Who Am I and What Do I Need? Identity Difficulties as a Mechanism of the Link Between Childhood Neglect and Adult Sexual Disturbances

Abstract

Objectives

A growing body of research suggests that childhood neglect is associated with several negative repercussions in adulthood such as low self-esteem. However, we know little about howvictims navigate their sexuality. Methods: We explored associations between childhood neglect, identity impairment and sexual disturbances in adulthood, and examined the mediating role of identity difficulties in the relationship between childhood neglect and sexual disturbances. Results: Path analyses revealed that childhood neglect was associated with more identity impairment, which in turn, was associated with greater sexual disturbances. Conclusions: Results highlight the relevance of addressing identity difficulties in people who experienced childhood neglect and are struggling with sexual difficulties.

Keywords:

• Childhood neglect
• identity
• sexual concerns
• dysfunctional sexual behaviors

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by a doctoral fellowship from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) to Noémie Bigras and by a grant from Fonds de Recherche du Québec – Santé (FRQS) to Natacha Godbout.