How Childhood Sexual Abuse Affects Adulthood Relationship Satisfaction in Women

Abstract

Participants were 83 women between the ages of 18 and 25 years enrolled at a university. The present study examined how childhood sexual abuse (CSA) affects adulthood relationship satisfaction in women. Data were collected via Perseus, an online survey program. Two surveys were used to collect data, one that collected information about childhood sexual abuse history and the Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS). Findings suggest that trust and communication are common issues in relationships among individuals who have experienced abuse. Depression and withdrawal are also prevalent in childhood abuse victims. Results are discussed within the context of Finkelhor and Browne's Traumagenic Dynamic Model, which accounts for the effects of childhood sexual abuse. Depression, PTSD, night terrors and withdrawal were all evident in victims of childhood sexual abuse. This can be accounted for by Finkelhor and Browne's Betrayal Dynamic that focuses on the trust that was broken as a result of someone the victim knew and trusted. PTSD and night terrors are often effects of CSA and can explain why they were evident among the female participants. Withdrawal can be a combination of the abuse itself or of the betrayal of a person that the victim knew and trusted. The RAS did not show any significance in relationship satisfaction and could be because of the length of time that has passed along with professional help.