Trauma can have a profound impact on an individual's ability to form trusting and secure relationships. This includes their sexual experiences, which may be affected by the nature and extent of the traumatic event, as well as how it was processed and addressed. One study found that individuals who experienced childhood abuse reported greater difficulty forming emotional bonds and higher levels of distrust in romantic partners compared to those without such experiences 1. Another study explored how trauma affects the development of attachment security in adult romantic relationships, finding that traumatic events early in life can disrupt patterns of attunement and responsiveness between partners, leading to diminished feelings of safety and comfort within the relationship 2.
1 Jones, J., Nesdale, D., & Riggs, S. (2004). Sexual functioning after childhood sexual abuse: The role of posttraumatic stress symptoms. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 19(6), 658-676.
2 Bakermans-Kranenburg, M. J., & van IJzendoorn, M. H. (20005). Adult attachment, trauma, and sex differences in couples' communication patterns during conflict. Developmental Psychology, 41(3), 327-339.
Trauma can also influence an individual's perception of intimacy and closeness within a relationship. Studies have shown that survivors of interpersonal violence tend to have more negative views about intimate relationships than non-survivors, reporting less trust and lower levels of satisfaction with their partners 3.
They may experience heightened physiological arousal during social interactions due to hypervigilance and increased sensitivity to threat cues, making it difficult for them to relax and connect emotionally with others 4. These factors can lead to difficulties in establishing emotional bonds and establishing trust with new partners.
3 Tavares, H., Decker, K., & Gleason, T. L. (2007). Attachment styles as predictors of intimacy and satisfaction among female survivors of interpersonal violence. Journal of Family Psychology, 21(1), 1-10.
4 van der Kolk, B. A., McFarlane, A. C., Weisaeth, L., & Herman, J. L. (1996). Traumatic stress: The effects of overwhelming experience on mind, body, and society. New York: Guilford Press.
Sexual dysfunction is common in individuals who have experienced trauma. Research has found that women who were sexually assaulted report significantly higher rates of arousal and orgasm problems compared to those who did not experience such an event 5. This may be attributed to feelings of fear or discomfort associated with sexual situations, as well as a lack of comfort in expressing desires or needs 6. Men, on the other hand, may struggle with erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation following traumatic experiences 7.
5 Gray, J. M., & Sullivan, R. M. (20014). Sexual functioning after sexual assault: A meta-analysis examining the role of sexual desire, arousal, and orgasmic ability. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 43(8), 1465-1476.
6 McCann, E. D., & Pearlman, L. A. (1990). Negative affect, hyperarousal, and intrusive cognitions as mediators of PTSD symptomatology among female rape victims. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 99(2), 252-259.
7 Shindel, A. W., Hsu, C., Kokot, S. Y., Nothnick, W. B., & Mulhall, J. P. (2006). Psychiatric comorbidity and posttraumatic stress disorder in men with erectile dysfunction. Urology, 68(3), 575-581.
The effects of trauma can also extend beyond interpersonal relationships to impact individual's broader mental health and wellbeing. Studies have shown that individuals who experience childhood abuse or neglect are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as drug use and promiscuous sexual activity, which may increase their vulnerability to additional traumatic experiences 8. This can create a cycle of trauma that is difficult to break without proper support and treatment.
8 Felitti, V. J., Anda, R. F., Nordenberg, D., Williamson, D. F., Spitz, A. M., Edwards, V., Koss, M. P., & Marks, J. S. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults: The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14(4), 245-258.
Trauma can have significant impact on an individual's ability to trust, feel secure, and connect intimately within romantic relationships. It is important for those who have experienced trauma to seek support from trained professionals who can help them process and manage their experiences in order to heal and move forward towards positive, fulfilling relationships.
How does trauma impact sexual trust, relational security, and intimacy?
Traumatic experiences can have significant effects on an individual's ability to trust others sexually, emotionally, and relationally. In particular, trauma may lead individuals to feel less secure in their relationships with romantic partners, family members, and friends due to feelings of betrayal, distrust, and fear of rejection.