Sexual abuse, bulimic symptoms, depression and satisfaction in adult relationships

Abstract

This study explored the role of depression as a mediator between self-reported sexual abuse and bulimic symptoms. Secondly, the study examined whether there was an association between sexual abuse, bulimic symptoms, or depression and satisfaction in relationships and avoidance of sexual interactions. Women (n=297) who reported experiencing bulimic symptoms and/or depression and women who were not symptomatic completed measures on sexual abuse, bulimic symptoms, depression, satisfaction in partner relationships and avoidance of sexual interactions. A path model analysis indicated that there were direct relationships between sexual abuse and depression, depression and low satisfaction in relationships and avoidance of sexual interactions. Sexual abuse was not directly related to bulimic symptoms when depression was included in the model. Nor was sexual abuse directly related to relationship difficulties. The findings of this study support a model of non-specific pathways between sexual abuse and bulimic symptoms.