Male Sexual Trauma: What are its Long-Term Effects?
Most of the people I work with are men. I could write for days about male sexual trauma and how they have been acculturated to keep it secret.
Not acknowledge it.
And surely not seek help for the long-term effects of the trauma.
A Study on Male Sexual Trauma
We spend a lot of time in therapy unpacking these issues and then working through the trauma itself. That’s why I was excited to see this article, published this year, in the journal of the Academy of Psychiatry and Law. It specifically addressed the psychological and physiological effects of male sexual trauma.
This study was also particularly interesting to me because all of the men in the study were sexually abused by the same perpetrator.
The data came from evaluations given as part of a civil class suit brought against a physician who worked at a college for approximately 50 years. The men were subjected to various forms of sexual abuse during the course of physical examinations given by the physician.
As part of the evaluations for the lawsuit, the men underwent various testing protocols, including the Symptom Checklist 90 Revised (SCL-90-R). They were also assessed for things like substance abuse, erectile dysfunction, and relationship status.
Do you believe your sexual behaviors are compulsive or harmful to you or others? Then you should take the CSBD-19 free, validated self-assessment tool.
Results of the Study on Male Sexual Trauma
These men were all between the ages of 18 and 22 when the abuse occurred. They were all abused during medical visits. The abusive behaviors were all framed as a necessary part of the medical exam.
Unfortunately, at the time of the abuse, most of the men were not aware of how to report it. Almost all of the men were fearful of possible consequences from reporting the abuse.
- The study revealed that 78.7% of the 47 men in the study experienced intimacy and sexual problems.
- 51% experienced erectile dysfunction.
- 20% of the men dropped out of college after the abuse occurred.
- 38% reported that they had a challenging time keeping a job after the abuse.
- In terms of relationships, 59.6% of the men reported they lost romantic partners.
- 74.5% reported that they had a tough time establishing meaningful relationships.
SCL-90-R Results
Results showed that psychopathology was present in many of the subjects.
- 66.7% of the men who were between 45 and 54 during the evaluation scored in the severely symptomatic range.
- 69.2% of the men between 55 and 64 scored in the severely symptomatic range.
The SCL-90-R score was also associated with alcohol addiction, employment issues, and intimacy problems.
As professionals, our time is valuable. Dr. Weeks created the Mitigation Aide Research Archive because there isn’t enough focused, data-backed research available in easily digestible formats.
Authors’ Notes on the Male Sexual Trauma Study
The authors note there were pervasive problems with relationships, sexual functioning, and intimacy reported by the men. This suggests the seriousness of the long term psychological and physiological effects of the abuse.
In terms of erectile dysfunction, about half of the men stated that they started having ED issues after the abuse. Those ED issues lasted for years.
Takeaways
This study outlines the long-lasting effects the sexual abuse perpetrated by one man had on 47 of his male victims. This is one of the first studies to specifically look at this population in this way.
The lack of research in this area speaks to the great need to destigmatize male sexual abuse and provide safe spaces for men to come forward and report their abuse.
Everyone who must suffer through this traumatic experience deserves to be heard, believed, and provided with the help they need to get through the trauma.
Reference: Petreca, V.G. & Burgess, A.W. (2024). Long-Term Psychological and Physiological Effects of Male Sexual Trauma. Journal of the Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, 52(1), doi:10.29158/jaapl.230076-23
Do you feel your sexual behavior, or that of someone you love, is out of control? Consult with a professional.
Are you a professional looking to stay up-to-date with the latest information on, sex addiction, trauma, and mental health news and research? Or maybe you’re looking for continuing education courses?
Stay up-to-date with all of Dr. Jen’s work through her practice’s newsletter!
Have you found yourself in legal trouble due to your sexual behavior? Seek assistance before the court mandates it, with Sexual Addiction Treatment Services.
