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A Scoping Review of Challenges in Adult Intimate Relationships After Childhood Sexual Abuse

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Childhood sexual abuse is a severe problem worldwide. Childhood sexual abuse can be detrimental to children and their abilities to cope with and communicate in their subsequent adult intimate relationships. The aim of this review was to generate and summarize knowledge about how childhood sexual abuse manifests in adult intimate relationships so healthcare professionals can incorporate this knowledge into treatment and care. A scoping review methodology was selected because it supports examination of the extent, range, and nature of research activity. A content analysis of the studies included in this review led to three thematic categories of challenges in adult intimate relationships after childhood sexual abuse: (a) relationship satisfaction, (b) sexual satisfaction, and (c) communication and trust.
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Journal of Child Sexual Abuse
ISSN: 1053-8712 (Print) 1547-0679 (Online) Journal homepage: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/wcsa20
A Scoping Review of Challenges in Adult Intimate
Relationships After Childhood Sexual Abuse
Ben Farid Røjgaard Nielsen, Gitte Wind, Tine Tjørnhøj-Thomsen & Bente
Martinsen
To cite this article: Ben Farid Røjgaard Nielsen, Gitte Wind, Tine Tjørnhøj-Thomsen & Bente
Martinsen (2018): A Scoping Review of Challenges in Adult Intimate Relationships After Childhood
Sexual Abuse, Journal of Child Sexual Abuse
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.1080/10538712.2018.1491915
Published online: 24 Jul 2018.
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A Scoping Review of Challenges in Adult Intimate
Relationships After Childhood Sexual Abuse
Ben Farid Røjgaard Nielsen
a
, Gitte Wind
a
, Tine Tjørnhøj-Thomsen
b
,
and Bente Martinsen
c
a
Section of Nursing, University College Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark;
b
National Institute of
Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark;
c
Section for Nursing, Aarhus
University, Aarhus, Denmark
ABSTRACT
Childhood sexual abuse is a severe problem worldwide.
Childhood sexual abuse can be detrimental to children and
their abilities to cope with and communicate in their subse-
quent adult intimate relationships. The aim of this review was
to generate and summarize knowledge about how childhood
sexual abuse manifests in adult intimate relationships so
healthcare professionals can incorporate this knowledge into
treatment and care. A scoping review methodology was
selected because it supports examination of the extent,
range, and nature of research activity. A content analysis of
the studies included in this review led to three thematic cate-
gories of challenges in adult intimate relationships after child-
hood sexual abuse: (a) relationship satisfaction, (b) sexual
satisfaction, and (c) communication and trust.
ARTICLE HISTORY
Received 21 December 2017
Revised 7 May 2018
Accepted 14 June 2018
KEYWORDS
Child sexual abuse; self and
partner report; relationship
satisfaction; intimate
relationship; sexual
satisfaction
Introduction
Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a severe problem worldwide (Karstoft, Beck, &
Elklit, 2012; Pereda, Guilera, Forns, & Gomez-Benito, 2009). CSA can be detri-
mental to children and their abilities to cope with and communicate in subse-
quent adult intimate relationships (Perry, 2009). The noun intimaterefers to a
person with whom one has a particularly close relationship. This relationship is a
familiar and very close affective connection with another as a result of a bond
that is formed through knowledge and experience of the other. Healthcare
professionals may play an important role in the treatment and care of adults
who have experienced CSA (Walker, Sheffield, Larson, & Holman, 2011).
Assisting adults in gaining skills that will help them develop close relationships,
especially with intimate partners, is considered an important goal in helping
them overcome some of the long-term effects of CSA (Walker et al., 2011). A
positive intimate relationship may increase adultsfeelings of safety, helping
them gain positive interpersonal experiences (Walker et al., 2011).
CONTACT Ben Farid Røjgaard Nielsen bnni@phmetropol.dk Tagensvej 86. 2200 KBH N, Denmark
Color versions of one or more of the figures in the article can be found online at www.tandfonline.com/wcsa.
JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
https://doi.org/10.1080/10538712.2018.1491915
© 2018 Taylor & Francis
CSA can affect adult relationships in negative ways (Unger & Luca, 2014),
including increased instability in relationships and a greater risk of sexual
problems and negativity toward partners (Isely, Isely, Freiburger, &
McMackin, 2008). In addition, a body of evidence demonstrates that rela-
tional issues in adults who have experienced CSA pertain to fear of intimate
contact and problems related to pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting
(Colman & Widom, 2004; Nguyen, Karney, & Bradbury, 2017; Roberts, O
́
Connor, Dunn, & Golding, 2004). Both adults exposed to CSA and their
intimate partners report higher levels of emotional intensity and greater
contempt and defensiveness in relationships (Walker et al., 2011).
Experiencing CSA is also a risk factor for later divorce and relationship
abandonment (Colman & Widom, 2004). Despite this emerging evidence,
knowledge about adult intimate relationships after CSA is sparse.
Aim
The aim of this review is to generate and summarize knowledge about how
CSA manifests in adult intimate relationships so healthcare professionals can
incorporate this knowledge into treatment and care. The review is relevant
for healthcare professionals caring for adults with a history of CSA. It is
critical to understand how CSA affects adult intimate relationships in order
to provide healthcare professionals with an evidence base for care and to
enhance global care and treatment for adults who have experienced CSA.
This knowledge can help healthcare professionals identify unique needs and
issues in adult intimate relationships and develop more systemic ways of
involving couples in their treatment and care.
Methods
A scoping review methodology was selected because it supports examination
of the breadth and nature of research activity (Arksey & OMalley, 2005).
This allows for the rapid identification of current methods and research gaps
within literature (Arksey & OMalley, 2005). By mapping existing research,
our scoping review will identify potential research gaps and future research
needs. We followed guidelines from Arksey and OMalley (2005) for con-
ducting a scoping review.
This review mapped the current state of knowledge about challenges in
adult intimate relationships in which at least one partner experienced CSA.
Our research question was: What knowledge does the existing literature offer
about how CSA manifests in adult intimate relationships?
A literature search was conducted for relevant articles published
between 2000 and 2017. The electronic databases PubMed, CINAHL,
and PsycINFO were selected because they index studies relevant to our
2B. F. R. NIELSEN ET AL.
research question, and the search strategy was tailored to the specifica-
tions of each database. The following search terms were used: intimate
partner, close partner, intimate partnership, close partnership, relationship
satisfaction, partnership satisfaction, childhood sexual, abuse, challenges,
interpersonal relations, and intimate relationships. The search terms were
used alone and in combinations using the Boolean operators AND
and OR.
The final search was carried out in September 2017 in consultation with a
health librarian. Quantitative and qualitative research studies using primary
and secondary sources, including systematic reviews, published in English
between 2000 and 2017 were included. We excluded studies addressing
substance abuse and interpersonal and other forms of violence in adult
relationships. Our initial searches yielded 71 possible articles, and two addi-
tional studies were added after reviewing article reference lists. After remov-
ing duplicates and studies that did not meet inclusion criteria, 16 articles
remained (Table 1).
We began the analysis by collecting general information from each article,
including author(s), title and year, aim and country, methods, and partner
perspective. We then performed a qualitative analysis of the manifest con-
tent, inspired by Graneheim and Lundman (2004). When reading the
included articles, constellations of sentences with the same core meaning
were condensed. These condensed meaning units were assigned codes
describing the contents. Each meaning unit primarily refers to a descriptive
level of content and contains a number of subcategories that can be under-
stood as an expression of the manifest content of the text (Figure 1). In the 16
included papers, we identified three categories and a number of subcate-
gories. One of the authors (B.F.R.N.) performed the first qualitative analysis.
To increase credibility, all authors discussed the categories and subcategories.
The process from condensing through discussion was iterative and repeated
as necessary.
Results
Of the 16 studies we identified, only two included the perspectives of
relationship partners of adults with a history of CSA. We identified three
thematic categories of challenges in adult intimate relationships after CSA
that addressed our research question: (a) relationship satisfaction, (b) sexual
satisfaction, and (c) communication and trust.
Relationship satisfaction
CSA is associated with negative intimate relationship outcomes, including
decreased satisfaction in intimate relationships.
JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 3
Table 1. Included studies.
Authors (year) Friesen et al. (2010)
Country New Zealand
Aim (n) To examine the links between CSA exposure, life-course experiences through
adolescence and adulthood, and adult intimate relationship experiences in one
data set (900 adults)
Methods Quantitative method
Partner perspective No
Authors (year) Testa et al. (2005)
Country USA
Aim (n) To examine how CSA experiences and partner characteristics may influence
womens relationships (732 women)
Methods Quantitative method
Partner perspective No
Authors (year) Izdebska, Beisert, and Roszyk (2015)
Country Poland
Aim (n) To verify the hypothesis that there is a relationship between severity of child abuse
and intensity of collusion in partner relationship (94 women and 76 men)
Methods Quantitative method
Partner perspective No
Authors (year) Rellini, Vujanovic, Gilbert, and Zvolensky (2012)
Country USA
Aim (n) To examine relations among childhood maltreatment difficulties in emotion
regulation and sexual and relationship satisfaction among young women reporting
current involvement in committed romantic relationships (192 women)
Methods Quantitative method
Partner perspective No
Authors (year) MacIntosh and Johnson (2008)
Country Canada
Aim (n) To explore emotionally focused therapy for couples with CSA survivors and their
partner (10 couples)
Methods Quantitative method
Partner perspective Yes
Authors (year) Liang, Williams, and Siegel (2006)
Country USA
Aim (n) To examine the effects of CSA on the intimate and marital relationships of adult
survivors (136 women)
Methods Qualitative
Partner perspective No
Authors (year) Nguyen et al. (2017).
Country USA
Aim (n) To examine the effect of childhood abuse on newlywedsinitial levels of satisfaction
and on change in satisfaction over time (414 newlywed couples)
Methods Qualitative
Partner perspective Yes
Authors (year) Knapp, Knapp, Brown, and Larson (2017)
Country USA
Aim (n) To explore relational consequences affecting adult relationship. What are female
survivors of sexual abuse in childhood self-reports of their conflict resolution styles?
(457 heterosexual couples in which female partners experienced CSA)
Methods Quantitative
Partner perspective No
Authors (year) Lassri, Luyten, Fonagy, and Shahar (2018)
Country UK
Aim (n) To examine whether self-criticism and attachment avoidance mediate the impact of
CSA on prospective romantic relationship satisfaction among otherwise well-
functioning young women (59 women)
Methods Quantitative
(Continued )
4B. F. R. NIELSEN ET AL.
Gender differences
After CSA, men and women may experience different types of challenges in
adult intimate relationships. One study, including only men (Nelson, 2015),
did not report any issues related to relationship satisfaction and CSA.
However, Larson and Lamont (2005) reported that women with CSA may
wait an average of 1.5 years longer to marry due to expectations that
marriage will be difficult, unsatisfactory, and present a high level of conflict.
In another recent study (Nguyen et al., 2017), CSA significantly predicted the
initial relationship satisfaction of newlyweds. Spouses with a history of CSA
Table 1. (Continued).
Partner perspective No
Authors (year) Davis et al. (2001)
Country USA
Aim (n) To examine the relationship among interpersonal functioning, symptomatology,
and CSA (315 women)
Methods Quantitative
Partner perspective No
Authors (year) Nelson (2015)
Country USA
Aim (n) To evaluate the relationship between adult attachment and relationship satisfaction
among men abused during childhood (73 men)
Methods Quantitative
Partner perspective No
Authors (year) Bradbury and Shaffer (2012)
Country USA
Aim (n) To examine the mediating role of emotional dysregulation in relation between
retrospective reports of childhood emotional maltreatment and current satisfaction
in a romantic relationship 492 (135 men, 357 women)
Methods Quantitative
Partner perspective No
Authors (year) Aubin (2010)
Country USA
Aim (n) To explore how CSA affects adulthood relationship in women (18 women)
Methods Quantitative
Partner perspective No
Authors (year) Nelson and Wampler (2000)
Country USA
Aim (n) The focus of this study is on the association between reported childhood physical
and sexual abuse and current individual stress symptoms, relationship satisfaction,
and family adjustment. (96 couples)
Methods Quantitative
Partner perspective Yes
Authors (year) Larson and Lamont (2005)
Country USA
Aim (n) This study investigated the relationship of CSA to marital attitudes and perceived
readiness for marriage in single young adult women (622 women)
Methods Quantitative
Partner perspective Yes
Authors (year) McDonald and Tijerino (2013)
Country Canada
Aim (n) To examine the experiences of male CSA survivors (59 men)
Methods Qualitative
Partner perspective No
JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 5
reported more symptoms of depression and, among husbands, displayed
more negative communication.
Spouses with a history of CSA were also less satisfied with their marriage,
even as newlyweds; wives with a history of CSA experienced a decline in
satisfaction over time, compared to women without a comparable history
(Nguyen et al., 2017). Husbands who had not experienced CSA but married
women who had were negatively impacted by their wiveshistory of abuse.
However, husbands who shared a history of CSA with their wives were not
negatively affected by their wiveschildhood abuse (Nguyen et al., 2017).
Relationships may be a powerful force in how individuals develop and
change, yet their impact varies with life stage. Abusive experiences at the
hands of others early in life are particularly formative, whereas relationships
later in life may do little to alter those experiences, for better or for worse
(Nguyen et al., 2017). When couples are involved in treatment and care in
which a history of CSA is openly acknowledged in interventions that are
designed to promote acceptance of the unique histories and experiences each
partner brings to the relationship, it appears to be more fruitful than treat-
ment that focuses solely on changing communication patterns in the rela-
tionship (Nguyen et al., 2017).
Acceptance may be particularly helpful when spouses adopt the view that
their own or their partners sensitivity or trust difficulties can fundamentally
change or that the non-abused partner can alleviate interpersonal difficulties
of the abused partner. However, positive expectations for the partner and
relationship that are not met are associated with steeper declines in relation-
ship satisfaction (Nguyen et al., 2017).
Childhood sexual
abuse is associated
with lower
relationship
satisfaction and
investment. The
studies support a
connection between
CSA and
functioning in adult
partnership,
including a great
fear of intimacy.
Genders also may
experience
challenges in
different ways
Meaning
unit
Relationship
satisfaction
Code
1. Gender
differences
2. Decreased
satisfaction
3. Great fear of
intimacy
Sub-
categories
Figure 1. Relationship between meaning units, codes, and subcategories.
6B. F. R. NIELSEN ET AL.
Increased self-criticism and attachment avoidance
Both self-criticism and attachment avoidance refer to the extent to which
individuals avoid closeness with others. CSA may give rise to increased self-
criticism in adulthood, suggesting a tendency to internalize a critical attitude
toward the self (Lassri, Luyten, Fonagy, & Shahar, 2018). Increased self-
criticism may be linked in turn to decreased satisfaction in intimate relation-
ships (Lassri et al., 2018). Relationship dissatisfaction might then further
increase attachment avoidance tendencies, leading to a continuing decrease
in relationship satisfaction over time (Lassri et al., 2018). CSA may lead to a
chronic vicious cycle related to intimate relationships, via an indirect effect
leading from self-criticism to unsatisfying intimate relationships.
Sexual satisfaction
Sexual dysfunction
Adults with CSA have a high level of sexual distress in their intimate adult
relationships (Rellini & Meston, 2007). One study investigating potential
differences between sexual dysfunction and sexual satisfaction among
women with CSA demonstrated that even though women were distressed
about their sexuality, they did not exhibit sexual dysfunction (Testa, VanZile-
Tamsen, & Livingston, 2005).
Sexual risk
Lower relationship satisfaction may also lead to a higher number of sexual
partners (Friesen, Woodward, Horwood, & Fergusson, 2010). Testa et al.
(2005) suggest that the higher sexual risk status of adults exposed to CSA,
including higher numbers of sexual partners and rates of sexually transmitted
infection (STI), can be at least partially explained by the quality of the
intimate relationships. A history of CSA is associated with having more
aggressive and more sexually risky partners. One consequence of the ten-
dency to affiliate with riskier partners is a high rate of STI resulting from a
current relationship.
Great fear of intimacy
CSA also affects the ability to develop and maintain a stable long-term
intimate relationship (McDonald & Tijerino, 2013). It is associated with a
great fear of intimacy in intimate adult relationships (Davis, Petretic-Jackson,
& Ling, 2001). Being touched can trigger flashbacks and negative emotions,
making it difficult to be physically close to others as an intimate partner
(McDonald & Tijerino, 2013). Adults with CSA mentioned different strate-
gies they used to become accustomed to being touched in a safe environ-
ment, such as massage therapy or through a counselors light touch on the
shoulder (McDonald & Tijerino, 2013).
JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 7
Communication and trust
Poor communication and less trust were issues in intimate adult relation-
ships in which one partner had a history of CSA. Individuals who have
experienced abuse often report problems with emotional distance and isola-
tion (Nelson & Wampler, 2000).
Emotional flooding and numbing
Couples in which one partner had been exposed to CSA reported high levels of
emotional intensity in their communications (Nelson & Wampler, 2000)and
greater contempt and defensiveness in their relationships (Walker et al., 2011).
Individuals with CSA found it particularly challenging to regulate their response
when their partner was directed to reach out to them and ask them to help in
meeting a relational goal. They had difficulty controlling their emotions. On the
opposite side of the spectrum from emotional flooding, emotional numbing
emerged as a result of fearing emotional overwhelm and loss of control.
Emotional numbing and extreme control characterized the responses of many
adults with CSA to emotionally challenging situations. Adults exposed to CSA
experienced emotions in an all-or-nothing way, being either dysregulated and
flooded with affect or numbed out (MacIntosh & Johnson, 2008).
Discussion
The findings from this review provide an important initial exploration of
adult intimate relationships after CSA. The impact of CSA on adult intimate
relationships requires further research. However, this review contributes to
the understanding and knowledge of healthcare professionals caring for
adults with a history of CSA. The studies included in this review reveal
that they face challenges related to decreased relationship satisfaction,
decreased sexual satisfaction, and poor communication and low trust levels
in intimate relationships.
Some evidence indicates that involving both relationship partners in
treatment may be more fruitful than focusing only on the partner with a
history of CSA. Therefore, healthcare professionals should seek to involve
patients with CSA and their partners in treatment encounters. Efforts are
needed to strengthen future research in this area, but couple-oriented inter-
ventions appear promising.
Study limitations
The 16 studies we included were conducted in five different countries, and
only two were conducted in Europe. Thus, the generalizability of our findings
to adults with a history of CSA across the world is unknown. Only three
8B. F. R. NIELSEN ET AL.
studies employed qualitative methods, and only two included partners of
adults with a history of CSA in intimate relationships, rendering it difficult to
draw any conclusions about their perspectives.
More research is needed, particularly qualitative studies that allow a nuanced
understanding of the perspectives of both adults with a history of CSA and their
partners in intimate relationships. Given early evidence that including partners
may increase the effectiveness of treating adults with a history of CSA, enhan-
cing healthcare professionalsunderstanding of how intimate relationships
affect health with evidence-based knowledge is important. Establishing relation-
ships with both the adult exposed to CSA and the partner when the patient first
enters treatment may well be an essential part of high-quality care.
Compliance with Ethical Standards
All procedures followed were in accordance with the ethical standards of the responsible
committee on human experimentation (institutional and national) and with the Helsinki
Declaration of 1975, as revised in 2000. Informed consent was obtained from all patients for
being included in the study.
Notes on contributors
Ben Farid Røjgaard Nielsen is a Senior Lecturer at University College Copenhagen,
Denmark. Section of Nursing in Copenhagen (Denmark).
Gitte Wind is a Senior Associate Lecturer at University College Copenhagen, Section of
Nursing in Copenhagen, (Denmark).
Tine Tjørnhøj-Thomsen is a professor at National Institute of Public Health, University of
Southern Denmark, Copenhagen (Denmark).
Bente Martinsen is an assistant professor at Section of Nursing, Department of Public Health,
Aarhus University, Aarhus (Denmark).
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JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 11
... In recent years, there has been a growing awareness that alongside the well demonstrated impact of CSA on the development of diverse psychological difficulties in adulthood, CSA is also linked with broad and long-term interpersonal ramifications (Nolen-Hoeksema & Watkins, 2011). One of the most harmful aspects of CSA is its effects on romantic relationships, manifested in abusive relationships, sexual assaults, dating violence, and emotional and sexual revictimization (for review see Nielsen et al., 2018;Zamir, 2021), as well as in the more subtle yet widespread negative implications on satisfaction with romantic relationships (e.g., Fitzgerald, 2021;Lassri et al., 2018). ...
... Despite their need for intimacy and connection, CSA survivors may feel scared of or overwhelmed by closeness, exhibit poor communication, and rely on autonomy and avoidance (i.e., attachment deactivation strategies) to cope with negative affect arising from relational distress (Lassri et al., 2018;MacIntosh et al., 2019). This dynamic results in ambivalent, chaotic, stressful, and ultimately, unsatisfying romantic relationships (e.g., Lassri et al., 2018;MacIntosh et al., 2019; for review see Nielsen et al., 2018). ...
... Due to the importance of satisfying romantic relationships for emotional well-being (Gómez-López et al., 2019), it is important to further decipher the psychological underpinnings of the impact of CSA on romantic relationships. Nonetheless, while accumulative evidence has confirmed the consistent negative impact of CSA on the quality of romantic relationships (Nielsen et al., 2018;Zamir, 2021), studies investigating potential mediators are relatively rare and have primarily focused on negative psychological processes. Furthermore, although it is even more important to identify protective factors that may buffer the harmful impact of CSA on relationships, allowing satisfying romantic relationships despite a history of CSA, there is hardly any research on the role of protective factors in this context, especially among well-CSA, MENTALIZING, ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP SATISFACTION 5 functioning adults (Nielsen et al., 2018). ...
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Background: Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a significant risk factor with consistently demonstrated negative implications for satisfaction with adult romantic relationships. Yet, research on risk and protective factors in this context is scarce, particularly among well-functioning adults. Objective: Addressing this gap, the present study focused on the potential mediating and moderating roles of mentalizing or reflective functioning, i.e., the capacity to understand oneself and others in terms of intentional mental states. We investigated whether impairments in mentalizing underlie the association between CSA and relationship satisfaction and whether robust mentalizing can buffer the CSA-relationship satisfaction link. Method: A sample of 667 individuals engaged in a meaningful romantic relationship was drawn from a larger sample obtained in an online convenience survey. A mediation and moderation model was examined using PROCESS. Results: The results confirmed our integrative model—the association between CSA and satisfaction with romantic relationships was mediated by impairments in mentalizing (uncertainty about mental states) and was simultaneously moderated by robust mentalizing (certainty about mental states). These effects were shown even when controlling for age, gender, education, and psychopathological symptoms. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of mentalizing, a key transdiagnostic factor. Reduced mentalizing is a risk factor for harmful impact of CSA on romantic relationships, while greater mentalizing abilities can be a significant resilience factor protecting CSA survivors. This study supports the potential contribution of mentalization-based interventions with survivors of CSA at risk for dissatisfaction with romantic relationships.
... Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) has been characterized by researchers as a preventable violation of the evolving child (Finkelhor et al., 2014). CSA is a global crisis of epidemic proportions with major short-term and long-term consequences (Finkelhor et al., 2014;Leventhal, 1998;Røjgaard Nielsen et al., 2018). It is also a public health problem because of the life-long physical and mental health effects, which in turn results in an economic burden on the survivors (Fix et al., 2021). ...
... When compared to non-abused men and women, adult sexual revictimization (ASA) is two to three times more likely to occur in adults with a history of CSA (Røjgaard Nielsen et al., 2018). Women who experience CSA are at greater risk of facing challenges due to the poor-quality relations resulting from the abuse. ...
Article
Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a pervasive social problem that can have long-term effects on women's relationships because it makes them vulnerable to revictimization. Girls are more vulnerable than boys to be victims of CSA, and those abused by someone they trust are at higher risk of experiencing increased trauma and interpersonal problems. This quantitative research study investigated the association between CSA and interpersonal relationships. Participants completed anonymous surveys exploring these two variables. Results showed that among other vulnerabilities, women who reported sexual abuse within the family reported overall greater interpersonal problems compared with non-abused participants. Given the prevalence of intrafamilial and other types of CSA and its impact on interpersonal relationships, providing an environment where girls are safe from abuse is important. Research, education, policy, and educational programs can help prevent CSA and its consequences.
... In regard to satisfaction, the current study found that youth who experienced sexual abuse during adolescence exhibited lower levels of satisfaction in peer relationships. Previous studies have consistently reported lower levels of satisfaction in peer relationships among sexually abused youth (Barker et al., 2022;Nielsen et al., 2018). Although most research has examined satisfaction in the context of romantic partners, these findings may also apply to same-sex peer relationships in adolescence. ...
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Introduction Research demonstrates that child maltreatment can negatively impact adolescent peer relationships. It is not well understood, however, how the type of maltreatment and its timing (when it occurs) affects the dimensions of peer relationship quality (i.e., companionship, conflict, satisfaction, and intimacy) and differences between genders. This study examines the effects of type and timing of child maltreatment on peer relationship quality, while also exploring the role of gender differences. Methods This study involved 851 adolescents (56.1% girls, 56.2% Black, and 26.8% low‐income) drawn from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN). We used Child Protective Services' information for the type and timing of child maltreatment, along with self‐reports of peer relationship quality. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEEs) were conducted. Results Sexual abuse and neglect during adolescence were associated with less satisfaction and lower levels of companionship, respectively. Physical abuse during middle childhood was associated with lower levels of intimacy. We also found interactions between gender and type and timing of maltreatment. Compared to girls, boys exhibited lower levels of companionship and satisfaction if they experienced sexual abuse during adolescence. Conclusion These findings suggest a need for maltreatment‐prevention efforts targeting school‐aged children and adolescents, as well as gender‐sensitive interventions for high‐risk boys with a history of maltreatment.
... Research shows that all types of childhood trauma are associated with lower relationship quality between men and women [9,10]. For example, emotional abuse leads to problems in emotional regulation, attachment, and symptoms of depression, leading to deterioration in a couple's relationship quality [11], or people with a history of sexual abuse cannot cope with intimate relationships or find it difficult to form such relationships as adults [12]. In addition, childhood physical abuse causes a range of communication problems, including ineffective communication, less intimacy, and less stable relationships between men and women in health centers [13]. ...
... 2018; Zamir & Lavee, 2015, 2016. CM has been shown to derange intimate relationship satisfaction, increase the risk of conflicts, and is associated with intimate partner violence and divorce (for review, see Messman-Moore & Long, 2003;Nielsen et al., 2018;Zamir, 2022). While distressed intimate relationships may negatively impact mental and physical health, healthy intimate relationships constitute a significant interpersonal resource that can facilitate adaptive coping with stressful life events, and a significant source of life satisfaction, thereby promoting psychological well-being (Gómez-López et al., 2019). ...
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Background: Childhood maltreatment (CM) is a significant risk factor for intimate relationship and marital quality. However, there has been limited research exploring the underlying mechanisms of this link, with most studies focusing on individuals, while not considering the dyadic context and reciprocal influences within intimate relationships. Intimate relationships entail mutual processes, where each partner’s abusive experiences can affect the partner’s marital quality. In this study, we aimed to examine whether self-compassion is an underlying factor in the dyadic associations between CM and one’s own and one’s partner’s marital quality. Method: A convenience sample of 115 heterosexual couples completed self-report questionnaires. Results: Utilizing an actor–partner interdependence model, we found partial support for our hypotheses, indicating that each partner’s CM was indirectly associated with their own marital quality through their self-compassion. However, CM did not significantly impact their partner’s marital quality through self-compassion. Conclusions: These findings contribute to the existing evidence supporting the mediating role of self-compassion as a transdiagnostic protective factor associated with increased marital quality for individuals with a history of CM. Nevertheless, the results suggest that this mediating effect may be specific to one’s own marital quality and may not extend to the partner’s marital quality.
Article
This scoping review investigates the influence of Adult Sexual Assault (ASA) on romantic functioning through an analysis of 16 studies. Four databases were searched (Google Scholar, PsycINFO, Taylor & Francis Online, and ProQuest) in June 2023 for relevant published and grey literature. Emphasis was placed on conducting analyses solely among individuals who had experienced ASA, defined in this context as non-consensual sexual contact occurring at or after the age of 18 years. The review highlighted several factors explored in existing literature, encompassing relationship satisfaction, sexual functioning, partner effects, risk assessment, and protective factors. Results yielded mixed findings on the effects of ASA on relationships and sexual functioning. Insights from the partners of individuals who have experienced ASA illuminate emotional repercussions and communication disruptions, highlighting the intricate relationship dynamics affected by ASA within romantic relationships. Moreover, the review identifies protective factors, such as enhanced relationship communication and partner support, potentially mitigating adverse romantic outcomes. The review also revealed shortcomings in the existing literature, including sparse research on ASA, limited demographic representation, and inadequate control between adult and child sexual assault. These insights inform evidence-based interventions, policy development, and future research directions, highlighting the need for tailored approaches to address ASA’s multifaceted impact on survivors’ romantic well-being.
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Background: Studies have consistently demonstrated the negative impact of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) on intimate relationships. The majority of studies have focused on revictimization in at-risk or clinical samples, with very few addressing the impact of CSA on otherwise well-functioning adults and even fewer investigating the psychological mechanisms involved. To fill this gap, this study focuses on the effect of CSA on “normative” (nonviolent) romantic relationships in otherwise well-functioning young women, and the mediating role of personality dimension self-criticism and attachment in this regard. Specifically, we investigate whether self-criticism and attachment avoidance mediate the relationship between CSA and romantic relationship satisfaction, while also examining the potential reciprocal associations between these variables. Method: The hypothesized mediation model was examined in a 2-wave, 6-month, cross-lagged longitudinal design, using structural equation modeling. Participants were 59 well-functioning (psychologically, socially, occupationally) young women drawn from an earlier study that purposefully oversampled for CSA survivors. For the purpose of the current study, data from women who had been either sexually abused by a familiar perpetrator (n = 30) or had no history of sexual trauma (n = 29) were included. Results: Consistent with expectations, self-criticism mediated the association between CSA and romantic relationship satisfaction over time. In addition, a scarring effect of romantic relationship satisfaction on attachment avoidance was demonstrated. Conclusion: Findings suggest that CSA may lead to elevated levels of self-criticism, which in turn may be linked with reduced satisfaction in romantic relationships, setting in motion a vicious cycle involving relationship satisfaction and attachment avoidance.
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Objectives The aim of the present research was verification of the hypothesis for the influence of negative sexual experiences in sexual development on the quality of partner relationships in the adult life. Special attention was given to the influence exercised by the level of erotization in the environment of the family of origin and to the experience of child sexual abuse. The quality of partner relationships was recognized using Jurg Willi’s concept through the analysis of intensity of dysfunctions (collusions) in those relationships. Methods The study was conducted on a population of 170 adults in partnerships. The surveyed group filled in the Questionnaire on Models of Sexual Upbringing in Families, the Couples Collusion Questionnaire and the Questionnaire on Sexual Abuse of Children. Results Positive interrelation has been confirmed between the level of erotization in the family of origin and the oral, anal and oedipal partner collusion in the procreative relationships of individuals. Such link has not been confirmed for narcissistic collusion. The interrelation between the sexually abusive experiences and the partner collusion has only been confirmed in masculine group within the oral collusion and the anal collusion. Conclusions The findings largely support the assumption that there is a connection between the character of sexual experiences in childhood and functioning in adult partnership.
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Although people with a history of child abuse are known to be at elevated risk for later difficulties in relationships, there is debate over whether these effects are enduring and relatively immutable or are moderated by characteristics and behaviors of the partner. To reconcile these competing perspectives, we conducted a longitudinal study of 414 newlywed couples living in low-income neighborhoods, testing whether the association between abuse history and relationship satisfaction is dependent on the partners' aggression, depression, substance abuse, observed communication, and other demographic risk factors. Spouses who had been abused as children (25% of husbands, 31% of wives) reported more symptoms of depression and substance abuse and, among husbands, displayed more negative communication. Spouses with a history of child abuse were also less satisfied with their marriage, even as newlyweds; abused wives also declined in satisfaction over time compared to those without this history. However, interactions between abuse history and all of the proposed moderators were not significant, indicating that partner and relationship characteristics failed to strengthen or weaken the association between abuse history and relationship satisfaction. Childhood experiences of abuse appear to have lasting and broad effects on individual and relational outcomes, and these effects are neither heightened nor mitigated by the partner's characteristics or behaviors. (PsycINFO Database Record
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This study examined the mediating role of emotion dysregulation in the relation between retrospective reports of childhood emotional maltreatment and current satisfaction in a romantic relationship. Participants included 492 (135 male, 357 female) young adults in current romantic relationships. Results indicated that total emotion regulation difficulties mediated the relation between childhood emotional maltreatment and romantic relationship satisfaction. Multiple mediator analyses indicated that nonacceptance of emotional responses, impulse control difficulties, and lack of emotional clarity uniquely mediated this relation when controlling for other emotion regulation difficulties. These findings contribute to increasing research examining the interpersonal relationships among maltreated individuals, and guide future research by elucidating the factors that increase the risk for future maladaptation.
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This article provides the theoretical rationale and overview of a neurodevelopmentally-informed approach to therapeutic work with maltreated and traumatized children and youth. Rather than focusing on any specific therapeutic technique, the Neurosequen-tial Model of Therapeutics (NMT) allows identification of the key systems and areas in the brain which have been impacted by adverse developmental experiences and helps target the selection and sequence of therapeutic, enrichment, and educational activ-ities. In the preliminary applications of this approach in a variety of clinical settings, the outcomes have been positive. More in depth evaluation of this approach is warranted, and is underway. Over the last 30 years, key findings in developmental neurobiology have informed and influenced practice in several clinical disciplines, includ-ing pediatrics, psychology, social work, and psychiatry. Despite this influ-ence, the capacity of these large clinical fields to incorporate and translate key neurobiological principles into practice, program, and policy has been inefficient and inconsistent. The purpose of this article is to present prelimin-ary efforts to integrate core concepts of neurodevelopment into a practical clinical approach with maltreated children. This neurosequential model of therapeutics (NMT) has been utilized in a variety of clinical settings such as therapeutic preschools, outpatient mental health clinics, and residential treatment centers with promising results (Perry, 2006; Barfield et al., 2009).
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Trauma from female incestuous child sexual abuse may result in negative psychological consequences affecting adult relationships. This study explored relational consequences of incestuous child sexual abuse, focusing on conflict resolution styles, relationship satisfaction, and relationship stability. Using the RELATionship Evaluation dataset, 457 heterosexual couples in which female partners experienced incestuous child sexual abuse were compared to a group of 1,827 couples with no sexual abuse history. Analyses tested differences in the frequencies of reported conflict resolution styles for incestuous child sexual abuse and non–incestuous child sexual abuse groups, the mediating effects of conflict resolution styles on the relationship between incestuous child sexual abuse, and self- and partner-reported relationship satisfaction and stability. Significant differences in the reports of types of conflict resolution styles were found for incestuous child sexual abuse versus non–incestuous child sexual abuse groups. Incestuous child sexual abuse and conflict resolution styles were negatively related to relationship satisfaction and stability and there was a significant indirect effect between female incestuous child sexual abuse, female volatility, and relationship instability. Clinical applications for couple relationships are discussed.
Article
Aim. The aim of the present research was verification of the hypothesis for the influence of negative sexual experiences in sexual development on the quality of partner relationships in the adult life. Special attention was given to the influence exercised by the level of erotisation in the environment of the family of origin and to the experience of child sexual abuse. The quality of partner relationships was recognized using Jurg Willi's concept through the analysis of intensity of disfunctions (collusions) in those relationships. Methods. The study was conducted on a population of 170 adults in partnerships. The surveyed group filled in the Questionnaire on Models of Sexual Upbringing in Families, the Couples Collusion Questionnaire and the Questionnaire on Sexual Abuse of Children. Results. Positive interrelation has been confirmed between the level of erotisation in the family of origin and the oral, anal and oedipal partner collusion in the procreative relationships of individuals. Such link has not been confirmed for narcissistic collusion. The interrelation between the sexually abusive experiences and the partner collusion has only been confirmed in masculine group within the oral collusion and the anal collusion. Conclusions. The findings largely support the assumption that there is a connection between the character of sexual experiences in childhood and functioning in adult partnership.
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The purpose of the study was to identify the insecure adult attachment style associated with childhood physical abuse. Five hundred fifty-two female and 294 male university students completed questionnaires on their child abuse history, adult attachment style, and other variables. Regression analyses were completed. A history of physical abuse was associated with attachment avoidance while controlling for other forms of childhood abuse. Some support was also found for an association between physical abuse and attachment anxiety. Social support, as a control variable, was found to be an important predictor of attachment avoidance and attachment anxiety. A history of childhood physical abuse has important and specific impacts on intimate adult relationships with social support acting as a possible protective factor.
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This study investigated the relationship of childhood sexual abuse to marital attitudes and perceived readiness for marriage in single young adult women. A total of 622 women from three universities in the United States completed questionnaires on sexual abuse, attitudes and feelings about marriage, and readiness for marriage. After controlling for age, childhood sexual abuse was found to be related to more negative attitudes about marriage, more negative feelings about marriage, less readiness for marriage, and a longer perceived waiting period before marriage. Implications for premarital counseling and education for victims of childhood sexual abuse are discussed.
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This paper focuses on scoping studies, an approach to reviewing the literature which to date has received little attention in the research methods literature. We distinguish between different types of scoping studies and indicate where these stand in relation to full systematic reviews. We outline a framework for conducting a scoping study based on our recent experiences of reviewing the literature on services for carers for people with mental health problems. Where appropriate, our approach to scoping the field is contrasted with the procedures followed in systematic reviews. We emphasize how including a consultation exercise in this sort of study may enhance the results, making them more useful to policy makers, practitioners and service users. Finally, we consider the advantages and limitations of the approach and suggest that a wider debate is called for about the role of the scoping study in relation to other types of literature reviews.