, 9.8% female).Interpersonal social support and community integration partially explained the relationship between ACEs and any lifetime homelessness. However, they did not mediate the relationship between MST and any lifetime homelessness. Female veterans also reported higher trauma rates and lower perceived social support than male counterparts during correlational analyses.These results reinforce existing literature on the importance of research and interventions tailored to veterans with low social support and integration. Results have potential to inform interventions and policy for veterans experiencing and/or at risk for homelessness.

Perceptions of self-care, coping & the impact of sexual trauma among social work students

ABSTRACT Approximately one in three women in the United States have experienced sexual trauma. The impact of sexual trauma is of significant concern as women account for a majority of social workers (NASW, 2020). This research addresses the unique experiences of social work students as they relate to sexual trauma and self-care practices and perceptions. Following sexual trauma, students report their self-care perception as a journey that spans practices including substance use, grounding activities, and physical activity. Findings signal an opportunity for support from higher educational institutions to address wellness amongst students with sexual trauma histories.

Pain and posttraumatic stress: Associations among women veterans with a history of military sexual trauma.

Chronic pain and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are two highly prevaxlent and comorbid conditions common within veteran populations. Notably, those with comorbid pain and PTSD tend to have more severe presentations and poorer quality of life than those with either disorder alone. Despite this well-established relationship, limited research has examined the association between pain and PTSD symptom severity among women veterans with a history of military sexual trauma (MST). The current study included 107 women veterans presenting for psychological services to an MST specialty clinic at a large southeastern Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital in the United States. Findings indicated a significant relationship between pain and overall PTSD symptom severity, as well as the intrusions and arousal and reactivity symptom clusters. Contrary to prediction, there was not a significant relationship between pain interference and PTSD symptom or cluster severity. Results highlight the importance of inquiring about pain when working with women veterans with a history of MST. Future research aimed at disentangling the casual relationship between pain and PTSD symptoms is crucial to enhance our understanding of these constructs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Sexual and Gender Minority Patients’ First Pelvic Examination Experiences: What Clinicians Need to Know

This study aims to identify factors that influence the first pelvic exam experiences of sexual and gender minority (SGM) adolescents and young adults who were assigned female at birth (AFAB). Using purposive sampling, we recruited SGM AFAB individuals, ages 18 to 24, who had at least one pelvic examination. Semi-structured interviews and an iterative approach allowed for the emergence of factors influencing the first pelvic exam experience. Items included in the final code directory had Krippendorff's alpha intercoder reliability score > 0.7. Interviews were analyzed using ATLAS.ti. Thirty participants completed interviews. Fourteen participants identified as bisexual, two gay, one lesbian, three pansexual, eight queer, and two straight/heterosexual. Sixteen participants identified as cisgender, nine genderqueer/gender nonconforming, and five transgender. Factors influencing the first pelvic exam experience were organized as patient or clinician level factors. Patient Level Factors: Gender identity, sexual orientation, history of sexual trauma, and participant's relationship to their body were central factors influencing the exam experience. Speculum insertion during the exam induced anxiety and pain for some. Clinician Level Factors: Clinicians' gender, age, and race or ethnicity influenced the exam experience. Most participants preferred detailed communication. Participants offered recommendations to ensure gender-affirming, patient-centered care during the first pelvic exam. SGM AFAB individuals identify patient and clinician-level factors influencing their first pelvic exam experiences. This study underscores the need for changes in medical education and health systems to ensure SGM AFAB individuals have their needs met and feel comfortable in reproductive health settings.

Factors associated with receipt of minimally adequate psychotherapy for PTSD at the Veterans Health Administration

BackgroundDespite Veterans Health Administration (VHA) efforts, many Veterans do not receive minimally adequate psychotherapy (MAP) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is important to understand factors associated with receipt of PTSD MAP (at least eight sessions) so that we may tailor efforts to increase treatment utilization for those who experience the greatest barriers to care. MethodsParticipants were 2008 post-9/11 Veterans who participated in a nationwide survey and had a PTSD diagnosis documented in the VHA electronic health record (EHR) before 2018. Participants self-reported sociodemographic information and trauma history. Service utilization data (e.g., PTSD MAP) were obtained from EHR. Logistic regression was used to model factors associated with PTSD MAP. ResultsOnly 24% of Veterans (n = 479) received PTSD MAP. Veterans who reported that they were not employed and had reported history of military sexual trauma were more likely to have received PTSD MAP. ConclusionsUnderstanding and addressing barriers to PTSD care for Veterans who are employed could help improve PTSD treatment utilization for this group.

Women's strategies for navigating a healthy sex life post-sexual trauma.

Sexual trauma is common. Consequences of sexual trauma can include deterioration of mental and physical health and it can also affect future romantic and sexual relationships. Previous studies have identified common healthy and destructive coping mechanisms to recover after experiencing sexual trauma, but few studies have investigated useful strategies to move into a healthy sexual relationship focused on resilience. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 41 women with a history of sexual trauma who were in a healthy sexual relationship at the time of participation. Participants provided strategies that helped them move beyond the sexually traumatic event(s) toward a healthy sexual relationship. Reflexive thematic analysis identified 5 effective and 6 ineffective strategies reported by the participants. Rich examples of resilience and empowerment were overarching in the effective strategies used for moving toward healthy sexual relationships. Women were also able to reflect on the strategies that were ineffective for them with kindness and understanding for their coping at that time, a normalizing theme for women working through sexual trauma. The results of this study will help therapists and researchers working with women who have experienced sexual trauma learn from their experiences in working beyond trauma toward a healthy sexual relationship.

Cervical Cancer Prevention Among Veterans: What Is the Impact of Military Sexual Trauma, PTSD, and Women’s Health Primary Care Providers on Screening and Prevention?

Women veterans are more likely to receive cervical cancer screening than their civilian peers. Among veterans, those with mental health conditions are less likely to receive timely screening as compared to veterans without mental health conditions. The current study aimed to investigate whether a history of military sexual trauma, with or without concurrent PTSD disorder, and care from a provider with advanced training in women’s health (WH-PCP) altered the likelihood of cervical cancer screening among veterans. We conducted crosssectional analysis using a cohort of 89,249 women veterans, aged 21 through 64 years, who received outpatient care at any VHA medical center between FY13 and FY16. We used multivariable logistic regressions to examine variation in screening rates. The current study found that cervical cancer screening rate was higher among women assigned to WH-PCP (69.5% vs 61.2%). In the multivariable model with adjustment for patient characteristics and provider assignment, women veterans were more likely to receive cervical cancer screenings if they had a history of MST (OR = 1.14, p < 0.001), did not have a diagnosis of PTSD (OR = 1.06, p < 0.05), and were assigned to WH-PCP (OR = 1.48, p < 0.001). A statistically significant interaction effect was detected between MST and WH-PCP (p < 0.05). Veterans with a history of MST assigned to a WH-PCP were more likely to receive a screening than veterans with a history of MST not assigned to a WH-PCP. There is a complex relationship between MST and provider status, indicating a need to understand barriers and facilitators to cancer screenings.

Fear of sin and fear of God: Scrupulosity predicts women's daily experiences of mental contamination following sexual trauma.

Mental contamination refers to feelings of dirtiness in response to thoughts, images, or memories. Mental contamination is frequently reported after sexual trauma and is associated with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Differences in individuals' views about morality and purity may influence the severity of mental contamination, though this has been studied primarily outside of samples assessed for trauma and/or PTSD. The present study addressed this gap by investigating scrupulosity as a prospective predictor of daily sexual trauma-related mental contamination and PTSD symptoms. Participants included 40 adult women with a history of sexual trauma and current sexual trauma-related mental contamination who completed baseline diagnostic interviews and questionnaires followed by two assessments every day for 2 weeks. The results indicate that scrupulosity was positively correlated with PTSD symptom severity and sexual trauma-related mental contamination at baseline. Scrupulosity was also a prospective predictor of increased daily sexual trauma-related mental contamination, B = 0.19, SE = 0.07, p = .010, but not daily PTSD symptoms, B = -0.10, SE = .08, p = .198. The findings indicate that scrupulosity may be an important factor in understanding recovery from sexual assault.

An investigation of the relationship between female rape myths, child sexual abuse myths and personality disorders

ABSTRACT Given high prevalence rates internationally for female rape and CSA and a gap in the literature regarding personality characteristics of those more likely to endorse these myths, this research sought to examine female rape myths versus child sexual abuse (CSA) myth acceptances as a function of the participants’ maladaptive personality traits and sexual trauma history. 469 adults (61.4% female, 36.5% male, M age range 35–44 years old) participated, endorsing significantly higher rates of acceptance of female rape myths than CSA myths. Sexual trauma history was unrelated to either myth. Higher scores on Antisocial, Narcissistic and Sadistic Personality Disorder scales were significantly correlated with higher rates of acceptance of both myths. Multiple regression analyses determined that higher scores on Narcissistic and Sadistic personality scales uniquely predicted both higher CSA and female rape myth acceptance. The results offer implications for more effective communications to combat false beliefs about CSA and sexual assault. PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT The results may have implications for interventions targeting false beliefs about CSA and sexual assault. Our research focuses on personality disorder traits, leading to possible implications for individuals with these traits or disorders, as they are diagnoseable and therefore can be treatable. Interventions targeting these myths generally may not be as effective for someone with these personality disorders, so this research suggests perhaps modified protocols can be created to help destigmatise CSA and rape survivors in these populations.