TY - JOUR
T1 - Sexual Dysfunction Among Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors
T2 - The “Functional” Dysfunction?
AU - Gewirtz-Meydan, Ateret
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
PY - 2022
Y1 - 2022
N2 - Various studies have established the association between child sexual abuse and sexual dysfunction. Although sexual dysfunction can be a distressing and undesirable condition for survivors of child sexual abuse, the current article suggests viewing sexual dysfunction not solely as a negative outcome but as a condition with a potent psychological function in regulating various psychological and relational needs among survivors. The main question addressed in the current paper is: What are the functional aspects of sexual dysfunction among child sexual abuse survivors? Four main protective purposes for sexual dysfunction among survivors of child sexual abuse are proposed: avoiding re-traumatization, regulating closeness within the relationship, gaining a sense of power and control and avoiding vulnerability, and restoring a positive sense of self. Although healthy sexual functioning is a desirable long-term goal for survivors, therapists need to view sexual dysfunction within the context of trauma, and to understand the protective functions of dysfunctions, before attempting to restore sexual function.
AB - Various studies have established the association between child sexual abuse and sexual dysfunction. Although sexual dysfunction can be a distressing and undesirable condition for survivors of child sexual abuse, the current article suggests viewing sexual dysfunction not solely as a negative outcome but as a condition with a potent psychological function in regulating various psychological and relational needs among survivors. The main question addressed in the current paper is: What are the functional aspects of sexual dysfunction among child sexual abuse survivors? Four main protective purposes for sexual dysfunction among survivors of child sexual abuse are proposed: avoiding re-traumatization, regulating closeness within the relationship, gaining a sense of power and control and avoiding vulnerability, and restoring a positive sense of self. Although healthy sexual functioning is a desirable long-term goal for survivors, therapists need to view sexual dysfunction within the context of trauma, and to understand the protective functions of dysfunctions, before attempting to restore sexual function.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85126692321&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/0092623x.2022.2044944
DO - 10.1080/0092623x.2022.2044944
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85126692321
SN - 0092-623X
JO - Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy
JF - Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy
ER -