Couples Therapy for Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

As many as one in three females have experienced sexual abuse by the age of 18 (Russell, 1986). Many survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) experience negative psychological symptoms (Browne Finkelhor, 1986; Kendall-Tackett, Williams, L. M., Finkelhor, 1993). These women may later in life engage in relationships. The negative impact of sexual abuse could result in challenges faced by the relationship due to shame and difficulty with trust (Kochka Carolan, 2002; MacIntosh Johnson, 2008). CSA may also result in sexual challenges for the couple (Kochka Carolan, 2002). Research has found that couples therapy can be of significance to the healing of the CSA survivor as well as functioning and growth in the relationship (Kochka †¦show more content†¦The researchers analyzed the results with cross-tabulation, chi square statistics, analysis of variance, and multiple regression. Most of the subjects were able to respond to sexual stimulation and reach orgasm but did not enj oy it. The women who perceived themselves to be adjusted to their abuse still had some sexual dysfunction. Feinauer suggested several implications for practice from this study. She proposed that therapists who work with couples experiencing difficulty with intimacy of both sexual and emotional nature should consider sexual abuse history of the partners involved because without handling the sexual abuse related issues , the intervention of therapy will not be very effective. She stated that if the CSA survivor continued to believe and act out the idea that they have to perform sexually in order to get love, acceptance, security, then they cannot participate in sexually intimate relationships. Feinauer referenced other literature and previous studies of her own to add to the results and concluded that women who have been sexually abused should: deal with their unresolved anger and betrayal around the abuse; accept that they are not at fault for the abuse; externalize the fault to the perpetrator so they can discontinue to have worry and fear of all men; and see their partner as separate from the abuser so they can have an easier time in solving their sexual problems. She ends on the statement that if survivors of sexual abuseShow MoreRelatedThe Effects Of Childhood Sexual Abuse On Adults Sexual Behavior1521 Words   |  7 Pages The impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse on Adults Sexual Behavior Jamila Kamara Dr. Lauren Vansluytman Morgan State University Sexual abuse leaves many scars, creating feelings of guilt, anger, and fear that haunt survivors throughout their lives. These traumatic experiences can be detrimental to the victims’ sense of their own sexuality. 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