Childhood sexual abuse and attachment problems in adulthood

Certain traumatic experiences in childhood are conducive to the development of attachment problems.

Childhood maltreatment affects millions of children worldwide.. We commonly speak of 4 types of maltreatment: physical, sexual, emotional and neglect. All of them are the cause of great physical and/or psychological distress. In general, child sexual abuse is a serious public health problem that interferes with the development of the victim who suffers it, causing short and long term repercussions in the whole biopsychosocial sphere of the person.

Child sexual abuse

The child sexual abuse refers to the set of conducts of sexual character established between two persons, being one of them minor, so that a situation of inequality occurs, for reasons of age or power, and in which the minor is used for the sexual stimulation of the other person (López, 1997).and in which the minor is used for the sexual stimulation of the other person (López, 1997). Abusive behaviors include physical contact (genital, anal or oral), or involve the use of the minor as an object of sexual stimulation by the aggressor (exhibitionism or voyeurism) or third parties (Madansky, 1996).

Prevalence rates are around 13%-15%. These rates are higher in girls, although the impact is equally detrimental for both sexes. It has been found that the age of greatest vulnerability is between 7 and 13 years of age and that in 70-90% of cases it is committed by middle-aged males, often relatives or acquaintances of the victim.

Bonding and attachment styles

The development and quality of early relationships are important aspects in the socioemotional, personality and mental health development of individuals. in the socioemotional, personality and mental health development of individuals. In this sense, attachment is defined as the biological bond established between the infant and the primary caregiver(s), who is seen as a secure base from which the child can explore the environment and return when he/she perceives danger (Bowlby 1969/1982).

These attachments allow children to develop internal working models from which they create expectations about the possibility of receiving support and how to get it. They influence individual emotions, expectations and adult relationships and help individuals cope with stressful situations.

There are 4 types of attachment stylesSecure attachment and insecure attachment, within which we find the avoidant, the anxious-ambivalent and the disorganized-disoriented.

Secure attachment occurs when the primary caregiver responds to the child's distress in a consistent manner, promoting trust in the relationship. On the other hand, avoidant attachment develops when distress is ignored or there is persistent rejection.

The anxious style develops when caregivers respond to the infant's distress in an inconsistent manner, the child presents difficulties in trusting the caregiver's availability to meet the infant's needs to meet his or her needs and high levels of anxiety.

Finally, the disorganized-disoriented style, the infant displays disorganized and/or disoriented behaviors in the presence of the mother.

The family environment that parents create around their children in their early years can favor or hinder their future social relationships. When secure attachment bonds are established, children become more socially competent. Attachment provides emotional security for an adequate development of personality, self-esteem and later emotional regulation.

Impact of sexual abuse on attachment bonding

The impact of sexual abuse on attachment is established in infancy and remains stable into adulthood. remains stable into adulthood.

Frequently, children exposed to parental violence do not have basic needs met and their caregivers are less available, which implies a higher prevalence of insecure attachment compared to children who grow up in an adequate family environment. When the perpetrators of the abuse are the parents themselves, 80% of the cases, the ability to establish intimate and trusting relationships is further impaired.The person who is supposed to protect and care is the one who harms.

Insecure attachment styles in adults are associated with different psychological problems are associated with different psychological problems (substance use, alcohol abuse, delinquent behaviors, affective and anxiety disorders, low self-esteem, etc.) and health problems.

However, victims of sexual abuse also present difficulties at the social level, including sexual and marital problems in adulthood, behavioral and somatic problems (chronic general pain, Gastrointestinal disorders, eating disorders, sleep disturbances and difficulties in attention, memory and concentration).

Author: Tamara Garrido, Psychologist.