Sexual Functioning Among Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors From an Attachment Perspective

Background Despite the fact that childhood sexual abuse can affect a survivor's sexual functioning in adulthood, few studies have examined survivors' adult sexual functioning from the perspective of attachment theory. Aim The present study sought to examine how sexual abuse in childhood might shape the associations between attachment insecurities and sexual functioning among adults. Methods The study sample consisted of 265 participants (166 women and 99 men), 45 (16.9%) of whom were classified as survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Participants completed an online questionnaire about their history of childhood sexual abuse, attachment insecurities, and sexual functioning over the past 6 months. Outcomes The findings of the present study suggest that attachment insecurities may have unique implications for sexual functioning among survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Results Findings indicated that a history of childhood sexual abuse significantly moderated the associations between attachment insecurities and sexual functioning. Whereas the effect of attachment avoidance in predicting sexual desire was not significant among nonabused participants, it was significant among survivors; specifically, higher levels of attachment avoidance predicted lower levels of sexual desire. A different pattern was found for attachment anxiety. Although attachment anxiety did not predict vaginal lubrication/penile erection among nonabused participants, it had significant effects among survivors; specifically, higher levels of attachment anxiety predicted higher levels of vaginal lubrication/penile erection. Clinical Translation Findings from the present study may help facilitate sex therapy interventions for childhood sexual abuse survivors, from an attachment theory perspective. Strengths & Limitations The study included a nonclinical, convenience sample and used self-report measures, which are highly subjective and increase the possibility of social-desirability biases. However, on the plus side, it relied on simple, short, self-report questionnaires that are accessible and can be easily used by professionals to examine a survivor's current condition relative to any of the variables, establish intervention goals, and evaluate treatment. Conclusion A history of childhood sexual abuse is related to 2 opposite patterns of association between attachment insecurity (depending on type) and sexual functioning.