Childhood Sexual Abuse in Males and Subsequent Risky Sexual Behavior: A Potential Alcohol-Use Pathway

• NCJ Number: 231061
• Journal: Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 34 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2010 Pages: 369-378
• Author(s): Trevor J. Schraufnagel; Kelly Cue Davis; William H. George; Jeanette Norris
• Date Published: May 2010
• Length: 10 pages
• Grant Number(s): AA13565
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health and Human Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the relationships among history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), risky sexual behavior, and an alcohol use pathway that may connect these two phenomena among males.

Abstract

The findings suggest that childhood sexual abuse (CSA) influences risky sexual behavior via multiple pathways and that more severe CSA may lead to elevated sexual risk indices. In addition, the results suggest that men may elevate their risk of sexually transmitted infections via high numbers of sexual partners versus irregular condom use. CSA among boys has been associated with a variety of subsequent maladaptive behaviors. However, to date, only one published study has examined the role of alcohol as a potential mediator in the relationship between CSA and later sexual risk-taking among males. The purpose of this study was to explore a potential connection between CSA and an increased likelihood of risky sexual behavior in adulthood. In addition, it examined whether or not alcohol use may contribute to this relationship. Participants of the study consisted of 280 single heterosexual men recruited from the greater Seattle area. Participants completed multiple background questionnaires pertaining to past and current sexual experiences and patterns of alcohol use. Tables, figures, and references