Child Maltreatment and Couples’ Sexual Health: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction Childhood maltreatment (CM) is an interpersonal trauma reported by 35% to 40% of individuals in population-based studies in North America. It refers to physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as physical and emotional neglect. Although there is a growing body of cross-sectional work focusing on associations between CM and sexual health, most studies have ignored the broader relationship context in which sexuality is experienced. Objectives The current review sought to systematically and critically appraise all studies that reported on the association between CM and couples’ sexual health, to inform clinical care and recommendations for research. Methods The electronic literature search was conducted using PubMed, PsycNET (PsycINFO, PsychArticles), Medline, CINAHL, and Eric for peer-reviewed journal articles published before September 2021. Eligible studies had to report on the association between any form of CM and any dimension of sexual health in couples or individuals in a romantic relationship. Results In total, 13 studies (18 articles) were included in this systematic review: 4 studies pertained to clinical couples and 9, to community couples; 2 studies used a longitudinal design and 11, a cross-sectional design; 3 studies examined CM as a whole, 2 studies examined multiple subtypes of CM separately, 1 study examined both CM as a whole and its subtypes separately, whereas the other 7 studies focused on childhood sexual abuse. Results indicated that studies using valid measures of sexual health outcomes found significant associations between CM and worse outcomes – including declines over time – in both clinical and community samples. Mediators and moderators of these associations were also identified. Conclusions Findings provide preliminary support for the role of CM in couples’ sexual health. There is a need for future longitudinal studies involving both members of the couple, valid and multidimensional measures of sexual health, and potential mediators and moderators.

Longitudinal associations between childhood maltreatment and sexual motivations in couples: The role of basic psychological needs

“…Thus, individuals who have experienced greater CM are more likely to exhibit either a lack of intention to engage in sexual activity or engage in sexual activity driven by internal pressures, such as avoiding feelings of shame and guilt. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the increased prevalence of negative sexual outcomes among couples with a history of CM (Bergeron et al, 2022), as both introjected motivation and amotivation have been consistently linked to adverse outcomes across various aspects of life, including sexuality (Howard et al, 2020; Muise et al, 2013).…”

“…While the association between CM and negative sexual outcomes is well-established, (Bergeron et al, 2022; Bigras et al, 2021), little attention has been paid to sexual motivations, despite their integral role in shaping distinct subjective experiences and their implications for sexual and relational well-being (Muise et al, 2013; Tóth-Király et al, 2019). Within a dyadic framework, the present study used a longitudinal design to examine the associations between CM at Time 1, basic psychological needs satisfaction 6 month later, and sexual motivations one year later.…”

Traumatized Sexuality: Understanding and Predicting Profiles of Sexual Behaviors Using Childhood Abuse and Trauma Measures

“…Sexual behaviors range between hyposexuality and hypersexuality, and each can be associated with childhood abuse and trauma (Bergeron et al, 2022; Pulverman et al, 2018; Slavin et al, 2020; Yehuda et al, 2015). However, when examined in relation to childhood abuse and trauma, hyposexuality and hypersexuality are often studied separately, with a greater focus given to childhood sexual abuse than other forms of child abuse (Bergeron et al, 2022). In the current study we sought to examine whether and how the different sexual behaviors cluster together, and how these clusters differ in terms of childhood abuse history and trauma measures.…”

“…Childhood abuse is also associated with a variety of sexual difficulties, ranging from hyposexual to hypersexual behaviors (Bergeron et al, 2022; Bigras et al, 2017; Gewirtz-Meydan & Opuda, 2022; Pulverman et al, 2018; Slavin et al, 2020; Vaillancourt-Morel et al, 2019), with most studies focusing only on childhood sexual abuse rather than other types of abuse. On the hyposexual side, childhood abuse has been examined in relation to poor sexual functioning, such as problems with sexual desire (Swaby & Morgan, 2009), arousal (Pulverman et al, 2018), orgasm (Swaby & Morgan, 2009), and experiencing sexual pain (Harlow & Stewart, 2005; Leclerc et al, 2010).…”

“…Previous research has suggested that both hyposexual and hypersexual behaviors are associated with childhood abuse, trauma, and affective disorders (Bergeron et al, 2022; Pulverman et al, 2018; Slavin et al, 2020). However, they are often examined separately, making it difficult to obtain a comprehensive picture of the sexual behaviors of childhood abuse survivors, their mental health conditions, and their motives for the sexual patterns in which they engage.…”