Examining the relationships between childhood sexual abuse, sexual identity development, and sexual satisfaction

<p>"Many theorists have posited that forming a cohesive identity, including forming a cohesive sexual identity, is essential in one's life (Erikson & Erikson; 1998, Weeks, 1985). This study examined how a history of childhood sexual abuse impacts the process of forming a cohesive sexual identity in homosexual and heterosexual participants, which may affect adult sexual satisfaction later in life. Childhood sexual abuse was measured using an altered Traumatic Life Experiences Questionnaire (Kubany et al., 2000). The Klein Sexual Orientation Grid (Klein, 1985; KSOG) measured sexual orientation on seven variables. The KSOG also served as the basis for determining whether or not an individual had a cohesive sexual identity, based on continuity of sexual identification across the seven variables. Sexual satisfaction was assessed by the Pinney Sexual Satisfaction Inventory (Pinney, Gerrard, & Denney, 1987). Results found that childhood sexual abuse was not significantly related to sexual identity, general sexual satisfaction, or satisfaction with intimate partner. Bisexual participants were more likely to experience discrepancies on the KSOG in overall sexual identity and in specific aspects of sexual identity development (e.g., sexual attraction, sexual fantasy, sexual behavior). Differences in sexual identity development, with or without childhood sexual abuse, was not significantly related to general sex satisfaction or satisfaction with intimate partner"--Document.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS) in Psychology: Clinical

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis: EWU Only

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Year

2012

Author dc:creator

• Patterson, Christina

Contributors dc:contributor

• Theresa Martin
• Russell Kolts
• Larry Luton

• Adult child sexual abuse victims--Sexual behavior--United States
• Adult child sexual abuse victims--United States--Psychology
• Child sexual abuse--United States--Psychological aspects
• Gender identity
• Sexual orientation
• Psychology

Statement dc:rights

• Access perpetually restricted to EWU users with an active EWU NetID

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dc.ewu.edu/theses/66

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dc.ewu.edu:theses-1065