NCJ Number
168020
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect Volume: 21 Issue: 7 Dated: (July 1997) Pages: 649-655
Date Published
1997
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The relationship between childhood sexual abuse and adult sexual dysfunction in men was investigated using a sample of 359 men who sought sexual dysfunction treatment, and sexually abused men and women were compared on characteristics of sexual abuse.
Abstract
Of the 359 men seeking treatment, 30 reported a history of sexual abuse. Characteristics of the sexual abuse experienced by these men were also compared to the sexual abuse experienced by 73 women initially investigated elsewhere. Sexual abuse did not predict sexual dysfunction in the men. Rather, unemployment served as the only significant predictor of male sexual dysfunction. Comparisons of the sexual abuse reported by male and female victims indicated males were more likely to experience physical force but were less likely to be abused more than once and to be abused by an adult. Results support the notion that childhood sexual abuse may not be as disruptive to adult sexual functioning in men as it is in women. This difference may be a function of the specific circumstances of the sexual abuse. Suggestions for further research on male sexual abuse are offered. 26 references and 2 tables