Differential Impacts of Childhood and Adulthood Sexual Violence on Social Inclusion, Non-Suicidal Self-Injury, and Health Outcomes Among Asexual Young Adults

Arch Sex Behav. 2026 Jul 14. doi: 10.1007/s10508-026-03492-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Research on sexual violence among sexual minority populations has expanded in recent years; however, asexual young adults remain largely overlooked. This study examined the associations of childhood and adulthood sexual violence with impaired social inclusion, poorer health and well-being, and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among asexual young adults, with particular attention to the mediating role of identity-related impairment in social inclusion. Data were drawn from the 2021 Ace Community Survey (N = 6163; ages 18-30 years). The results showed that both childhood and adulthood sexual violence were significantly associated with poorer health and well-being, greater impaired social inclusion, and a higher likelihood of NSSI. Notably, childhood sexual violence exhibited broader and stronger associations with impaired health and well-being and NSSI than sexual violence experienced in adulthood. Impaired social inclusion significantly mediated the associations between both forms of sexual violence and adverse health outcomes, as well as NSSI. These findings challenge the assumption that low sexual attraction protects asexual individuals from sexual victimization and highlight the central role of identity-related social exclusion in shaping health disparities among asexual young adults. The study underscores the importance of trauma-informed and identity-affirming interventions that address both sexual violence and social inclusion to improve mental health and well-being in this understudied population.

PMID:42446863 | DOI:10.1007/s10508-026-03492-4