Comparisons Between Young, Middle-Aged, and Older Adult Sexual and Gender Minority Male Sexual Assault Survivors

Objective: This study compared sexual abuse histories and depressive symptoms between younger, middle-aged, and older sexual and gender minority (SGM) male survivors. Design: Participants completed a brief, online screener as part of a large comparative effectiveness psychotherapy trial. Setting: SGM males 18 years or older, residing in the U.S. or Canada, were recruited online. Participants: This study included younger (aged 18-39; n = 1,435), middle-aged (aged 40-59; n = 546), and older (aged 60+; n = 40) SGM men who reported a history of sexual abuse/assault. Measurements: Participants were asked about their sexual abuse history, experience of other traumas, symptoms of depression, and past 60-day mental health treatment engagement. Results: Older SGM men reported a lower rate of occurrence of adult sexual assault, exposure to other traumas, and depression. However, older and younger groups did not differ on any childhood sexual assault variable, the frequency of or number of attackers for adult sexual assault, the frequency of accidents and other injury traumas, or the occurrence or frequency of mental health treatment. Trauma load, including childhood and adult sexual assault, were more strongly related to current depressive symptoms than age group. Conclusion: While there were some age-based or cohort differences in the rates of sexual trauma, the clinical response of both groups was similar. Implications for working clinically with middle-aged and older SGM men with untreated sexual assault-related mental health difficulties are discussed, including outreach and availability of gender-and older-inclusive survivor treatment and resources. (Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2023; 31:833-843)

Automated summary

This study compares the sexual abuse histories and depressive symptoms between different age groups of sexual and gender minority (SGM) male survivors. The results show that older SGM men have lower rates of adult sexual assault, exposure to other traumas, and depression. However, there are no differences between the older and younger groups in childhood sexual assault, frequency and number of attackers for adult sexual assault, frequency of other injury traumas, or occurrence and frequency of mental health treatment. Trauma load, including childhood and adult sexual assault, is more strongly related to current depressive symptoms than age group.