The Relationship Between Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Female Sexual Dysfunction, and a History of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)
Department
Counseling
Date of Award
Summer 2023
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the predictive relationship between pelvic floor dysfunction and female sexual dysfunction in adult females with a history of childhood sexual abuse. A correlational research design was used. Participants were recruited through flyers at local clinics and online social media posts. A small sample (N = 23) of adult women participated and the research team collected survey and observational data with instrumentation including: a demographic form, the Trauma Antecedents Questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index, and a pelvic floor examination. The data were analyzed using a binary logistic regression model. Upon analysis, the results demonstrated no significant findings in the predictive relationship of pelvic floor dysfunction with female sexual dysfunction. Nonetheless, the study did identify interesting trends in other portions of the analyses, including a strong indication that pelvic floor dysfunction is associated with sexual dysfunction. Implications and recommendations for future research and practice involve the need for professionals and public servants who provide services to female survivors of CSA to actively cultivate increased sensitivity to potential signs of pelvic floor dysfunction and sexual dysfunction in this population without making assumptions about either.
Advisor
LaVelle Hendricks
Subject Categories
Counseling | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Recommended Citation
Mountain, Jennafer, "The Relationship Between Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Female Sexual Dysfunction, and a History of Childhood Sexual Abuse" (2023). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 1110.
https://digitalcommons.tamuc.edu/etd/1110
