Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can negatively impact an individual's life in many ways, including their ability to cope with daily activities, social interactions, and interpersonal relationships. Among those who experience PTSD, women are more likely than men to develop symptoms that manifest through flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, insomnia, irritability, guilt, shame, or feelings of isolation and detachment from others (Kimerling et al., 2018; Degli Esposti et al., 2019). Women may also struggle with post-trauma shame or stigma due to cultural narratives that suggest they should have been able to prevent the traumatic event or that survivors should be strong and resilient (Degli Esposti et al., 2019). These negative societal messages about victimhood and coping abilities further contribute to sexual dysfunction, such as low arousal, decreased libido, difficulty achieving orgasm, vaginismus, erectile difficulties, premature ejaculation, pain during sex, and avoidance (Wolitzky-Berry & Raphael, 2003; Kimerling et al., 2018). Such negative perceptions of self lead to reduced confidence in intimate relationships, making it difficult for women to trust and connect emotionally with partners and engage in healthy romantic or sexual encounters.
Narrative 1: The Societal Narrative of Victimhood
The societal narrative surrounding PTSD has often focused on its prevalence among war veterans, first responders, or victims of violent crimes like rape or assault (Potter et al., 2014). This emphasis is problematic because it reinforces the idea that only certain groups deserve sympathy or support for their trauma experiences while excluding others who may be equally affected by less visible or less discussed forms of violence (Kimerling et al., 2018).
Many individuals suffer from complex trauma, which occurs when multiple traumas accumulate over time rather than one single incident (Walker & Fremouw, 2005). Complex trauma may stem from childhood abuse, domestic violence, natural disasters, medical emergencies, or even workplace accidents (Rennison et al., 2017). The stigma associated with such experiences can cause survivors to internalize shame and feel guilty about seeking help, leading them to minimize or deny their symptoms (Degli Esposti et al., 2019). Women may face additional barriers due to cultural expectations that they should have prevented the harm or been able to cope better without outside assistance (Molina-Holgado et al., 2017; Potter et al., 2014).
These societal messages also contribute to a sense of victimhood, as if women are powerless in the wake of trauma. Many women report feeling helpless, hopeless, and unable to control or predict what will happen next in life (Fredrickson, 20001). Victimization narratives can lead to feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and self-blame, making it difficult for women to see themselves as empowered agents capable of taking action to heal from past traumatic events (Molina-Holgado et al., 2017). This lack of agency further contributes to low confidence in sexual encounters because partners may perceive women as fragile or unstable. Such perceptions can be detrimental to intimate relationships, as men may fear hurting or disappointing their partner, while women may experience increased anxiety around sex (Wolitzky-Berry & Raphael, 2003).
Narrative 2: The Societal Narrative of Shame
Shame is another common emotion experienced by survivors of trauma, particularly among those who blame themselves for the event or worry about how others view them (Kimerling et al., 2018). Women may feel ashamed that they were not able to prevent the harm, save someone else, or handle the situation better on their own (Degli Esposti et al., 2019). They may also feel embarrassed or humiliated due to cultural expectations that victims should maintain a positive image of strength and resiliency (Potter et al., 2014; Molina-Holgado et al., 2017). These messages reinforce the idea that women are responsible for protecting themselves against violence, which places an undue burden on individuals already struggling with complex emotions like guilt, regret, or self-blame (Walker & Fremouw, 2005).
Such societal narratives can impact women's post-trauma sexual confidence and relational dynamics in several ways.
Shame may lead women to avoid intimacy altogether, believing they don't deserve love or attention from partners (Fredrickson, 2001). It may also cause them to seek validation through excessive reassurance from others, leading to codependent relationships where one partner depends on the other for approval and support (Potter et al., 2014). In addition, shame may contribute to hypervigilance around sex, as survivors fear being rejected or judged for any perceived flaws (Molina-Holgado et al., 2017). This heightened awareness can lead to performance anxiety, making it difficult for women to relax and enjoy sexual encounters with trusted partners.
Narrative 3: The Societal Narrative of Stigma
Stigma is another significant factor contributing to post-trauma shame and reduced confidence in intimate relationships (Degli Esposti et al., 2019; Molina-Hol
In what ways do societal narratives of victimhood, stigma, or shame affect women's post-trauma sexual self-concept and relational confidence?
Studies have shown that societal narratives of victimhood, stigma, or shame can negatively impact women's post-trauma sexual self-concept and relational confidence. The concept of victimhood is often associated with feelings of powerlessness, weakness, and vulnerability, which may lead individuals to internalize negative beliefs about their ability to control their lives and relationships.