Treating Sexual Dysfunctions Among Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse: An Overview of Empirical Research

Abstract

Sexual problems are very prevalent among survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA). Yet, various approaches to therapy do not seem to address this issue when treating these individuals. Traditional sex therapy may also not suit the experiences of CSA survivors, as CSA was not considered when the most well-known and frequently used techniques were developed. The present review sought to identify (1) theory-based therapeutic approaches that address sexual problems among CSA survivors and offer treatment protocols (including an outline of specific therapy stages, sessions, or techniques) to treat these sexual problems and (2) identify therapeutic approaches that include a protocol for treating sexual problems among CSA survivors that was empirically tested and validated. In total, six approaches for treating sexual dysfunctions among CSA survivors that provide detailed guidelines for implementing the approach within sex therapy for CSA survivors were identified in the literature. Only two of the studies conducted a randomized controlled trial to test the intervention. This overview concludes with important issues to address when treating sexual problems among CSA survivors and a call for additional evidence-based practices for treating sexual problems among survivors of CSA.