Who Am I and What Do I Need? Identity Difficulties as a Mechanism of the Link Between Childhood Neglect and Adult Sexual Disturbances

Objectives A growing body of research suggests that childhood neglect is associated with several negative repercussions in adulthood such as low self-esteem. However, we know little about howvictims navigate their sexuality.Methods:We explored associations between childhood neglect, identity impairment and sexual disturbances in adulthood, and examined the mediating role of identity difficulties in the relationship between childhood neglect and sexual disturbances.Results:Path analyses revealed that childhood neglect was associated with more identity impairment, which in turn, was associated with greater sexual disturbances.Conclusions:Results highlight the relevance of addressing identity difficulties in people who experienced childhood neglect and are struggling with sexual difficulties.