Sexual vs. Nonsexual Currently Most Upsetting Trauma: A Fresh Look at Attenuation of Sexual Response, Alcohol Intoxication, and Post-Traumatic Stress

Abstract

This study examined the dependence of sexual response (vaginal pulse amplitude [VPA] and subjective sexual arousal) on alcohol intoxication (.10% breath alcohol concentration [BrAC] versus no alcohol) and the nature of a woman’s currently most upsetting traumatic event (C-MUTE), whether it was sexual (e.g., rape) or nonsexual (e.g., combat). Self-reported sexual outcomes were also compared by C-MUTE type. A total of 117 women completed background measures and either drank alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverages. They were shown erotic films and their VPA was assessed. A two (sexual versus nonsexual C-MUTE) by two (.10% BrAC versus no alcohol) analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that, controlling for post-traumatic stress (PTS) symptoms, women with a sexual C-MUTE showed lower percent VPA change than women with a nonsexual C-MUTE. No significant effects were found for subjective sexual arousal. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) showed that women with a sexual C-MUTE reported more frequent anxiety and inhibition during partnered sex and more frequent lack of vaginal lubrication versus women with a nonsexual C-MUTE. There was no significant interaction between C-MUTE and alcohol intoxication. Whether a woman is currently upset by past sexual victimization may influence current sexual difficulties. Attenuated VPA may be attributable to the sexual nature of a C-MUTE as opposed to general trauma exposure.

Funding and Acknowledgments

Data collection and manuscript preparation were supported by grants from the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (T32 AA007455, PI: M. Larimer, PhD; RO1 AA13565 and 2R01 AA016281, PI: W. H. George, PhD). We acknowledge and are grateful to Kelly Kajumulo, MPH, for her extensive contributions to data collection and her additional edits to the Method section.

Notes

¹ In all, 112 callers were excluded from the study because they did not meet the alcohol use inclusion criteria.

² Potential participants were excluded if they reported having been (a) told by a professional that they had problems with alcohol, (b) ever seriously concerned about their own drinking, or (c) treated or advised to seek treatment for drinking. They were also excluded if they had ever experienced any of the following after drinking alcohol: (a) fainting or seizure, (b) highly unusual flushing of the skin, or (c) severe or unusual psychological reaction. Potential participants were also excluded if they reported average consumption greater than 40 drinks/week.

³ Not to drive, not to eat or consume caloric drinks for three hours before the appointment, and not to drink alcohol or use recreational or over-the-counter drugs for 24 hours prior). Participants were also given a pregnancy test if they were in the alcohol condition.