A neglected class of sexual assault victims consists of women who were molested as children. In response to their unmet needs, therapy groups composed solely of women who were sexually abused in their childhood have been established. The goals of these groups are twofold: (1) the alleviation of sexual guilt and shame and (2) the clarification of emotional and behavioral consequences of molestation. Ten groups have been conducted, each containing four to six members, comprising an overall total of 50 women. In 97% of the cases, a prior relationship had existed between perpetrator and victim. Treatment consisted of a four-session format. During session I, each group participant described her molestation experiences in detail. Sessions II and III focused on how these experiences have affected the women. Session IV dealt with individual stages of recovery and further treatment plans. Clinical findings included feelings of guilt and depression, negative self-image, and problems in interpersonal relationships associated with an underlying mistrust of men, inadequate social skills, and difficulties in sexual functioning. Evaluations of the therapy groups by the participants indicated that the primary curative component was the sense of identification and emotional closeness instilled by a warm and supportive environment where a common bond was shared.

A 45-item questionnaire was administered to 952 college students. The questionnaire covered the frequency, components, and adult consequences of child molestation in a non-clinical population and provided the basis for comparisons between molested females with and without current sexual problems, and molested females vs. molested males. The male molestation rate was 4.8% with a 3:2 ratio of hetero:homosexual molestation. The female molestation rate was 7.7%. The single significant difference between the two female groups was the negative effect of positive coercion. Significant differences between molested males and females included greater positive coercion and homosexual molestation in males and greater familial molestation and negative consequences of molestation in females. The results were discussed with respect to the role of guilt and the sexual socialization of males and females.

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The possible role of psychosocial factors in athletics, namely football injuries, is examined. Initially Holmes and Rahe's Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS) was modified to the Social and Athletic Readjustment Scale (SARRS). Additions to the scale and differences in football players from the general population are discussed. Life change scores over one- and two-year intervals were obtained for college varsity football players. Players suffering major time loss injuries had significantly higher predictive scores than noninjured players.

The attitudes and beliefs of 62 Asian American and 81 Caucasian college students toward mental illness were examined. After controlling for demographic and background variables between students, a number of significant ethnic differences emerged. These results were interpreted in the context of Asian subcultural values and implications for psychotherapeutic practice were drawn.

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Describes results from a survey of 81 schools with clinical training program concerning their attitudes and actions with respect to minority group faculty and students. Data were analyzed according to (a) number of minority group faculty (mgf) by geographic region; (b) number of minority group students (mgs) by geographic region; (c) mgf compared to united states population; (d) mgs compared to united states population; (e) recruitment of mgs by region; and (f) distribution of number and percentage of theoretical model of training program. It was found that there exists overt and covert bigotry with representational inequality for spanish-speaking lineage groups, blacks, and american indians. It is suggested that an ethnically and economically diverse training program is nesessary so that experience with various subcultural groups can be gained. (18 ref.)

A common pattern of women who were sexually molested as children and seek treatment for sexual dysfunction is described. The arousal, rather than the orgasmic, component is involved. The reasons for the evolution of this particular dysfunction are discussed. Treatment should extend the period of sensate focus and address the issues of the woman's anger, her need for control, and her guilt. Excellent results can be achieved in helping the patient to experience physical intimacy and the pleasure of sexual arousal.