Sexual revictimization: the role of sexual self-esteem and dysfunctional sexual behaviors
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Treatment Model for Young Patients with Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Resultant Infertility
Published on: May 30, 2025
Lisa K Van Bruggen1, Marsha G Runtz, Helena Kadlec
1Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. lkv@uvic.ca
Abstract:
Disproportionately high rates of sexual revictimization have been noted among former victims of child sexual abuse (CSA), yet researchers have yet to determine the source of this apparent vulnerability to reexperience sexual violence. This study explores this issue by examining sexual self-esteem, sexual concerns, and sexual behaviors among 402 university women. Compared to women without a history of CSA (n = 348), women with a history of CSA (n = 54) had lower sexual self-esteem, poorer sexual adjustment, and were 2 times more likely to have experienced sexual assault since the age of 14 years. Structural equation modeling indicated that the relationship between child abuse (i.e., CSA and child psychological maltreatment) and sexual revictimization was partially mediated by sexual self-esteem, sexual concerns, and high-risk sexual behaviors. This study emphasizes the need for further research on child maltreatment, revictimization, and women's sexual adjustment.
Related Concept Videos
Self-Discrepancy and Its Effects
Protecting Self-Esteem
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Sources of Self-Esteem III: Social Comparison
Self-Evaluation Maintenance Model