Childhood Abuse and Sexual Behaviour

Ben Hughes
School of Social Work and Social Policy
Trinity College Dublin, Ireland

Objective
This paper explores the experience of childhood abuse from the perspective of treatment providers
working with individuals who present with risky sexual behaviour in adult life.
Methodology
A phenomenological approach is used which involved a literature review followed by a pilot study,
focus groups, questionnaires and interviews. Participants included 54 treatment providers working
in the area of child care, sexual health and education. Individual face to face interviews were
conducted, recorded, later transcribed and electronically stored. Interpretative Phenomenological
Analysis, (IPA), and Thematic Analysis (TA) are used for data analysis.
Findings
Treatment providers report an increasing number of individuals presenting with risky sexual
behaviour in clinical practice. There is a very wide range of psychological explanations associated
with such behaviour including childhood abuse which is frequently linked to the individuals
family of origin. The family environments of those abused are often described as dysfunctional
and include emotional neglect, domestic violence and alcohol and drug addiction.
As a result of child abuse individuals experienced high levels of fear, humiliation and anger
regarding primary relationships. Trust and intimacy in significant relationships are often
compromised.
Participants report that these negative experiences damage interpersonal
relationships, lessen the individuals ability to establish secure attachment and increase the
likelihood of developing high risk sexual behaviour.
Conclusions
Childhood abuse negatively impacts the individuals sexuality and may predispose them to engage
in risky sexual behaviour. Treatment providers will benefit from increased knowledge regarding
abuse and sexual behaviour. Improved training and clinical skill may be required in order to
effectively respond to and provide appropriate therapeutic support to those who seek help for this
issue.
Key Words: Child Abuse, Risky Sexual Behavior, Therapeutic Support, Continuing Professional
Development, Sexual Health