Trauma is often associated with negative mental health outcomes such as anxiety and depression, which can have a significant impact on sexual functioning.
There are many facets to how trauma can influence sexual experiences.
Trauma survivors may experience difficulty with their sexual fantasies, arousal, and engagement due to a variety of factors. One study found that individuals who had experienced childhood abuse reported lower levels of sexual desire compared to those without a history of abuse (Cheng et al., 2016).
Those who had experienced sexual assault reported less interest in sex and higher rates of erectile dysfunction than those without this history (Murray et al., 2015). These findings suggest that trauma may lead to problems with sexual functioning even in cases where no physical injury has occurred.
Another factor related to sexual functioning following trauma is operational stress, defined as "the degree to which an individual perceives his/her life and work environment as uncontrollable, threatening or unpredictable" (Hirschberger & Hirschberger, 2013). Operational stress has been linked to lower levels of sexual satisfaction, decreased libido, and reduced arousal among veterans (McCann & McCann, 2017). This is likely because operational stress causes heightened physiological reactivity, making it more difficult for people to relax and enjoy sex (Kozak et al., 2014). It also increases risk-taking behaviors such as substance use, which can impair sexual performance (McCann & McCann, 2017). Moreover, military personnel exposed to combat have been shown to be at increased risk for experiencing sexual dysfunctions such as premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction (Steinberg, Rosen, & Breedlove, 2017).
There are many ways in which trauma and operational stress can impact sexual fantasies, arousal, and relational engagement. Individuals who experience trauma may struggle with their sexual desires due to feelings of shame, guilt, or fear associated with the event(s) they experienced. They may also find it difficult to become aroused due to hypervigilance and distrust.
Those who experience operational stress may struggle with maintaining a healthy sex life due to difficulty relaxing and experiencing pleasure during sex. As such, it is important for individuals to seek support from mental health professionals if they are struggling with these issues.
How do trauma and operational stress affect sexual fantasies, arousal, and relational engagement?
There are several ways in which trauma and operational stress can impact an individual's sexual fantasies, arousal, and relational engagement. Firstly, individuals who have experienced trauma may find it difficult to separate their past experiences from their present reality, leading to feelings of fear, anxiety, and distrust that can interfere with their ability to become sexually aroused or engaged. This can also lead to difficulties in trusting others and forming meaningful relationships.