Associations Between Coerced Anal Sex and Psychopathology, Marital Distress and Non-Sexual Violence

Abstract

Background There is a dearth of scientific data on anal intercourse in heterosexual relationships. Likewise, anal sex within marital relationships has yet to be fully explored. Objectives Among a representative sample of married women in the Iranian capital, Tehran, we aimed to determine the association of self-reported coerced anal sex with: (i) self-reported coerced vaginal sex; (ii) self-reported non-sexual violence; (iii) psychopathology; and (iv) marital attitude. Method The data presented here were obtained from the Family Violence Survey conducted in Tehran in 2007. A total of 230 married Iranian women were selected via a multi-cluster sampling method from four different randomized regions. The subjects’ sociodemographic data, psychological distress (Symptom Check List; SCL-90-R), personality, and relationship characteristics (Personal and Relationships Profile), and marital attitude (Marital Attitude Survey) were gathered. In addition, the participants’ self-reported histories of lifetime victimization through all types of violence by the husband, including coerced anal and vaginal sex as well as psychological and physical assault (Conflict Tactic Scales-Revised; CTS-2), were collected. Results There were associations between self-reported victimization through coerced anal and vaginal sex (P < 0.001), psychological (P < 0.001), and physical aggression (P < 0.001). Those reporting to have been forced into anal intercourse cited higher rates of paranoid and psychotic features, jealousy, attribution of problems to one’s own behavior, conflict, and male dominance, as well as lower expectations of improvement in one’s marital relationship. Conclusion In marital relationships, women are at a higher risk of coerced anal sex if subjected to other types of sexual or non-sexual violence. Higher rates of psychopathology and poorer marital relationships are also allied to self-reported anal sexual coercion.

Clinical Study of Rape against Females at the Yaoundé Gyneco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital, Cameroun

“…As found in this study, a vaginal penetration without condom is almost the rule during rape [6] [12] than it is in male victims and in marital sexual assault [13] [14].…”

Are the Predictors of Sexual Violence the Same as Those of Nonsexual Violence? A Gender Analysis

“…As we described elsewhere [17], the interviewers were trained to administer a structured interview lasting between 1:00 and 1:15 hours for data collection on cultural issues. The male and female subjects were interviewed separately.…”

Psychological Predictors of Sexual Intimate Partner Violence against Black and Hispanic Women

“…De Visser et al [ 8 , 9 ] explained that the impact of sexual IPV goes beyond sexual function and includes psychosocial distress, substance use, anxiety, depression, and suicide. Women who have experienced sexual IPV are also at risk for mental health issues and relationship problems [ 10 ].…”

“…Victims of other types of violence (e.g., physical and psychological) are more likely to experience sexual IPV [ 19 ]. The explanation for this relationship is that sexual, psychological, and physical aggression tend to co-occur [ 10 ]. A study examining a community sample reported that 95% of women with a history of physical violence, compared to only 41% of women without such history, have been subjected to sexual IPV.…”

“…Based on the same study, 97% of women with and 42% of women without a history of psychological violence had experienced sexual IPV [ 16 ]. Although male partners’ poor mental health increases the risk of IPV against female partners [ 20 , 21 ], most studies have interpreted psychopathology as a consequence rather than a risk factor for IPV [ 10 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. Although it is only reported in a small minority of studies, there is evidence suggesting depression is a predictor of IPV perpetration, a finding that is still present after controlling for heavy drinking and illicit drug use [ 21 ].…”