Profiles of Traumatic Sexuality in Sex Therapy Patients: A Comparison of Interpersonal Trauma History and Sexual Well-Being

This study explored profiles of traumatic sexuality (including six sex-related dimensions—dissociation, intrusiveness, shame and guilt, pleasing the other, interpersonal distress, and hypervigilance) and compared differences in sexual well-being and interpersonal trauma among the profiles. A latent profile analysis was performed on a clinical sample of 484 sex therapy patients consulting for sex and relationship related issues. Results identified three distinct profiles: Low Traumatic Sexuality (characterized by low to moderate scores, 87.8% of the sample), High Traumatic Sexuality (marked by elevated scores across all dimensions, 2.5%), and Dissociative-Pleasing Traumatic Sexuality (exhibiting a mixed score pattern, 9.7%). Comparative analyses indicated that these profiles were further distinguished by key variables, such as sexual well-being and interpersonal trauma. These findings underscore the complex ways in which interpersonal trauma shapes sexual experiences, highlighting the importance of individualized therapeutic approaches tailored to address specific trauma histories and support the restoration of healthy sexual functioning and overall well-being.