Sexual Functioning, Relational Trust, and Emotional Regulation
Exposure to trauma, operational danger, and moral conflict can have various effects on an individual's sexual functioning, relational trust, and emotional regulation. Traumatic experiences such as physical or sexual abuse, warfare, natural disasters, or accidents may impact one's ability to engage in sexual activity. Operational dangers like combat or law enforcement can cause posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can lead to anxiety during intercourse and decreased libido. Moral conflicts resulting from exposure to violence, death, or betrayal can result in feelings of guilt, shame, and fear, leading to difficulties with intimacy and closeness. These factors can also impair the development of healthy attachment styles and affect emotional regulation, making it difficult to manage emotions effectively.
Sexual Functioning
Trauma and other forms of adversity can significantly impact sexual functioning.
Research has shown that people who experience childhood sexual abuse are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, including unprotected sex, multiple partners, and substance use during sex. They are also less satisfied with their relationships and less likely to seek help for sexual issues. This suggests that trauma can alter a person's perception of sex and relationships, negatively impacting their sexual functioning.
PTSD is linked to low sexual desire and arousal, difficulty achieving orgasm, and erectile dysfunction in men. It can also cause hypervigilance during sex, making it challenging to relax and enjoy intimacy.
Relationship Trust
Operational danger and moral conflict can also shape relational trust. Soldiers and police officers, exposed to high-stress situations, may develop distrust toward others, even family members. This mistrust may translate into difficulty forming close bonds and maintaining romantic relationships.
Witnessing horrific events like mass shootings or terrorist attacks can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair, which can impede relationship trust and commitment. Individuals who have experienced these kinds of experiences may find it hard to let go of negative beliefs about human nature and struggle to believe others will act kindly towards them.
Emotional Regulation
Repeated exposure to traumatic events can affect emotional regulation. People who have experienced trauma often struggle with managing strong emotions and may become overwhelmed easily. They may also experience flashbacks, nightmares, or avoidance behaviors related to the event(s). Such symptoms can spill over into other aspects of life, including sexual functioning and relationships.
They might struggle to manage their emotions when experiencing intimate moments with a partner, leading to distance or conflict.
Repeated exposure to trauma, operational danger, and moral conflict can significantly impact sexual functioning, relational trust, and emotional regulation. It is essential to recognize and address these factors to promote healthy sexuality and wellbeing.
How do repeated exposures to trauma, operational danger, and moral conflict shape sexual functioning, relational trust, and emotional regulation?
Repeated exposure to trauma, operational danger, and moral conflict can negatively affect sexual functioning, relational trust, and emotional regulation by inducing chronic stress responses that alter brain structure and function. According to research, individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) exhibit dysregulated autonomic nervous system activity resulting in decreased physical arousal during intercourse and impaired genital sensation.