The Relationship Between Psychotic Experiences and Sexual Risky Behaviors: Moderating Effects of Childhood Trauma and Depression in Population-Based Young Adults from Tunisia

Abstract

Background/Objectives: There is still limited understanding of how psychotic symptoms and sexual risky behaviors (SRBs) are related to each other. Gaining more knowledge of the mechanisms involved in this relationship could inform interventions to reduce or prevent SRBs. This study aims to deepen comprehension of the relationship between psychotic experiences (PEs) and SRBs by examining the moderating effects of depression and childhood trauma. Methods: A web-based survey and a cross-sectional design were adopted to collect data from 466 young general population adults (aged 18–35 years) from Tunisia during the period January–March 2024. The snowball sampling technique was used to recruit participants. Results: Moderation analyses were adjusted over age, sex, household crowding index, marital status, and living situation. The interaction PEs by childhood trauma was significantly associated with SRB scores. At high and moderate levels of child abuse, higher PEs were significantly linked to higher SRBs. Furthermore, the interaction PEs by depression was significantly associated with SRB scores. At high, moderate, and low levels of depression, higher PEs were significantly associated with higher SRBs. Conclusions: Clinicians should consider including assessment of childhood trauma and depression in young adults with PEs who are engaged in sexual risk-taking behaviors. Findings may imply that strategies addressing these two factors can be effective in mitigating the association between PEs and SRBs.