Psychology

This paper discusses two separate articles on the topic of childhood sexual abuse (CSA).  The first article discusses the relationship between the effects of CSA with the predictive nature of adult sexual dysfunction and intimacy problems.  The second article talks of the ramifications of different treatment methods on CSA victims in adulthood that are having intimacy and relationship problems.  The two link well together to give an idea as to the future of therapy and treatment of CSA victims in adulthood.
Keywords childhood sexual abuse stigmatization sexual dysfunction internalization of symptoms


Two Articles on Sexual Abuse Studies
Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) was hidden for decades, but in the last 30 years it has entered the public view and because of this new attention many studies have been focused on the effects of CSA on the victims both in childhood and adulthood.  The fact remains that no matter the depth of the abuse even minor abuse can have detrimental psychological effects on the self-esteem and intimate relations of the victim through out their lives.  Recent studies are focusing on the predictive nature of the sexual abuse as well as creating new avenues for treatment that are conducive to healing of the abuse victim.  These treatments have been developed based on the research finding of abuse victims over time.  In todays world the crime is not only taken seriously but the effects on the victim are as well.

The first article by Feiring, Simon and Cleland (2009) discusses a longitudinal study of the effects of the severity of CSA, abuse-specific reactions and the internalizing of symptoms.  The study participants ranged in age from eight to sixteen. The first interview meeting was upon discovery of the abuse or soon thereafter. Three more follow up interviews were given over the next six years (Feiring, Simon  Cleland 2009). The findings talk of the stigmatizing effect of CSA as well and the predictive nature of the CSA on sexual dysfunction, sexual compulsive behavior and aggression in dating.  The study used the structural equation model (SEM) to look for the predictive measures of CSA victims on the adult sexual dysfunction.  They discovered that of the three variable they were studying only the stigmatization factor led to a real predictive correlation between CSA and adult sexual dysfunction.  Abuse severity was not indicative of any type of predictive outcome and the internalizing of symptoms (Feiring et al 2009) while it was not seen to affect the ability to predict sexual dysfunction is prevalent in those victims who have aggressive dating problems.  Over all the researchers believe more work and studies need to be done, but in light of their research new types of treatment avenues can be opened and the ability to look at specific parts of recovery can help to lead to a more secure and confidence adulthood.

Kathryn Hall (2008) discusses the some of the treatment options that are available to people who have sexual dysfunction and have a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA).  Through out history girls have had a more traumatic experience than the boys who have been abused.  This factor as well as the actions and type of sexual abuse that occurred must be taken into consideration when creating a therapy and treatment plan for each person.  Many therapists refer these people to sex therapists, who teach the client to enjoy the sensation encounters.  Hall (2008) explains that sex therapists can be construed as the experienced adult that takes a similar role as the abuser, thereby contradicting any good within the treatment. Another treatment is the focusing on only the trauma of the event. But again, this can be counter productive because it infers that the client is damaged or is not normal sexually and thereby enforcing low self-esteem and sexual dysfunction.  However, a new type of therapy is being used that not only works on the trauma, but on the current sexual dysfunction related to CSA at the speed and depth the patient needs allowing for the patient to lead the discussions and re-evaluate their view of themselves, thus becoming happier in their sexual relations.

Through studies similar to the ones discussed, physicians, psychologists and psychiatrists are learning new ways to help their patients feel better about themselves, and to create lasting, loving relationships for these victims.  Although more studies need to be conducted to continue to gain more understanding of the effects of CSA it is clear that the efforts of researchers are helping the victims and will continue to heal those how have been abused.