Service Patterns of Adult Survivors of Childhood Versus Adult Sexual Assault/Abuse

Grossman, Susan F.; Lundy, Marta; Bertrand, Cathy; Ortiz, Cynthia; Tomas-Tolentino, Grace; Ritzema, Kim; Matson, Julia

doi:10.1080/10538710903317265

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 48 publications

(34 reference statements)

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“…Accordingly, we hypothesize that in sexual risk reduction interventions, short-term successful outcomes may potentially be compromised by both the sexual histories of each partner and the residual correlates, including mental health issues. Understanding the potential contribution of past traumatic experiences to current psychosocial functioning may be critical to conceptualizing the emotional, sexual and physical health status of individuals, as sexual trauma victims tend to utilize healthcare services at high rates (Grossman et al, 2009). …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A case study of sexual abuse and psychological correlates among an HIV-serodiscordant couple.

Loeb¹,

Williams²,

Davis³

et al. 2012

Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice

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Childhood sexual abuse (CSA), adult sexual abuse (ASA) and intimate partner violence (IVP) are documented risk factors for HIV infection and are often implicated in the presentation of mental health disorders in both males and females, including those who are vulnerable to HIV-infection (African-Americans; trauma survivors). As such, these issues may contribute to health-related challenges among couples, particularly if the individuals are impacted by histories of trauma and HIV. Presented here is a case study of one couple with self-reported histories of CSA and clinically significant symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. This couple was selected from a larger National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)-funded study of 535 African-American HIV-serodiscordant heterosexual couples (see El Bassel, 2010). The study couple completed 8 sessions of an HIV sexual risk reduction intervention program to increase condom use. Although the couple reported an initial increase in condom use at the immediate post intervention assessment, condom use decreased to baseline assessment levels at the 12-month post intervention assessment. The decrease in HIV-transmission protective behaviors over time (i.e., condom use), in part, may be attributable to the clinically significant psychological distress symptoms of PTSD and depression that were maintained from baseline, throughout the trial, and at follow-up assessments. We propose that the success of sexual risk reduction interventions may be attenuated and compromised over time by the presence of sexual trauma histories and the residual mental health issues. We discuss clinical implications for health care professionals in their work with couples, especially those from racially diverse groups.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%