There is an abundance of evidence to suggest that sexual abuse can have long-term impacts on psychological wellbeing, including increased risk for mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance misuse.
Effects of Sexual Trauma
Sexual abuse refers to unwanted sexual behavior directed toward another person. It can be verbal, physical, emotional, visual, or digital. The effects of this trauma are extensive and far-reaching, including psychological, social, and neurobiological implications. One study found that women who had been sexually abused were more likely than non-abused women to report symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and drug use. They also reported greater difficulties with daily functioning and relationship stability. Another study indicated that men who experienced sexual abuse reported higher rates of depression and lower self-esteem compared to non-abused men.
Some research has suggested that exposure to sexual violence may be linked to changes in brain structure and function, leading to altered patterns of stress response and emotion regulation.
Gender Differences
While both men and women experience negative effects from sexual abuse, there appear to be gender-specific differences in how they respond to it.
Women tend to experience more immediate and severe reactions to sexual abuse, often manifesting as fear and hypervigilance. Men, on the other hand, are more likely to internalize their feelings and suppress them through substance use or aggression. In addition, women have been shown to demonstrate heightened physiological responses to reminders of their abuse experiences, while men are less likely to do so. This could lead to different coping strategies, which may impact long-term outcomes for each group.
Intimacy and Coercion
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a type of trauma involving physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse within an intimate relationship. It can take many forms, including rape, coercive control, stalking, and economic abuse. IPV has been linked to increased risk for mental health disorders and substance misuse among both males and females, with female survivors reporting more PTSD symptoms than male survivors. IPV also seems to affect sexual desire and satisfaction differently between genders. Women who experience IPV report lower levels of sexual desire and arousal compared to non-abused women, while men report higher levels of sexual desire. These findings suggest that IPV may alter the way individuals perceive sex and relationships, leading to difficulties with intimacy and trust.
What are the gender-specific effects of sexual trauma, intimacy, or coercion on stress adaptation and emotional regulation?
Research shows that women who experience sexual trauma, intimacy, or coercion may face greater challenges adapting to stress than men. Women tend to be more emotionally expressive than men and may have difficulty regulating their emotions due to past experiences with sexual violence or abuse. This can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.