NCJ Number
202136
Editor(s)
James A. Chu M.D.,
Elizabeth S. Bowman M.D.
Date Published
2002
Length
161 pages
Annotation
This book focuses on the sexual effects of childhood sexual abuse and other forms childhood maltreatment.
Abstract
In the introduction of the book, the editors explain that there is a paucity of research available concerning the effects of childhood trauma on the expression of sexual behavior. The six chapters and one commentary that comprise this edition focus specifically on this topic. Chapter 1 articulates a trauma- and dissociation-based theory of gendered personality styles. The author posits that the personality styles of “femininity” and “masculinity” are the direct and indirect outcomes of trauma and reflect a state of dissociation. Chapter 2 provides a comprehensive review of the importance of including sexuality as a component of treatment for childhood trauma. The author reminds the reader that there is a range of healthy expressions of sexuality and gender. Chapter 3 argues that there is a relationship between dissociation and sexual addiction/compulsivity (SAC) among childhood sexual abuse (CSA) survivors. The authors posit that treatment which targets the dissociative elements of SAC helps clients to understand the nature of their behavior and, thereby reduce the desire to engage in SAC. Chapter 4 examines the etiology of children who engage in deviant sexual behavior. The author outlines three categories of disturbed sexual behavior in children, which form a continuum of sexual behavior, and reveals that there is a diversity of reasons why children engage in deviant sexual behavior. Chapter 5 explores the occurrence of hyposexuality and hypersexuality as the lingering after-effects of childhood trauma and dissociation. The authors explore the way in which childhood trauma affects the bond between the child and the caregiver, which in turn influences the way in which the child responds to stressful situations. Chapter 6 explores the link between childhood trauma, trauma-related symptoms, and sexually risky behaviors. The authors show how moderate to severe trauma symptoms are correlated with later sexually risky behaviors. Finally, in the commentary offered at the end of this book, the author explores the issue of the greater than expected proportion of homosexual patients who enter treatment for trauma. The author issues a challenge to the research community to study this occurrence despite its politically sensitive nature.