Trauma and Female Sexual Dysfunction: An Integrative Review of Early Psychological Processes and the Role of Crisis Intervention

Abstract

This study employs an integrative review design to examine the relationship between trauma and female sexual dysfunction (FSD), with a focus on early psychological processes. Literature published between 2000 and 2025 was analyzed, and studies were evaluated for methodological and conceptual relevance to identify patterns related to trauma exposure, psychological responses, sexual functioning, and intervention-related factors. Thematic synthesis of the select-ed studies resulted in five key themes: (1) peri-traumatic psychological responses, (2) disruption of safety, personal agency, and bodily autonomy, (3) early sexual health vulnerability, (4) behavioral and relational adaptations, and (5) intervention perspectives. The findings indicate that trauma influences sexual functioning through early disruptions in emotional regulation, perceived safety, and interpersonal processes, contributing to a stage of vulnerability prior to the development of clinically defined dysfunction. Based on these findings, a conceptual framework is proposed that reconceptualizes the trauma sexual dysfunction relationship as a dynamic trajectory rather than a direct out-come. Within this framework, crisis intervention is positioned as a moderating factor that may influence this pathway by stabilizing early psychological responses, restoring a sense of safety and control, and supporting adaptive coping. Overall, the study advances a prevention-oriented perspective by emphasizing early-stage processes and intervention. The findings high-light the need for future empirical research examining the impact of early psychological sup-port on long-term sexual health outcomes.