RELATIONSHIPS AMONG CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE, SEX GUILT, AND SEXUAL-BEHAVIOR IN ADULT CLINICAL-SAMPLES

In the current study we extended the literature on the relationships b etween sex guilt and sexual behavior to clinical samples of adult fema les who were either sexually abused [childhood sexual abuse (CSA); N = 71] or not abused (N = 45) during childhood. The results replicated p rior findings, revealing significant negative relationships between se x guilt and nonaccepted (societal norms of) sexual behavior, sexual kn owledge, and attitudes toward contraception within both the CSA group and a clinical sample of nonabused women. However CSA victims reported higher levels of sex guilt and nonaccepted sexual behavior than did t he nonabused group. Severity of abuse was significantly associated wit h nonaccepted sexual behavior but not with sex guilt. These findings s uggested that CSA is closely linked to nonaccepted sexual behavior. Fu rthermore, some CSA victims' distress may be a function of their disco rdant levels of sex guilt and nonaccepted sexual activity.