Date of Award

2024

Publication Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Department

Psychology

Keywords

Childhood sexual abuse; Gender minorities; Non-binary; Sexual outcomes; Sexual satisfaction; Transgender

Supervisor

Amy Ménard

Abstract

Previous studies that have considered the impact of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) on adult sexuality have neglected the experiences of transgender survivors of CSA. Specifically, the existing published literature on adult sexual functioning and satisfaction tends to focus nearly exclusively on the experiences of cisgender, heterosexual individuals despite a high rate of CSA victimization among the transgender community. To address the gaps in the research, this study seeks to understand the impact of childhood sexual abuse on adult sexual satisfaction in two-spirit, transgender, and non-binary (2STNB) survivors. A sample of 317 2STNB individuals from the community were recruited through social media posts and community organizations across Canada to complete an online survey on Qualtrics. Data was analyzed using a factorial ANOVA and a PROCESS macro. Results indicated that sexual satisfaction scores did not differ regardless of CSA history for 2STNB individuals, and these scores did not differ based on the gender identity (i.e., transgender man, transgender women, non-binary individuals) of the survivor. Results from the PROCESS macro suggested that the severity of abuse did not impact sexual satisfaction scores, and this relationship was not mediated by post-traumatic stress symptoms or intimate partner violence. These results were aligned with some previous research findings but challenged others. Results from this study may help inform clinical interventions, 2STNB-inclusive research, and help survivors and their loved ones understand how a CSA history may impact their sexual satisfaction.

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