Sexual trauma refers to an experience that involves being subjected to unwanted sexual activity. It can range from mild forms such as groping to more extreme forms like rape. Experiences of sexual trauma have been found to have various psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse.
Less is known about how these experiences affect moral flexibility, ethical judgment, and relational functioning. Moral flexibility refers to the ability to consider different perspectives and make decisions based on different situations. Ethical judgment refers to the ability to distinguish between right and wrong behavior, whereas relational functioning refers to the ability to maintain healthy relationships. This article will explore how experiences of sexual trauma may influence these areas.
Effects on Moral Flexibility
Experiences of sexual trauma may impact moral flexibility by altering the way individuals perceive morality.
Individuals who have experienced sexual trauma may develop moral relativism, which means they believe there are no absolute standards for what is good or bad. They may view their own actions as justified because they were forced into them.
Individuals who have experienced sexual trauma may struggle with trust, making it difficult to form meaningful relationships with others. This can lead to a lack of empathy and understanding towards others' perspectives. This can also lead to difficulties in communication, resulting in a lack of flexibility when discussing moral issues.
Effects on Ethical Judgment
Experiences of sexual trauma can impair an individual's ability to judge moral dilemmas correctly.
Survivors may become hyper-vigilant towards sexually charged cues, leading them to interpret neutral behaviors as threatening. This can result in erroneous judgments of others' intentions and motivations.
Survivors may blame themselves for their victimization, leading to feelings of guilt and shame that affect their decision-making process. In extreme cases, this can lead to a complete breakdown of ethical judgment, where survivors engage in risky behavior such as cheating or stealing.
Effects on Relational Functioning
Survivors of sexual trauma often experience difficulty maintaining healthy relationships due to various reasons. Firstly, they may struggle with intimacy, leading to problems with self-esteem and confidence. Secondly, they may be less likely to trust others, especially those of the opposite sex, which can limit their social circles. Thirdly, they may avoid situations that remind them of their traumatic experiences, which can include being around people who resemble their perpetrators. This can make it difficult to form meaningful connections with others.
Survivors may feel isolated and alone, making it challenging to build strong support networks.
How do experiences of sexual trauma affect moral flexibility, ethical judgment, and relational functioning?
Sexual trauma can have a profound effect on an individual's moral flexibility, ethical judgment, and relational functioning. Experiences of sexual abuse and assault often result in feelings of shame, guilt, and self-blame, which can lead individuals to blur their sense of right and wrong and engage in behaviors that are morally questionable.