Disclosing One's Non-Heterosexual Sexual Orientation at Work in 2020: A Survey of Quebec LGBQ Workers.

Concealing one's non-heterosexual orientation (NHO) remains a protection strategy against workplace discrimination used by many lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ+) individuals. This article explores four sets of correlates (identity and individual trajectory, social support, professional position, and structural and cultural work context) relative to three levels of outness (total, partial, and null). Online cross-sectional data of 2,106 LGBQ+ participants from Quebec (Canada) showed that 27% reported total outness, while 64% reported partial outness, and 9%, null outness. Multinomial hierarchical regression analyses revealed that each set of correlates significantly contributed to levels of workplace NHO outness. The two sets of variables making the largest contributions to levels of outness were those pertaining to identity and individual trajectory (14% of the variance) and structural and cultural work context (9%). Compared to partial outness, null outness was associated with an unaccepting work climate, while total outness was more likely in contexts with organizational support (e.g., with the presence of an inclusivity policy). Without trivializing the influence of non-workplace factors on outness levels, the present findings support the need to develop an inclusive and accepting work climate for LGBQ+ individuals.

Is Sexual Aversion a Distinct Disorder or a Trans-Diagnostic Symptom across Sexual Dysfunctions? A Latent Class Analysis.

Sexual aversion disorder (SAD) is a chronic condition that impacts sexual and psychological well-being. However, the relevance of SAD as a discrete disorder remains highly debated. This study aimed to clarify the status of SAD as either a distinct disorder or a trans-diagnostic symptom shared among sexual dysfunctions. This cross-sectional study used a latent class analysis approach among a Canadian community sample (n = 1,363) to identify how patterns of SAD symptoms (i.e., sexual fear, disgust, and avoidance) emerge across different spheres of sexual functioning (i.e., desire and arousal, erection or lubrication, genito-pelvic pain, and orgasm) and examine sociodemographic and psychosexual correlates of the identified classes. Examination of fit indices suggested four classes: Sexually functional, Impaired desire and responsiveness, Sexual aversion, and Comorbid sexual dysfunctions. Sexual aversion class members were more likely to be single, had experienced sexual assault in adulthood, and report lower levels of sexual satisfaction and psychological well-being, compared to Sexually functional class members. Results suggest that SAD is a distinct clinical syndrome, while its symptoms may co-occur with other sexual dysfunctions. To ensure that the needs of people with SAD are met with tailored treatment options, future nosography might consider reclassifying SAD as a specific disorder.

Differential Profiles of Sexually Abused Adolescent Boys.

Victims of child sexual abuse (CSA) are a heterogeneous population. Several characteristics may influence the outcomes associated with this adverse childhood experience, including personal (e.g. age) and CSA characteristics (e.g. relationship to the perpetrator). This study relied on a person-centered approach to account for this heterogeneity and focused on adolescent boys, an understudied population. Data were drawn from a representative sample of high school students aged 14 to 18 years old in Quebec, Canada. A total of 3.9% (n = 138) of boys reported CSA. Various CSA characteristics (severity, relationship to the perpetrator, and number of events) were used as indicators to derive classes. A four-class solution emerged from the latent class analysis: CSA in a sports context (6%), intrafamilial CSA (8%), extrafamilial CSA (52%) and multiple CSA (34%). The multiple CSA profile included boys who were sexually abused in multiple situations by different perpetrators and who were victims of acts involving penetration. The exploration of correlates associated with class membership revealed that adolescent boys included in the multiple CSA profile were distinguished by higher rates of delinquent behaviors and alcohol and drug use. They were more likely than members of other latent classes to belong to sexual minorities. This exploratory study sheds light on sexually victimized adolescent boys and the deleterious consequences that may affect them, particularly boys who have experienced multiple CSA events. We conclude that prevention efforts should focus on the demystification of sexual trauma among boys and on using trauma-informed care approaches for adolescent externalizing behaviors.

Dating Violence Trajectories in Adolescence: How Do They Relate to Sexual Outcomes in Canada?

Dating violence during adolescence is a major public health issue: it is highly prevalent and extensive research has documented its physical and psychological consequences, yet very little has focused on its sexual consequences. The present study investigated the longitudinal associations between dating violence victimization (psychological, sexual or physical) and sexual well-being (sexual satisfaction and sexual distress) among 1442 sexually active adolescents aged between 14 and 17 years who completed at least one of three data waves (51.1% girls; 45.7% boys; 0.3% non-binary; 3.0% varying gender identity). The study also examined whether these associations differed by gender identity and sexual minority status. Adolescents completed online questionnaires on electronic tablets during class. The results indicated that psychological, physical (except for boys), and sexual dating violence victimization were all associated with lower sexual satisfaction and greater sexual distress over time. Moreover, the between-level associations between dating violence and poorer sexual outcomes were stronger among girls and gender varying adolescents than among boys. The within-level association between physical dating violence and sexual satisfaction was significant among adolescents with a nonvarying sexual minority status, but not among those with a nonvarying heterosexual status or that varied in sexual minority status. Findings offer cues for dating violence prevention and intervention programs by suggesting the need to examine sexual well-being over time.

Intersectional Analysis of the Life Course of LGBTQ+ Parent Families in Québec: Partial and Homonormative Inclusion.

Over the past 20 years, Québec has seen significant legislative changes that have led to an increase in the number of families with LGBTQ+ parents. Moreover, Québec has been a pioneer in recognizing LGBTQ+ families since 2002 with Bill 84. In fact, no nation had gone as far in terms of recognition. However, despite this avant-garde legal context, which has made it possible for many same-sex couples to establish their families with greater ease and recognition, unequal access to this institution still affects LGBTQ+ parents. In fact, these parents do not all experience the same realities, and the possibilities for forming a family remain complex for many, especially for trans and non-binary parents. Based on 38 in-depth interviews with LGBTQ+ parents, this article explores the multiple forms of families and the different experiences of oppressions these families encounter based on their different social locations. These data are part of the important SAVIE-LGBTQ research partnership (SSHRC 2016-2023), which aims to identify the different experiences of inclusion and exclusion encountered by LGBTQ+ communities in Québec.

Social resource patterns and health outcomes among Canadian LGBTQ2+ adults: A latent class analysis.

BACKGROUND: Decades of research have shown a strong association between wellbeing, health, and social resources. LGBTQ2+ communities are among those who historically have been excluded from accessing quality social resources. However, little is known about how access to different types of resources influences mental health and wellbeing. METHOD: Data were drawn from an online sample of 3890 LGBTQ2+ people aged 18 years and older in Quebec, Canada. We identified key social resource patterns (from family of origin, friends, partner, neighbourhood, and LGBTQ2+ community) and investigated differences in socio-demographic and health outcomes across classes. RESULTS: A five-class solution best fitted the data, highlighting distinctive patterns in access to five key social resources: moderate friend support access (42.14%), overall high support access (23.51%), high friend support access (18.06%), only close ties support access (10.90%) and overall low support access (5.39%). Marginalized groups (trans and non-binary people, racialized or disabled people, immigrants) were less likely to access diverse, high-quality social resources. Accessing diverse social resources, particularly close ties (e.g., family of origin), was associated with better health outcomes. In the absence of close ties, having at least one other social resource was associated with better health outcomes compared to having limited access to all resources. CONCLUSIONS: We found a major imbalance in social resource access among LGBTQ2+ people. Creating safe spaces for LGBTQ2+ people and ensuring access to high-quality social resources is important in sustaining their health and wellbeing.

Sexual orientation and gender identity and expression conversion exposure and their correlates among LGBTQI2+ persons in Québec, Canada.

BACKGROUND: Despite greater acceptance of sexual and gender diversity and the scientific consensus that same-gender attraction, creative gender expression, and transness are not mental illnesses, LGBTQI2+ persons are still commonly told that they can or should change their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression (SOGIE). The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of SOGIE conversion efforts, including their sociodemographic correlates, among LGBTQI2+ persons. METHODS: Using community-based sampling, we assessed SOGIE conversion attempts and involvement in conversion services of 3,261 LGBTQI2+ persons aged 18 years and older in Quebec, Canada. RESULTS: A quarter of respondents experienced SOGIE conversion attempts, and fewer than 5% were involved in conversion services. Over half of those who were involved in SOGIE conversion services consented to them, but the services' goals were made clear and explicit to only 55% and 30% of those who engaged in SO and GIE conversion, respectively. The results also suggest that family plays a key role in SOGIE conversion attempts and services utilization, and that indigenous, intersex, transgender, non-binary, and asexual persons, people of colour, as well as individuals whose sexual orientation is not monosexual (i.e., bisexual, pansexual) were more likely to have been exposed to conversion attempts and involved in conversion services. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that the prevalence of conversion efforts is substantial. Interventions to protect LGBTQI2+ people from such attempts should focus not only on legal bans, but also on supporting families who need to be counseled in accepting sexual and gender diversity. Health professionals need to be adequately trained in LGBTQI2+ affirmative approaches. Religious therapists should consult with colleagues and undergo supervision to ensure that their religious beliefs do not interfere with their practice.

The Mediating Role of Internalizing Problems Between Peer Victimization and Dating Violence Victimization: A Test of the Stress Generation Hypothesis.

Peer victimization and dating violence are highly prevalent among adolescents. Those two forms of victimization are notably associated with heightened levels of internalizing problems. The stress generation hypothesis stipulates that depressive cognitions and behaviors may generate interpersonal stressors for depressed individuals. It has thus been hypothesized that victims of peer victimization may experience higher levels of internalizing problems, which in turn, may render them more at risk of experiencing dating violence victimization. We used a longitudinal design with three waves from the Quebec Youth's Romantic Relationships Survey (n = 4,923). Participants (59.6% girls, aged between 14 and 18 years old) reported their experiences of dating violence victimization, peer victimization and psychological distress. A cross-lagged panel analysis was performed to test the mediational effect of psychological distress between peer victimization and dating violence while controlling for age and gender. The interaction effect of gender in the model was also tested. The longitudinal relationship between peer victimization and dating violence victimization was significantly mediated by internalizing problems. This result thus supports the stress generation hypothesis. No interaction effect of gender was observed in the model, thus suggesting that this relationship does not change as a function of gender. This study offers to practitioners in the area of prevention and intervention for peer victimization and dating violence a different way of tackling the problem of revictimization. Indeed, our findings revealed that internalizing problems were longitudinally associated with subsequent relational problems, when occurring after being victimized. Therefore, addressing internalizing problems instead, or in addition to prevention or intervention efforts to stop victimization may help in reducing revictimization rates.

Dating Violence Experiences among Youths with Same-gender and Multi-gender Dating Partners: A Dyadic Concordance Type Approach.

Dating violence (DV) among youth is widespread and is now established as a significant public health problem. Yet, few studies have assessed DV experiences among youth with same-gender or multi-gender dating partners, and most failed to consider bidirectional DV. We analyzed self-reported dyadic concordance types (DCTs) among 295 youths (52% girls) who dated same-gender and multi-gender partners in the last 12 months using an adapted version of the Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory. Youths were classified in one of three DCTs: self-only (unidirectional perpetration of DV by the participant), partner-only (unidirectional victimization perpetrated by their partner) or both (bidirectional DV, where partners are both perpetrators and victims of DV). Overall prevalence rates of DV among sexual minority youths (SMYs) range from 11.5% for threats, to 51.2% for psychological violence, with physical and sexual violence reported by about one-fourth of participants. The both DCT was the most common pattern for psychological (59.6%) and physical (50.6%) DV across gender, while most threatening behaviors were reported as perpetrated by the partner only (47.1%). Girls were more likely to report sexual DV as partner-only perpetrated (63.6%), whereas boys reported higher rates of both (44.2%) and self-only (34.9%) perpetrated sexual violence. Because healthy intimate relationships can play a supportive and positive role in transitioning toward adulthood, it is crucial that DV prevention becomes more inclusive of sexual and gender diversity.

Can Emotion Dysregulation Explain the Association Between Attachment Insecurities and Teen Dating Violence Perpetration?

Attachment theory provides important insight regarding the etiology of teen dating violence perpetration (TDV-P). Attachment insecurities have been associated with TDV-P, but the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. Furthermore, as of now, studies have failed to explore whether the relation between attachment insecurities and TDV-P varied according to its forms (i.e., psychological, physical or sexual) or to the perpetrator's gender. This study aimed to investigate if emotion dysregulation mediates the association between attachment insecurities and different forms of TDV-P among girls and boys. Adolescents (Mage = 16 years; n = 3,214; 60% girls) were recruited from a one-stage stratified cluster sample of 34 high schools in Quebec, Canada. Path analyses with probit regression models were conducted separately for girls and boys. Attachment anxiety and avoidance were associated with more emotion dysregulation. Emotion dysregulation was, in turn, associated with higher probabilities of physical TDV-P in girls and psychological TDV-P in girls and boys. Surprisingly, emotion dysregulation was not associated with sexual TDV-P. Attachment anxiety remained directly related to higher probabilities of perpetrating all forms of TDV. These findings support the hypotheses set forth by attachment theory and highlight the utility of this theory to understand and potentially prevent TDV-P. Practitioners should more specifically address adolescents' attachment anxiety, as it seems more related to TDV-P. Finally, this study underscores the necessity of considering gender and specific forms of TDV-P to understand the association between attachment insecurities, emotion dysregulation, and TDV-P.

Child Sexual Abuse, Self-esteem, and Delinquent Behaviors During Adolescence: The Moderating Role of Gender.

To reflect the complex phenomena of child sexual abuse (CSA), studies should examine possible gender specificities and explore potentially explanatory mechanisms. The current study aimed to test the moderating effect of gender in the mediated relationship between CSA, self-esteem, and delinquency during adolescence. A moderated mediation model was tested among a representative sample of 8,194 high school students (57.8% girls and 42.2% boys) age 14 to 18 in the province of Quebec in Canada. Results showed that self-esteem has an indirect effect on the relationship between CSA and delinquency. Gender (being a boy) was associated with a higher level of self-esteem and an increased risk of delinquent behaviors. Among victims of CSA, boys reported lower levels of self-esteem than girls, which was associated with an increased risk of displaying delinquent behaviors. Self-esteem may be an important target of intervention for sexually abused youth, especially for boys. Focusing on promoting positive self-esteem may also reduce the risk for male adolescents struggling with the deleterious consequences of delinquency.

The Development and Validation of the Orgasm Beliefs Inventory.

While orgasm is often conceptualized as a physiological reflex, research has also shown it to be symbolic and to be attributed significant meaning. However, in the absence of a comprehensive measure assessing cultural orgasm scripts and beliefs, the extent to which individuals personally endorse them is unknown. Grounded in sexual script theory, the present research aimed to develop and validate a measure assessing cultural orgasm beliefs, and to investigate gender differences in their endorsement using the new measure. In Study 1, an MTurk sample (N = 448) completed a preliminary version of the Orgasm Beliefs Inventory (OBI). Exploratory factor analyses revealed 11 orgasm beliefs that could be grouped into seven broad categories (Men's Orgasms are Easy/Women's Orgasms are Difficult, Partner Interest Fosters Orgasm, Orgasm is Essential to Men's Sexual Satisfaction, Orgasm as a Relational Quality Benchmark, Orgasm is Unessential to Women's Sexual Satisfaction, Simultaneous Orgasm is Ideal, and Orgasm Requires and Fosters Connection). In Study 2, the OBI was completed by 392 participants. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted and supported a slightly different 7-factor model. The Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire, Sexual Scripts Scale, and Types of Jealousy Scales were also completed concurrently with the OBI and yielded results in support of the OBI's convergent and discriminant validity. Compared to women, men scored lower on Men's Orgasms are Easy/Women's Orgasms are Difficult, but higher on Orgasm Absence Reflects Relationship Problems. No other gender differences were found on OBI subscale scores. The OBI is a new measure that can be used in future sexual scripts research to explore the relationships between orgasm beliefs and other sexual outcomes and behaviors (e.g., faking orgasm, sexual communication and assertiveness, sexual function and satisfaction, etc.).

Measures of HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Uptake Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men in Canada and Demographic Disparities Among Those at Elevated Likelihood for HIV Acquisition.

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective prevention tool being scaled up in Canada. We describe PrEP uptake and identify demographic correlates of uptake among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) at elevated HIV risk using data from an online survey of gbMSM residing in Canada between Oct 2017 and Jan 2018. Among the 969 participants at elevated HIV risk who had recently tested for HIV, 96.0%, 83.3%, 72.6%, and 39.7% reported awareness, knowledge, acceptability, and pursuit of PrEP, respectively; 27.1% had ever and 24.6% were currently taking PrEP. The strongest correlate of PrEP uptake was living in a city of ≥ 500,000 inhabitants; others included being out to all or almost all family, friends, and colleagues regarding sexual attraction to men, greater financial coping, and being 30-49 years of age. Improved upscaling of PrEP in Canada may be accomplished through consideration of these disparities.

Gender-Specific Patterns of Teen Dating Violence in Heterosexual Relationships and their Associations with Attachment Insecurities and Emotion Dysregulation.

Teen dating violence is a complex issue associated with several deleterious consequences. Previous studies emphasize the importance of considering the heterogeneity of teen dating violence experiences to better understand this issue and its correlates. In this perspective, the present study aimed to identify gender-specific patterns of teen dating violence in heterosexual relationships based on directionality (victimization and perpetration) and forms of violence (psychological, physical and sexual). In addition, this study aimed to investigate how these patterns are differentially associated with attachment insecurities and emotion dysregulation. A total of 3100 adolescents who reported being in a heterosexual romantic relationship (mean age = 15.92 years; 60% girls) completed questionnaires on teen dating violence, romantic attachment and emotion dysregulation. Latent class analyses revealed four distinct patterns of teen dating violence. The first three patterns, namely Low dating violence (40% of girls and 54% of boys), Mutual psychological dating violence (34% of girls and 33% of boys) and Mutual psychological and physical dating violence (14% of girls and 5% of boys), were found for both genders. The last pattern differed greatly based on gender and was labeled Mutual psychological dating violence and sexual victimization in girls (12%) and Multiple dating violence victimization in boys (8%). Higher levels of emotion dysregulation and attachment insecurities were found in adolescents experiencing more complex patterns of dating violence. This study contributes to the development of teen dating violence prevention and intervention programs by identifying gender-specific patterns of teen dating violence and documenting their associations with important trauma-informed correlates.

Psychological and Interpersonal Factors Associated with Sexualized Drug Use Among Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review.

Chemsex-the use of specific drugs during planned sexual activity to sustain or enhance sexual functioning (Bourne et al., 2015)-is widely reported as a major public health issue among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) in Western countries. Considering current evidence surrounding Chemsex, we conducted a mixed-methods systematic review regarding psychological and interpersonal factors associated with Chemsex behaviors among GBM. Publications covering Chemsex and psychological or social variables were eligible. Theoretical papers and studies solely presenting physical health outcomes were excluded. 35 English papers published between January 2008 and June 2019 were identified through PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO. We performed a parallel-results convergent synthesis (Hong, Pluye, Bujold, & Wassef, 2017) on results extracted from qualitative and quantitative studies comprising the final corpus. Qualitative data suggest that six mechanisms promote Chemsex-related behaviors: dealing with painful emotions or stressful events; normalization and risk minimization of sexualized drug use; giving into interpersonal pressure or fulfilling desire for community belonging; increasing intimacy or connectedness; enhancing sexual performance and functioning; lessening interpersonal and sexual inhibitions. In quantitative reports, six variable categories emerged: sexual control and self-efficacy; sexual functioning; mental health; attitudes toward substance use; life stressors and internalized stressors; and identification with sexual identities or scenes. This review summarizes key psychological and interpersonal correlates of Chemsex among GBM. Further research is needed to replicate current findings and explore new hypotheses across multiple GBM sociodemographic groups and cultural contexts, following best practices in sampling for hard-to-reach populations.

Triphenylamine/Tetracyanobutadiene-Based π-Conjugated Push-Pull Molecules End-Capped with Arene Platforms: Synthesis, Photophysics, and Photovoltaic Response.

π-Conjugated push-pull molecules based on triphenylamine and 1,1,4,4-tetracyanobuta-1,3-diene (TCBD) have been functionalized with different terminal arene units. In solution, these highly TCBD-twisted systems showed a strong internal charge transfer band in the visible spectrum and no detectable photoluminescence (PL). Photophysical and theoretical investigations revealed very short singlet excited state deactivation time of ≈10 ps resulting from significant conformational changes of the TCBD-arene moiety upon photoexcitation, opening a pathway for non-radiative decay. The PL was recovered in vacuum-processed films or when the molecules were dispersed in a PMMA matrix leading to a significant increase of the excited state deactivation time. As shown by cyclic voltammetry, these molecules can act as electron donors compared to C60 . Hence, vacuum-processed planar heterojunction organic solar cells were fabricated leading to a maximum power conversion efficiency of ca. 1.9 % which decreases with the increase of the arene size.

Gender's Role in Exposure to Interparental Violence, Acceptance of Violence, Self-Efficacy, and Physical Teen Dating Violence Among Quebec Adolescents.

Despite efforts to prevent physical teen dating violence, it remains a major public health issue with multiple negative consequences. This study aims to investigate gender differences in the relationships between exposure to interparental violence (mother-to-father violence, father-to-mother violence), acceptance of dating violence (perpetrated by boys, perpetrated by girls), and self-efficacy to disclose teen dating violence. Data were drawn from Waves 1 and 2 of the Quebec Youth Romantic Relationships Project, conducted with a representative sample of Quebec high school students. Analyses were conducted on a subsample of 2,564 teenagers who had been in a dating relationship in the past 6 months (63.8% girls, mean age of 15.3 years). Path analyses were conducted to investigate the links among exposure to interparental violence, acceptance of violence, self-efficacy to disclose teen dating violence (measured at Wave 1), and physical teen dating violence (measured at Wave 2). General exposure to interparental violence was linked, through acceptance of girl-perpetrated violence, to victimization among both genders and to girls' perpetration of physical teen dating violence. No significant difference was identified in the impact of the gender of the perpetrating parent when considering exposure to interparental violence. Self-efficacy to disclose personal experiences of violence was not linked to exposure to interparental violence or to experiences of physical teen dating violence. The findings support the intergenerational transmission of violence. Moreover, the findings underline the importance of targeting acceptance of violence, especially girl-perpetrated violence, in prevention programs and of intervening with children and adolescents who have witnessed interparental violence.

Trajectories of psychological dating violence perpetration in adolescence.

BACKGROUND: More than one adolescent out of three will use psychological dating violence (DV) as a strategy to resolve conflict in romantic relationships, which will have major consequences on their partner's well-being. However, over time, most adolescents will learn skills to better interact and face conflicts, suggesting that psychological DV rates should decrease over time. Yet, because of individual characteristics and experiences, evolution over time may differ across adolescents. Risk factors for psychological DV have not been examined specifically, even though it is the most common form of dating violence. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore latent trajectories of psychological DV perpetration and examine risk factors predicting trajectory group membership. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A sub-sample of 449 adolescents who reported being in a dating relationship for the three waves of the [blind for review] completed printed and online self-report questionnaires. RESULTS: Results from the group-based modeling identified 4 trajectories of psychological DV perpetration: absence of violence (30.7%), low violence (61.3%), high descending (4.2%), and moderate elevating (3.8%). Age, DV victimization, exposure to father toward mother violence, low self-esteem, marijuana use, DV victimization of peers, and antisocial behaviors of peers predicted trajectory membership. The model explained 36.7% of the variance. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the need for a person-oriented approach to study psychological DV and for developing prevention programs adapted to the specific characteristics of vulnerable youth.

Longitudinal Associations Between Childhood Sexual Abuse, Silencing the Self, and Sexual Self-Efficacy in Adolescents.

Sexual self-efficacy-the belief in one's ability to engage in desired and to refuse unwanted, sexual activities and behaviors-is an important feature in promoting adolescent sexual health and well-being. One factor that may affect the development of sexual self-efficacy is child sexual abuse. However, little is known about the processes underlying the relation between child sexual abuse and sexual self-efficacy. Using longitudinal data from a sample of 739 adolescent girls and boys aged between 14 and 18 years, we examined the mediational role of two "silencing the self" attitudes and behaviors in romantic relationships-self-silencing, i.e., inhibiting fulfilling one's own needs, and divided self, i.e., presenting an outer compliant self-in the associations between child sexual abuse severity and two dimensions of sexual self-efficacy: the ability to set clear sexual limits and the ability to use sexual protection. Results of path analysis showed that child sexual abuse severity was associated with more self-silencing and more divided self. In turn, self-silencing was associated with lower protection use self-efficacy, whereas divided self was associated with lower limit-setting and protection use self-efficacy. Thus, self-silencing strategies in romantic relationships mediated the associations between child sexual abuse severity and lower sexual self-efficacy. The overall findings may inform the development of prevention/intervention programs that target the enhancement of an integrated sense of self in intimate relationships to promote assertive strategies in sexual situations.