Date of Award
12-1-2003
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Psychology
Abstract
The present investigation examined the association between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and a variety of sexual behaviors in adulthood while controlling for the confounding effects of family environment and adolescent/adult sexual assault. Three hundred ninety female undergraduates completed measures of CSA, adolescent/adult sexual assault, family environment (physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, quality of the parent-child bond), sexual satisfaction and functioning, propensity to engage in casual sex, attraction to sexual aggression, sexual fantasy, and sexual preference. The results indicated that CSA, after controlling for confounding variables, was associated with increased sexual activity, a propensity for casual sex, and sexual fantasies staining elements of force. The relationships, however, tended to be small. Finally, CSA was associated with a preference for sexual images containing themes of domination. The results of the present study suggest that CSA is uniquely associated with adult sexuality after controlling for the potentially confounding effects of family environment and adolescent/adult sexual assault.
Recommended Citation
Wilson, Brian A., "The Sexual Behavior Sequelae of Childhood Sexual Abuse in College Women" (2003). Theses and Dissertations. 3209.
https://commons.und.edu/theses/3209