Psychobiological Effects of Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse represents a stressor that challenges psychobiological homeostasis. Basic survival requires an ability to maintain internal equilibrium by adjusting physiological processes to match the demands of the external and internal environment. “Stress” is a broad term representing any physical or psychological demand that challenges equilibrium. When outside temperatures rise, physiological systems respond with multiple changes so as to keep internal temperatures from rising to a dangerous level. As nourishment is depleted, hunger is an internal cue that prompts food seeking. If ignored, energy resources will be shut down to non-critical bodily functions and shunted to those most critical for continued survival (e.g., the brain). Threat of physical or psychological harm activates biological systems that facilitate an appropriate response, including aggressive defensive actions (“fight”) or avoidance behavior (“flight”). Unfortunately, a protective response is often unavailable or ineffective in the context of sexual abuse. Alternatively, a psychobiological response may prove effective in the short-term, but ultimately lead to a chain of processes that set the stage for long-term mental and physical health risk.