Date of Award
2024
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Psychology
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Patricia Morokoff
Abstract
Black women who have sex with other women (WSW) face unique challenges that impact their sexual health. Yet, limited research has examined the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), internalized homophobia, sexual shame, and sexual dysfunction within this population. The purpose of this study was threefold: 1) to test the association between sexual and emotional abuse and sexual functioning, 2) to test the relationship between childhood sexual abuse and both internalized and sexual shame, and 3) to test the association between internalized homophobia and sexual shame with sexual functioning among Black WSW. A sample of 154 Black WSW was recruited and assessed using measures of a modified version of the Wyatt Sex History Questionnaire (MSHQ), The Child Abuse and Trauma Scale emotional abuse extension (CATSE_EAS), Lesbian Internalized Homophobia Scale (LIHS), Kyle Inventory of Sexual Shame (KISS), and The Modified Female Sexual Function Index (MFSFI). Results showed: 1) childhood emotional and sexual abuse predicted higher levels of sexual shame, 2) high levels of internalized homophobia were significantly associated with lower sexual functioning and 3) sexual shame emerged as a significant factor in sexual functioning. However, no significant association was found between sexual and emotional abuse and sexual functioning. These findings highlight the complex intersection of race, gender, sexual identity, and trauma, underscoring the need for targeted interventions that address both the psychological and sexual health of Black WSW.
Recommended Citation
Telusma, Mardoche W., "FACTORS RELATED TO SEXUAL FUNCTIONING AMONG BLACK SEXUAL MINORITY WOMEN: CHILDHOOD SEXUAL AND EMOTIONAL ABUSE, INTERNALIZED HOMOPHOBIA AND SEXUAL SHAME" (2024). Open Access Master's Theses. Paper 2567.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses/2567
