Childhood Traumatic Events, sexual functioning and Post-traumatic Stress Among College Students

Abstract

Background: Sexual functioning is an integral part of one’s mental and psychological health. Childhood trauma of any sort might put an individual for development of post-traumatic symptoms which in turn might affect the sexual functioning of an individual. The present study aims to investigate the role of adverse childhood experiences and post-traumatic symptoms in determining sexual functioning.

Methods: As part of this correlational research, 200 students pursuing Undergraduate and Postgraduate of the age range 18-25 years, selected through convenience sampling, completed the questionnaires via Google survey. The data was collected using self-report tools including PTSD Checklist 5 (PCL-5), Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire  (ACE-Q), and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX). The data was analysed using Jamovi  (2.3.28 Slod version for desktop), an open-source software.

Results:  Results revealed that sexual difficulties were not related to post-traumatic symptoms or adverse childhood experiences. Higher rates of adverse childhood experiences were associated with higher posttraumatic symptoms. Age, relationship status, and gender are significant predictors of sexual functioning. Lower age, being female and being in a relationship were predictors of poorer sexual functioning.