Dissociation and Sexual Concerns in Male Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: The Role of Identity Cohesion.

Research on male survivors of childhood sexual abuse is notably deficient when it comes to addressing their sexual concerns, such as experiences of sexual distress, negative thoughts, and feelings related to their sexuality. Dissociation, a known consequence of childhood sexual abuse, could be associated with higher sexual concerns through identity cohesion. Precisely, dissociation can potentially be related to lower identity cohesion (e.g., not knowing what you want or need). In return, lower identity cohesion may be related to higher sexual concerns by impeding the capacity to know and accept oneself, which tends to promote a positive and healthy sexuality. This study aimed to examine the role of identity cohesion in the link between dissociation and sexual concerns in 105 men consulting for their history of childhood sexual abuse. Men completed questionnaires assessing dissociation, sexual concerns, and identity cohesion at admission in a community setting. Results of a path analysis revealed an indirect association between dissociation and higher sexual concerns through lower identity cohesion. The model explained 27.6% of the variance in sexual concerns. This study highlights the relevance of interventions targeting dissociative symptoms to improve identity cohesion and sexual health in male survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

The Complex Interplay between BDSM and Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Form of Repetition and Dissociation or a Path Toward Processing and Healing?

In this theoretical paper the authors explore the connections between BDSM (i.e., practices involving bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism, masochism) and CSA (childhood sexual abuse) in order to investigate the potential unconscious mechanisms at play and the therapeutic functions of BDSM practices among CSA victims. Drawing on the embodiment framework, the authors address how BDSM may serve as a form of unconscious repetition of traumatic experiences for certain CSA victims, with the aim of processing trauma and healing. A review of the empirical evidence regarding the links between BDSM and CSA trauma, along with the potential of BDSM to trigger trauma and elicit dissociation, guilt, or shame, is conducted. Finally, BDSM practices are reviewed through the concept of trauma-play, which involves deliberate rescripting. In short, the complex relationship between BDSM and CSA is highlighted, as well as its implications for understanding and potentially addressing trauma experiences in therapy.

Profiles of childhood adversities in Inuit from Nunavik: description and associations with indicators of socioeconomic characteristics, support, and community involvement.

OBJECTIVES: Distress and associated health problems reported by Nunavik Inuit emanate from heterogeneous roots, including adverse childhood experiences. This study aims to (1) identify distinct childhood adversity profiles and (2) examine associations between these profiles and sex, socioeconomic characteristics, social support, and community involvement among Nunavimmiut. METHODS: In a sample of 1109 adult Nunavimmiut, sex, socioeconomic characteristics, support, community involvement, residential school attendance, and 10 forms of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) were documented using questionnaires. Latent class analyses and weighted comparisons were performed for three subgroups: 18-49 years; 50 years and above with experience of residential school; and 50 years and above without experience of residential school. The analysis design, the manuscript drafts, and the key findings were discussed and co-interpreted with the collaboration of community representatives, taking into consideration Inuit culture and needs. RESULTS: A total of 77.6% of Nunavimmiut reported having experienced at least one form of childhood adversity. Three ACE profiles were identified among the 18-49-year-olds: low ACEs (43.0%), household stressors (30.7%), and multiple ACEs (26.3%). Two profiles characterized ACEs experienced among the 50-year-olds and over with and without history of residential schooling: low ACEs (80.1% and 77.2%, respectively) and multiple ACEs (19.9% and 22.8%, respectively). Among the group of 18-49-year-olds, as compared to the low ACE profile, the profile with household stressors included proportionally more women (odds ratio [OR] = 1.5) and was associated with lower involvement in volunteering and community activities (mean score reduced by 0.29 standard deviation [SD]) and lower family cohesion (SD = - 0.11), while the multiple ACE profile was related to a lower rate of employment (OR = 0.62), lower family cohesion (SD = - 0.28), and lower satisfaction with ability to practice traditional activities (SD = - 0.26). CONCLUSION: Childhood adversities among Nunavimmiut do not occur in isolation and experiencing multiple forms of childhood adversities predicts lower socioeconomic status, support, and community involvement in adulthood. Implications for the planning of health and community services in Nunavik are discussed.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIFS: La détresse et les problèmes de santé associés rapportés par les Inuits du Nunavik émanent de racines hétérogènes, notamment des expériences négatives durant l'enfance. Cette étude vise à : 1) identifier des profils distincts d'adversités vécues durant l'enfance; et 2) examiner les associations entre ces profils et le sexe, les caractéristiques socioéconomiques, le soutien social et l'engagement communautaire des Nunavimmiut. MéTHODES: Dans un échantillon de 1 109 adultes Nunavimmiut, le sexe, les caractéristiques socioéconomiques, le soutien, l'engagement communautaire, la fréquentation des pensionnats et 10 formes d'expériences négatives durant l'enfance (ENE) ont été documentés à l'aide de questionnaires. Des analyses de classes latentes et des comparaisons pondérées ont été réalisées pour trois sous-groupes : 18­49 ans; 50 ans et plus avec et sans expérience de pensionnat. Le plan d'analyses, les ébauches de manuscrit et les principaux résultats ont été discutés et co-interprétés avec la collaboration de représentants des communautés, en tenant compte de la culture et des besoins inuits. RéSULTATS: Un total de 77,6 % des Nunavimmiut ont déclaré avoir vécu au moins une forme d'adversité durant l'enfance. Trois profils d'ENE ont été identifiés chez les 18­49 ans : ENE faibles (43,0 %), facteurs de stress domestiques (30,7 %) et ENE multiples (26,3 %). Deux profils caractérisaient les ENE vécus chez les 50 ans et plus avec et sans antécédents de pensionnat : faibles ENE (80,1 % et 77,2 %, respectivement) et ENE multiples (19,9 % et 22,8 %, respectivement). Parmi le groupe des 18­49 ans, par rapport au profil des ENE faibles, le profil avec facteurs de stress domestiques incluait proportionnellement plus de femmes (rapport de cotes [RC] = 1,5) et était associé à une plus faible implication dans le bénévolat et les activités communautaires (score moyen réduit de 0,29 écart-type [ET]) et une cohésion familiale plus faible (ET = -0,11), tandis que le profil d'ENE multiples était lié à un taux d'emploi plus faible (RC = 0,62), à une cohésion familiale plus faible (ET = -0,28) et à une plus faible satisfaction à l'égard de la capacité à pratiquer des activités traditionnelles (ET = -0,26). CONCLUSION: Les adversités vécues en enfance par les Nunavimmiut ne surviennent pas de manière isolée et le fait de vivre de multiples formes d'ENE prédit un statut socio-économique, un soutien et une implication communautaire inférieurs à l'âge adulte. Les implications pour la planification des services de santé et communautaires au Nunavik sont discutées.

"Finding My Worth as a Sexual Being": A Qualitative Gender Analysis of Sexual Self-Concept and Coping in Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse.

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is likely to have impacts on adult survivors' sexuality, particularly on their sexual self-concept. However, little is known about how survivors cope with CSA-related sexual impacts, including sexual self-concept impairments. Thus, this study aimed to examine the interplay between sexual self-concept and coping strategies in CSA survivors by (1) documenting the manifestations of their impaired sexual self-concepts; (2) identifying their strategies to cope with the sexual impacts of CSA; and (3) examining gender differences on sexual self-concept impairments and coping strategies. Content analysis was conducted on semi-structured interviews with 25 women and 26 men adult survivors of CSA recruited via social networks and victim support organizations. Analyses yielded three conceptual categories: (1) Developing an unconsolidated and unfavorable sexual self-concept following CSA; (2) Avoiding CSA-related sexual impacts and impaired sexual self-concept; (3) Approaching CSA-related sexual impacts with more authenticity. Men often managed their suffering and compensated for their impaired sexual self-concept by engaging in sexual dominance and over-investment, by accepting their sexual difficulties and relying on medication to overcome them. Women tended to restrict themselves and disconnect sexually to avoid suffering, complied with their partners' sexual demands out of a sense of duty, prioritized sexual intimacy over orgasm, and seek professional help. Interventions with survivors should promote the development of approach strategies to cope with sexual difficulties, including self-concept impairments, and foster sexual authenticity.

Is Sexual Aversion a Distinct Disorder or a Trans-Diagnostic Symptom across Sexual Dysfunctions? A Latent Class Analysis.

Sexual aversion disorder (SAD) is a chronic condition that impacts sexual and psychological well-being. However, the relevance of SAD as a discrete disorder remains highly debated. This study aimed to clarify the status of SAD as either a distinct disorder or a trans-diagnostic symptom shared among sexual dysfunctions. This cross-sectional study used a latent class analysis approach among a Canadian community sample (n = 1,363) to identify how patterns of SAD symptoms (i.e., sexual fear, disgust, and avoidance) emerge across different spheres of sexual functioning (i.e., desire and arousal, erection or lubrication, genito-pelvic pain, and orgasm) and examine sociodemographic and psychosexual correlates of the identified classes. Examination of fit indices suggested four classes: Sexually functional, Impaired desire and responsiveness, Sexual aversion, and Comorbid sexual dysfunctions. Sexual aversion class members were more likely to be single, had experienced sexual assault in adulthood, and report lower levels of sexual satisfaction and psychological well-being, compared to Sexually functional class members. Results suggest that SAD is a distinct clinical syndrome, while its symptoms may co-occur with other sexual dysfunctions. To ensure that the needs of people with SAD are met with tailored treatment options, future nosography might consider reclassifying SAD as a specific disorder.

Childhood interpersonal trauma and postpartum parenting alliance: The role of mindfulness in couples.

A large body of evidence demonstrates that childhood interpersonal trauma is associated with poorer parental and couple outcomes following the birth of a new child. As a unique component of couple functioning, parenting alliance is key during this transition period and is associated with long-term parental and child well-being. However, parenting alliance remains understudied in relation to childhood trauma, and little is known regarding the underlying mechanisms of this relationship among couples. Given its documented role in the intimate relationships of childhood interpersonal trauma-exposed individuals, dispositional mindfulness could be considered as a potential explanatory mechanism. Using a dyadic approach, this study examined the role of dispositional mindfulness, and its different facets, in the association between cumulative childhood interpersonal trauma (CCIT) and parenting alliance. A randomly selected community sample of 421 parental couples with infants completed online questionnaires. For both mothers and fathers, CCIT was associated with a more negative perception of parenting alliance through lower dispositional mindfulness, specifically through lower scores on the nonjudgment and describing facets. Moreover, results revealed dyadic indirect effects between parents' CCIT and their partner's parenting alliance through both partners' dispositional mindfulness. This study provides insight on how parents of an infant may influence each other's perceived parenting alliance through their dispositional mindfulness. Results also highlight mindfulness as a relevant mechanism for CCIT survivors who struggle to establish or maintain a positive parenting alliance, as well as the need to involve both parents in research and intervention. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Romantic Attachment and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrated by Men: The Role of Affect Dysregulation and Gender Hostility.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health problem, associated with considerable consequences for the victims. Among the risk factors associated with the perpetration of male IPV, attachment insecurities (avoidance, anxiety) and affect dysregulation (AD) have received strong empirical support. A few studies showed that hostility toward women (HTW) is a correlate of IPV perpetration, but none have explored hostility toward men (HTM). This study's aim was to test direct and indirect associations between romantic attachment insecurities and IPV perpetration (psychological, physical, and sexual coercion) through AD in men seeking help, and to examine the moderator role of HTW and HTM in theses links. A sample of 1,845 men aged between 18 and 88 years and from a diverse population (e.g., cultural background, education, and sexual orientation) were recruited through 18 community organizations providing IPV services in a Canadian province. As part of the systematic assessment protocol of each organization, participants answered a series of online questionnaires. Results from a path analysis model showed indirect associations between attachment insecurities (avoidance and anxiety) and IPV perpetration (psychological, physical, and sexual coercion) through AD. Beyond these links, attachment avoidance was also directly associated with psychological violence, attachment anxiety with sexual coercion, and HTM with sexual coercion. The results revealed two moderation effects: higher HTW amplified the link between AD and physical IPV, whereas higher HTM amplified the link between AD and sexual coercion. Results highlight the relevance of assessing attachment, AD, and gender hostility in IPV programs. They also highlight the relevance of targeting HTM as a risk marker for IPV perpetration in men.

"Like A Mouse Pursued By the Snake": A Qualitative Metasynthesis on the Experiences of Revictimization Among Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse and Partner Violence.

A metasynthesis was performed on 15 qualitative studies to document the experience of revictimization by an intimate partner among women, based on survivors' perspectives on their sustained childhood sexual abuse and intimate partner violence victimization. Results identified two main conceptual categories: (a) Barriers to action: A belief system reflecting learned helplessness that hinders women's abilities to protect themselves and prevent further abuses, and (b) Broken internal compass: Cognitive elements blurring women's risk evaluation capacities and reference points limiting their ability to break the cycle of revictimization. These findings support the need to examine cognitive distortions and false beliefs in intervention practices and suggest valuable guidelines for practitioners. As the responsibility for violence always lies with the perpetrator, this study should not be interpreted as blaming women for their victimization, but instead, as a way to give women a voice about their experiences and give them a sense of power in the prevention of violence.

Cumulative childhood trauma, sex motives and sexual satisfaction among emerging adults.

BACKGROUND: To better understand sexual satisfaction in emerging adults, previous research has emphasized the importance of considering the role of developmental experiences, such as cumulative childhood trauma (CCT; the number of different forms of abuse and neglect sustained during childhood). However, the mechanisms by which CCT and sexual satisfaction are related remain unknown. Sex motives are suggested as an explanatory mechanism given the previously found associations between sex motives and both sexual satisfaction and CCT. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the direct associations between CCT and sexual satisfaction, as well as indirect associations through sex motives, in emerging adults. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: A sample of 437 French Canadian emerging adults (76 % women, mean age of 2.3) were recruited. METHODS: Participants completed online self-reported validated questionnaires assessing CCT, sex motives and sexual satisfaction. RESULTS: Results from a path analysis revealed that CCT was associated with a higher endorsement of the self-affirmation sex motive (ß = 0.25, p < .001) which was linked to lower sexual satisfaction (ß = -0.13, p < .001). CCT was also associated with a higher endorsement of the coping (ß = 0.25, p < .001) and partner approval (ß = 0.09, p < .05) sex motives. A higher endorsement of the intimacy (ß = 0.28, p < .001) and pleasure (ß = 0.24, p < .001) sex motives, and a lower endorsement of the partner approval sex motive (ß =  -0.13, p < .001) were linked to greater sexual satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest education and intervention targets to improve emerging adults' sexuality.

A Latent Profile Analysis of Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrated by Men Seeking Help.

Past research has emphasized the need to identify profiles of men who perpetrate intimate partner violence (IPV) as a way to better understand this heterogeneous population and guide the development of tailored services. However, empirical validation for such profiles remains limited, since it still focuses on specific populations or fails to consider IPV as reported by men seeking treatment for IPV. We know little about the profiles of men who seek services for their use of IPV (with or without a justice referral). This study sought to identify profiles of men seeking treatment for IPV, based on their self-reported use of the various forms and severity of IPV perpetrated, and to compare the identified groups on key psychosocial risk markers of IPV. A total of 980 Canadian men entering treatment in community organizations specialized in IPV answered a series of questionnaires. A latent profile analysis identified four profiles: (a) "no/minor IPV" (n = 194), (b) "severe IPV with sexual coercion" (n = 122), (c) "minor IPV and control" (n = 471), and (d) "severe IPV without sexual coercion" (n = 193). Results revealed differences in psychosocial risk markers, including attachment insecurities, childhood interpersonal trauma, undesirable personality traits, affect dysregulation, and psychological distress, mostly between the "severe IPV without sexual coercion" profile and the "no/minor IPV" and "minor IPV and control" profiles. Very few differences were found, however, between the "severe IPV with sexual coercion" and "severe IPV without sexual coercion" profiles. Implications for awareness, prevention, and treatment efforts for each profile are discussed.

Dating Violence Trajectories in Adolescence: How Do They Relate to Sexual Outcomes in Canada?

Dating violence during adolescence is a major public health issue: it is highly prevalent and extensive research has documented its physical and psychological consequences, yet very little has focused on its sexual consequences. The present study investigated the longitudinal associations between dating violence victimization (psychological, sexual or physical) and sexual well-being (sexual satisfaction and sexual distress) among 1442 sexually active adolescents aged between 14 and 17 years who completed at least one of three data waves (51.1% girls; 45.7% boys; 0.3% non-binary; 3.0% varying gender identity). The study also examined whether these associations differed by gender identity and sexual minority status. Adolescents completed online questionnaires on electronic tablets during class. The results indicated that psychological, physical (except for boys), and sexual dating violence victimization were all associated with lower sexual satisfaction and greater sexual distress over time. Moreover, the between-level associations between dating violence and poorer sexual outcomes were stronger among girls and gender varying adolescents than among boys. The within-level association between physical dating violence and sexual satisfaction was significant among adolescents with a nonvarying sexual minority status, but not among those with a nonvarying heterosexual status or that varied in sexual minority status. Findings offer cues for dating violence prevention and intervention programs by suggesting the need to examine sexual well-being over time.

Between pleasure, guilt, and dissociation: How trauma unfolds in the sexuality of childhood sexual abuse survivors.

BACKGROUND: Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a significant risk factor for sexual difficulties in adulthood. OBJECTIVE: In the current study we aimed to expand the understanding of the association between CSA and sexual difficulties by examining the moderating role of traumatic sexuality in the association between CSA and sexual difficulties among a sample of CSA survivors. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: The hypothesized moderation model was examined among a sample of 393 CSA survivors. METHODS: Significant interactions were probed using simple slopes tests using the interactions R package. RESULTS: The results indicated main effects of traumatic sexuality on survivors' sexual difficulties: Greater severity of dissociation during sex was linked with greater sexual dysfunction and higher compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD), and greater intrusiveness during sex and pleasing the other during sex were linked with higher CSBD. Experiencing higher sex-related guilt and/or shame and hypervigilance with regard to sex were associated with greater sexual dysfunction. As for the moderations, intrusiveness during sex and pleasing the other during sex moderated the association between CSA and sexual dysfunction. Intrusiveness during sex and sex-related guilt and/or shame moderated the association between CSA and CSBD. Intrusiveness during sex, pleasing the other during sex, and/or hypervigilance with regard to sex moderated the association between CSA and problematic pornography use. CONCLUSION: This study points to the potential contribution of traumatic sexuality symptoms to sexual difficulties among survivors of CSA and lends support to the idea of offering trauma-focused therapy when treating the sexual difficulties of CSA survivors.

Who seeks sex therapy? Sexual dysfunction prevalence and correlates, and help-seeking among clinical and community samples.

Sexual dysfunctions (SD; e.g., female sexual interest/arousal disorder, erectile disorder, female orgasmic disorder, delayed ejaculation, genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, etc.) affect up to a third of individuals, impairing sexuality, intimate relationships, and mental health. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of SDs and their sexual, relational, and psychological correlates between a sample of adults consulting in sex therapy (n = 963) and a community-based sample (n = 1,891), as well as examine barriers to sexual health services for SD and the characteristics of individuals seeking such services. Participants completed an online survey. Analyses showed that participants in the clinical sample reported lower levels of sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction and higher levels of psychological distress than participants in the community-based sample. Moreover, higher SD rates were related to lower relational satisfaction and higher psychological distress in the community sample, and to lower sexual satisfaction in both samples. Among participants in the community sample who sought professional services for SD, 39.6% reported that they were unable to access services, and 58.7% reported at least one barrier to receiving help. This study provides important data regarding the prevalence of SD and the link between SD and psychosexual health in clinical and nonclinical samples, as well as barriers to treatment access.

Parents' history of childhood interpersonal trauma and postpartum depressive symptoms: The moderating role of mindfulness.

Postpartum depression is the most commonly reported mental health issue among parents welcoming a new child, with long-term impacts on the well-being of their family. Survivors of childhood interpersonal trauma (CIT) appear to be more vulnerable with higher rates of postpartum depressive symptoms. Yet, studies are needed on protective mechanism that can buffer the link between CIT and postpartum depressive symptoms, to identify factors that can promote resilience in CIT survivors as they navigate this demanding period. Studies also need to include both parents to adopt a comprehensive dyadic perspective. This study examined the moderating role of mindfulness, a protective mechanism documented as key for both postpartum mental health and trauma processing, in the association between CIT and postpartum depressive symptoms in parental couples. A randomly selected sample of 843 couples who recently welcomed a new child completed self-reported measures of CIT, dispositional mindfulness and postpartum depression. Path analyses showed that more experience of CIT was associated with higher levels of postpartum depression, but this association was weaker in parents with higher dispositional mindfulness. Exploration of mindfulness facets yielded that higher disposition to act with awareness and observation acted as specific buffers, for fathers and mothers respectively. In addition, more CIT reported by one parent was linked with their partner's higher depressive symptoms. These findings shed light on the protective role of mindfulness during the postpartum period to protect against postpartum depression in parents who are CIT survivors and their partners.

Cumulative Childhood Trauma, Communication Patterns, and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrated by Men Seeking Help.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a complex and multifactorial public health problem associated with important physical and psychological repercussions. Recent studies suggest that cumulative childhood trauma (CCT) may be related to higher IPV perpetration through dysfunctional communication patterns, but to our knowledge, no study has tested this proposition in a clinical population. This study aimed to explore the direct and indirect links between CCT and perpetrated IPV through dysfunctional communication patterns among 577 men seeking help from community centers specializing in IPV. Prior to receiving services, participants completed a battery of questionnaires including validated brief measures of CCT (sexual, physical, and psychological abuse; physical and psychological neglect; witnessing of physical and psychological parental violence; bullying), communication patterns (demand/demand, partner demands/man withdraws, man demands/partner withdraws), and IPV (psychological, physical, coercive control). Results from a path analysis reveal that having sustained a higher number of different forms of childhood trauma is directly related to men's higher risk of perpetrating psychological IPV. CCT is also indirectly related to higher perpetrated psychological and physical IPV and coercive control through a higher report of the demand/demand communication pattern and a higher report of the man demands/partner withdraws communication pattern. The tested model explains 23% of the variance in psychological IPV, 6% of the variance in physical IPV, and 12% of the variance in coercive control. Results highlight the importance of assessing, in therapy, both distal and proximal variables associated with IPV, including the accumulation of many forms of childhood interpersonal trauma, and to tailor trauma-informed interventions that promote constructive communication strategies.

Social Reactions to Disclosure of Sexual Violence in Adulthood and Women's Sexuality: The Mediating Role of Shame and Guilt.

This study examined the mediating role of emotions related to sexual violence in adulthood in the associations between social reactions to sexual violence disclosure and sexual outcomes. Self-reported data were collected from 324 women reporting sexual violence and path analyses were conducted among the 264 women (81.5%) who disclosed their most recent sexual violence experience. Results showed that emotional support was associated with higher sexual satisfaction. Victim blame was associated with greater guilt related to the sexual violence, which, in turn, was associated with higher sexual compulsivity. Stigmatization was associated with greater shame related to the sexual violence, which, in turn, was associated with higher sexual distress and avoidance, and lower sexual satisfaction and function. Our findings highlight the importance of social reactions to sexual violence disclosure in women's sexuality.

Attachment Injury Severity, Injury-related Stress, Forgiveness, and Sexual Satisfaction in Injured Adult Partners.

An attachment injury can occur when one partner violates the assumption that they will provide comfort and caring during a moment of increased need. For injured partners, unresolved attachment injuries can underlie an enduring stress reaction and lower relationship satisfaction. However, no research has examined the associations between the perceived severity of the injury and sexual satisfaction, a central component of relationship well-being. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the direct and indirect associations between the perceived severity of the attachment injury and sexual satisfaction via injury-related stress symptoms and levels of forgiveness, in injured partners. A total of 145 adults who reported having experienced an attachment injury in their current relationship completed self-report questionnaires measuring injury severity, event-related stress, forgiveness, and sexual satisfaction. An indirect association between the perceived severity of the attachment injury and sexual satisfaction through higher injury-related stress and lower forgiveness was found via a path analysis. Results suggest that fostering forgiveness and attending to injury-related stress may be key toward sexual satisfaction in couples where a partner reports an attachment injury. Clinical implications of these results are discussed in light of theory and potential treatment strategies for addressing an attachment injury in couple's therapy.

Who am I as a Sexual Being? The Role of Sexual Self-Concept Between Dispositional Mindfulness and Sexual Satisfaction among Child Sexual Abuse Survivors.

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is associated with long-lasting and pervasive impacts on survivors' sexual health, particularly on their sexual satisfaction. Dispositional mindfulness has been found to be associated with greater sexual satisfaction among adult CSA survivors. However, the mechanisms involved in this association remain understudied. The present study examined the role of sexual self-concept (i.e., sexual esteem, sexual preoccupation, and sexual depression) in the relationship between dispositional mindfulness and sexual satisfaction among CSA survivors. A total of 176 adult CSA survivors (60.6% women, 39.4% men) completed an online survey assessing dispositional mindfulness, sexual self-concept, and sexual satisfaction. Path analyses revealed that dispositional mindfulness was positively related to sexual satisfaction through a significant indirect effect of higher sexual esteem and lower sexual depression. The integrative model explained 66.5% of the variance in sexual satisfaction. These findings highlight the key roles that dispositional mindfulness and sexual self-concept play in CSA survivors' sexual satisfaction. Implications for interventions based on trauma-sensitive mindfulness targeting the sexual self-concept are discussed, as they may promote sexual satisfaction in adult CSA survivors.

Romantic Attachment, Sex Motives and Sexual Difficulties in Emerging Adults: The Role of Childhood Interpersonal Victimization.

A growing body of research has revealed that many emerging adults (i.e., aged 18 to 25) experience sexual difficulties. Past studies have emphasized the need to examine sexual difficulties by accounting for sex motives (i.e., reasons for engaging in sex) and by using a trauma-focused or attachment-based framework. This study examined the role of sex motives in the associations among attachment insecurities (anxiety, avoidance) and sexual difficulties in emerging adults, and assessed whether these links varied on the basis of low or high exposure to childhood interpersonal victimization (CIV) (i.e., 0-3 different types of CIV or 4 or more types of CIV). A sample of 437 French-Canadian emerging adults completed validated questionnaires online. Path analyses revealed that participants with higher attachment anxiety were more likely to endorse the partner approval sex motive, which was related to more sexual difficulties. Participants with higher attachment avoidance were less likely to endorse the pleasure sex motive, which was associated with more sexual difficulties. Results indicated a significant effect of CIV showing that some indirect effects were significant only in participants who reported high CIV exposure. Results suggest that addressing sex motives using an attachment- and trauma-focused framework might help understand, prevent and treat sexual difficulties among emerging adults.

Prevalence and Correlates of Sexual Aversion: A Canadian Community-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Sexual aversion (SA) is a chronic difficulty impacting sexual, relational and psychological wellbeing. Yet, there is a dearth of studies exploring its prevalence and associated factors. AIM: To estimate the prevalence of SA and examine its correlates among a community sample of Canadian adults. METHODS: A large web-based sample of the Quebec (Canada) adult population (n = 1,935) completed an online survey on sexual wellbeing. Prevalence rates were estimated for SA and other sexual difficulties. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify correlates of SA. OUTCOMES: Demographics (eg, gender, employment status), self-reported experiences of sexual difficulties (low sexual desire and arousal, vaginal dryness, pain during sexual intercourse, erectile difficulties, premature or delayed ejaculation, and orgasm difficulties), and markers of psychosexual wellbeing (eg, psychological distress, performance anxiety) according to the presence or absence of SA were assessed. RESULTS: The prevalence of SA was 9.7% (95% CI: 8.5-11.2) in the present sample (6.9% [95% CI: 5.1-8.9] in men, 11.3% [95% CI: 9.4-13.4] in women and 17.1% [95% CI: 9.4-27.4] in nonbinary and/or trans individuals). The multivariate logistic regression model explained 31% of the likelihood of experiencing SA. SA was related to psychological distress (aOR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.33-2.38), sexual satisfaction (aOR: .59, 95% CI:.49-0.70), sexual performance anxiety (aOR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.45-2.98), and discomfort with sex-related information (aOR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.04) CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Several psychosexual correlates of SA were documented and could be targeted by practitioners during the assessment and treatment of individuals living with SA. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: The study's strengths include its large, gender diverse sample and use of comprehensive diagnostic criteria for SA. Probability-based sampling methods and longitudinal studies should be conducted to address the current study's limitations. CONCLUSION: SA research is critical to document its prevalence in different sociodemographic groups, explore additional intrapersonal and interpersonal mechanisms involved in SA etiology, and ensure that the needs of people living with SA are met with tailored interventions. David Lafortune, Éliane Dussault, Mathieu Philibert, Natacha Godbout. Prevalence and Correlates of Sexual Aversion: A Canadian Community-Based Study. J Sex Med 2022;19:1269-1280.