title: Contempt and defensiveness in couple relationships related to childhood sexual abuse histories for self and partner.
abstract: This study examined the relationship between a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) for one or both members of a romantic couple and perceptions of contempt and defensiveness for self and partner. Data from the Relationship Evaluation (RELATE) were analyzed for 10,061 couples. The findings suggest that when either or both partner(s) has a history of CSA, contempt and defensiveness in the couple relationship are greater than when neither reports a history of CSA. Furthermore, the males' experience of CSA had a greater impact on their perceptions of self and partner's contempt and defensiveness than females' experience of CSA. Explanations of gender differences are offered and implications for future research and practice are suggested.
authors.affiliation: School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, USA. ericwalk@byu.net
authors.forename: Eric C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sheffield
authors.forename: Jeffry H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Larson
authors.forename: Thomas B
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Holman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000523:psychology*; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult