Experiences of childhood maltreatment and compulsive sexual behavior in a Canadian sample of adults

Objective Prior work has connected childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and later compulsive sexual behavior (CSB). Nevertheless, the examination of childhood maltreatment (CM) experiences beyond CSA and their potential relationship with CSB is limited. The current study examined associations between CM and CSB. We assessed CM overall and by type in association with later CSB, adjusting for sociodemographic and mental health factors. We also assessed potential interaction effects between CM and depression, alcohol use, and gender with CSB risk. Methods We leveraged data from the International Sex Survey (ISS) Canadian sample ( N = 2,235; mean age = 34.8 [SD = 13.6]; 53.2% women, 37.3% men. 9.5% gender-diverse) and used multivariable regression modeling to assess associations between CM and CSB, as well as potential interaction effects with risk factors identified in preliminary models. Results CM was significantly associated with higher CSB in both unadjusted and adjusted models. CSA was most strongly associated with CSB. Depression, problematic alcohol use, and male gender were significantly associated with CSB, and interaction effects were assessed; a significant interaction between depression symptoms and overall CM, but no interaction effect between problematic alcohol use and CM was observed. The relationship between CSA and CSB significantly differed based on gender identity (men and gender-diverse individuals at increased risk). Conclusion CSA was associated with increased CSB in adulthood. The association between CM and CSB differed based on gender, depression symptoms and problematic alcohol use. Findings emphasize the importance of trauma-informed screening while mental health symptoms and CSB.