The Impact of Premarital Sexual Trauma and Experience on Fear of Marriage: A Conceptual Model and Research Proposal
Abstract: Marriage is widely regarded as a developmental milestone of adulthood, yet a growing number of young adults report apprehension, avoidance, or outright fear when contemplating it. This paper examines how premarital sexual trauma (unwanted, coercive, or abusive sexual experiences occurring before marriage) and premarital sexual experience (consensual sexual activity before marriage, particularly where it is culturally stigmatised) may contribute to fear of marriage. Drawing on attachment theory, the traumagenic dynamics model, cognitive models of post-traumatic stress, shame research, and sociocultural perspectives on sexuality in India, the paper integrates existing empirical literature on childhood and adolescent sexual abuse, adult intimate functioning, and marital outcomes. A conceptual model is proposed in which sexual trauma and stigmatised sexual experience influence fear of marriage through insecure attachment, sexual shame, distorted trust and safety beliefs, and anticipatory fear of disclosure and rejection, with social support, psychological help-seeking, and a sense of control over partner choice acting as moderators. A cross-sectional, mixed-methods design is outlined for empirical testing, along with ethical safeguards appropriate for sensitive research. No primary data are reported; the paper is a theory-driven re-view and research proposal. Implications for counselling, premarital education, and trauma-informed practice in the Indian context are discussed.
Keywords: premarital sexual trauma, sexual abuse, premarital sexual experience, fear of marriage, gamophobia, attachment, sexual shame, trauma-informed counselling, India
How to Cite?: Kavya S. Nair, "The Impact of Premarital Sexual Trauma and Experience on Fear of Marriage: A Conceptual Model and Research Proposal", Volume 15 Issue 10, October 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 2136-2142, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR261030204618, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR261030204618