Critical Paper 2

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Critical Paper 2 Critical Paper 2 Silent Struggles: Unveiling the Complexities of Sexual Functioning of Female Survivors of Assault Vanshika Singh Department of Sociology, University of British Columbia FMST 316 002: Human Sexuality Dr. Brandy Wiebe December 5, 2023 1

Critical Paper 2 The sexual functioning of assault survivors is a critical and multifaceted topic that delves into the intricate intersections of trauma, physical & mental health, and intimate relationships. This paper explores the sexual functioning of assault survivors, challenging assumptions, and contributing to a more nuanced understanding of trauma’s impact on intimate aspects of survivors’ lives. The sheer lack of knowledge about the sexual functioning of assault survivors, and the stigma attached to their recovery makes it an interesting topic for research. Understanding this is important for several reasons such as addressing the sexual health disparities among assault survivors, comprehending the impact on survivor well-being, and refining the existing theories related to trauma and recovery. My personal reason for choosing this topic is deeply rooted in my own experience as a survivor of sexual assault. In addition to being an academic pursuit, this study signifies a substantial progression in my journey towards self-empowerment and healing. To explore this subject, it is crucial to challenge common assumptions. This involves debunking the belief that all survivors experience sexual dysfunction, recognizing that consensual intimacy signifies recovery, all survivors experience PTSD and that immediate disclosure about the assault is the norm. Sexual violence, defined as coercive or manipulative non-consensual sexual activity, profoundly impacts survivors’ well-being (National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 2010, p.1) . This paper focuses on adult sexual assault (ASA), which includes those who have experienced sexual violence of any kind after the age of 14. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), is a psychological condition arising from the trauma, which adds a layer of complexity to the experiences of ASA survivors. Those with PTSD experience persistent, distressing thoughts and emotions related to the trauma, often experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, and 2

Critical Paper 2 heightened emotional responses to triggers ( What Is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? , 2024). Survivors of sexual violence grapple with profound challenges spanning various domains of sexual functioning. As per Lipinski & Beck (2020, p. 2409), 58% of female survivors report impairment in at least one of the following aspects - sexual desire, arousal, satisfaction and orgasm functioning. The impact of sexual violence is far-reaching, resulting in a reduction in both sexual functioning and satisfaction. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes that hinder normal sexual function, with shared neural circuitry linking PTSD and sexual dysfunction (Lipinski & Beck, 2020, p. 2410) . Psychological factors further compound the complexity of survivors’ intimate lives. The severity of PTSD symptoms and sexual self-schemas emerge as two pivotal factors influencing sexual functioning. Negative self-referential cognitions, including thoughts of self-blame, become integrated into survivors’ sexual self-schemas following the trauma, impairing their ability to fully experience intimacy (Lipinski & Beck, 2020, p. 2410) . Many survivors of sexual abuse face significant distress even at sub-diagnostic levels of PTSD (Lipinski & Beck, 2020, p. 2419) . A cyclical pattern emerges, where more severe PTSD symptoms contribute to negative sexual schemas, resulting in decreased sexual functioning across various domains. Moving to psychological factors, lack of social support emerges as the strongest predictor in the development and maintenance of PTSD symptoms (DiMauro & Renshaw, 2019, p. 534) . Trauma-related symptoms spanning cognitive, behavioral and emotional factors, create a complex tapestry (DiMauro & Renshaw, 2019, p. 535) . Survivors often contend with persistent sexual dysfunctioning and a fear of sexual stimuli, contributing to decreased participation, pleasure and satisfaction in sexual activities (DiMauro & Renshaw, 2019, p. 535) . 3

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Critical Paper 2 Physical intimacy and sexual functioning prove integral to relationship satisfaction, acting as potential triggers for PTSD symptomology. The disclosure of assault also becomes a pivotal factor in the aftermath of assault. Research by Staples et al. (2016, p.1563) shows that negative reactions to disclosure, such as victim-blaming, are consistently associated with increased PTSD symptoms. However, positive social reactions, while weakly associated with more severe PTSD symptoms, offer protective effects, fostering a higher perceived control over recovery (Staples et al., 2016, p. 1563) . In concluding this exploration of the sexual functioning of assault survivors, the intricate connection with the class material on the Madonna-Whore Complex becomes apparent. The damaging dichotomy perpetuates harmful narratives, blaming female victims for their assault based on misguided notions of seduction and perceived worthiness. This deeply ingrained misogyny perpetuates a culture where survivors are burdened with proving their innocence, hindering both disclosure and the healing process. The analysis of the psychological factors impacting survivors' intimate lives, including PTSD severity and sexual self-schemas, shed light on the complex dynamics at play. The detailed examination of disclosure, both negative and positive reactions, highlights the pivotal role it plays in shaping survivors' well-being. The nuanced intersections of trauma, psychological factors, and intimate relationships underscore the multifaceted nature of post-assault experiences. The potential for disclosure to act as an initial re-exposure, exposing individuals to sexual cues and initiating a corrective learning experience, presents a unique avenue for future investigation, as do impacts of additional factors such as depressive symptoms, severity of trauma experienced and decreased levels of social support. 4

Critical Paper 2 BIBLIOGRAPHY DiMauro, J., & Renshaw, K. D. (2019). PTSD and relationship satisfaction in female survivors of sexual assault. Psychological Trauma, 11 (5), 534-541. 10.1037/tra0000391 Lipinski, A. J., & Beck, J. G. (2020). Sexual functioning and satisfaction among college survivors of Sexual violence: Examining PTSD symptoms and sexual schemas. Journal of Interpersonal Violence , 37 (3–4), NP2408–NP2427. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260520935483 National Sexual Violence Resource Center. (2010)1 . What is sexual violence?2 Fact sheet. Retrieved from [ https://www.nsvrc.org/sites/default/files/publications_nsvrc_factsheet_what-is-sexual-vi olence_0.pdf ] Staples, J., Eakins, D., Neilson, E. C., George, W. H., Davis, K. C., & Norris, J. (2016). Sexual Assault Disclosure and Sexual Functioning: The Role of Trauma Symptomatology. The Journal of Sexual Medicine , 13 (10), 1562–1569. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.08.001 What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? (2024, November). American Psychiatric Association. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd 5

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