Sexual Functioning, Trust, and Closeness After Trauma or Moral Conflict
Sex is an integral part of human life and can be affected by many factors, including traumatic experiences or moral conflicts. This article will explore how these events impact sexual functioning, relational trust, and emotional closeness.
Traumatic experiences such as physical or emotional abuse, violence, war, disasters, or accidents can lead to lasting effects on sexual health. These experiences may create feelings of fear, anxiety, shame, guilt, or numbness that make it difficult to enjoy or participate in sexual activities. They may also cause physical changes like decreased desire or arousal, pain during intercourse, or difficulty reaching orgasm. In addition, victims may feel less comfortable being physically intimate or engaging in risky behaviors, leading to increased relationship tension and mistrust.
Moral conflict can also affect sexuality.
People who have conflicting beliefs about sex (e.g., Catholic priests) may struggle with their sexual desires and find it challenging to act on them. Similarly, individuals experiencing a crisis of faith may question their religious teachings' sexual morality and feel guilty about their behavior. People undergoing transitions in values or identities may experience confusion and uncertainty in their sexual lives, which can negatively impact relationships.
Both trauma and moral conflict can damage relationships by creating distance between partners and reducing trust. Victims of trauma may withdraw emotionally or become angry, while those struggling with ethical dilemmas may avoid discussing sex altogether. Both scenarios can lead to misunderstandings, resentment, and ultimately the breakdown of intimacy.
The effects of trauma and moral conflict on sexual functioning, relational trust, and emotional closeness are significant and complex. It is crucial for mental health professionals to understand these issues to provide effective treatment and support to clients. Individuals seeking help should seek out therapists experienced in working with such topics and be open about their experiences to improve their overall well-being.
How do experiences of trauma or moral conflict affect sexual functioning, relational trust, and emotional closeness?
Research indicates that exposure to traumatic events may influence sexual functioning by altering levels of physiologic arousal, emotional regulation, and cognitive appraisals (Bosch & Arias-Garcia, 2017; Briere et al. , 2019).