Social and Emotional Outcomes of Child Sexual Abuse

Abstract

Childhood sexual abuse is a traumatic life event that may cause psychiatric disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder and depression. During 2003-2004, 20 sexually abused children were referred to the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic of Ege University in Izmir, Turkey. Two years later, the psychological adjustment of these children (M age = 9.4 years, SD = 3.63 years, range = 5 to 16 years) is evaluated. Semistructured interviews, a form for the sociodemographic characteristics, are used for evaluations by a child psychiatrist who is blind to the first evaluation. It is determined that sexually abused children have more psychiatric disorders within the first year than 2 years later. However, some behavior problems occur at both short-term and long-term follow-ups.

Association between childhood sexual abuse and adult sexual victimization in a representative sample in Hong Kong Chinese

“…Psychological problems associated with CSA include depression, suicide, dissociation, posttraumatic symptomatology, anxiety, isolation, stigmatization, low selfesteem, and higher rates of both psychological and personality disorders (Miner, Flitter, & Robinson, 2006;Ozbaran et al, 2009;Polusny & Follette, 1995). Such psychological sequelae can lead to various behavioral problems including substance abuse (Kendler et al, 2000;Ullman, 2009), maladaptive and high-risk sexual behavior (Steel & Herlitz, 2005;Van Bruggen, 2006), eating disorders (Rayworth, Wise, & Harlow, 2004), suicidal behaviors (Filipas & Ullman, 2006;Plunkett et al, 2001), social dysfunction, interpersonal difficulties, sexual dissatisfaction, and lower quality of romantic relationships (Briere & Runtz, 1990;Messman-Moore & Long, 1996, 2003Polusny & Follette, 1995;Walker, Holman, & Busby, 2009).…”

Child Abuse and Neglect Among Children Who Drop Out of School: A Study in Izmir, Turkey

“…Although ignored in many developing countries, awareness has been rising in Turkey in recent decades, and research efforts have begun (i.e., Goregen & Tufekci, 2011;Karadag, Sonmez, & Dereobali, 2015;Koc, Halicioglu, & Aksit, 2014;Oral et al, 2001;Ozbaran et al, 2009). Descriptive analysis was applied to the results of this study; therefore, discussion points aim to provide a general profile of the findings rather than making specific inferences.…”

Childhood sexual abuse and supportive factors

“…Psychopathology incidence was relatively lower in socially supported individuals who were also living in protective and functioning families. We had previously reported that the sexually abused children from divorced or separated family had a higher incidence of behavioral problems . In view of Bowlby's attachment theory, secure attachment is present in functioning and supportive families .…”

“…We had previously reported that the sexually abused children from divorced or separated family had a higher incidence of behavioral problems. 27 In view of Bowlby's attachment theory, secure attachment is present in functioning and supportive families. 28 Mickelson et al noted that parental divorce is negatively related to attachment security.…”