The effects of childhood abuse on women's body image and sexual function

Introduction: In addition to its short-term devastating consequence, child abuse can also lead to long-term consequences. This study aims to investigate the effects of childhood abuse on the body image and sexual function of married women in Isfahan. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, conducted via convenient sampling method in Isfahan in 2014, on 150 married women. Child Abuse Self-Report Scale (CASRS), Body Image Concern Inventory (BICI), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used to collect the data. The collected data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients and stepwise regression by SPSS 21. Results:Sexual function has significant negative relationships with the total score of sexual abuse (P<0.01) and subscales of neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse (P<0.01). Body image has significant negative relationships with the total score of sexual abuse (P<0.01) and the subscales of emotional abuse (P<0.01), neglect (P<0.01) and sexual abuse (P<0.05). It also has a significant positive relationship with sexual function (P<0.01). Neglect (I²=-0.22, P<0.003), physical abuse (I²=0.26, P<0.01), and emotional abuse (I²=-0.24, P<0.01) have a significant predictive ability for body image. Also, neglect (I²=-0.42, P<0.01), sexual abuse (I²=-0.18, P<0.02), and emotional abuse (I²=0.19, P<0.03) have a significant predictive ability for sexual function. Conclusion: Childhood abuse is associated with sexual dysfunction in married women. Also, this experience will lead to negative mental self-mage and decreased sexual function as well.