NCJ Number
227685
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 18 Issue: 3 Dated: May-June 2009 Pages: 247-266
Date Published
June 2009
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This study examined associations between childhood sexual abuse and adult sexual functioning among a sample of Jamaican adults.
Abstract
Results of the study indicate that childhood sexual abuse was a likely factor in the development of sexual dysfunction in Jamaican adults, especially in the domains of Orgasm and Sexual Drive and Relationship. Gender, frequency, and age of abuse were also seen to impact specific areas of an individual's sexual functioning. Despite limitations, the study provides useful information that supports the impact of early childhood experiences such as sexual abuse as one of the factors that greatly influences the development of an individual's sexual functioning. Sexual behavior in Jamaica typically begins at an early age and is readily associated with circumstances such as poverty, absentee fathers in the home, and the social context of conservative sexual ideals. This study examined the associations between early traumatic sexualization and later sexual dysfunction in a sample of 100 Jamaican adults while identifying the linkages between age, frequency of abuse, and gender on sexual functioning. To better understand sexuality in the Jamaican context, the results were discussed in light of previous research for their implications. Tables, figure, and references