The psychosocial impact on the future adult life of sexually abused children

Abstract

This research paper delves into the depth and complexity of the psychosocial impact in adult life of childhood sexual abuse, with a focus sexual abuse without penetration. Childhood sexual abuse is a major trauma that can have long-term effects on mental health, interpersonal relationships, and adaptation to various aspects of adult life. Through the analysis of existing research and case studies, this paper highlights the various consequences and influences that can persist in the lives of adults who were victims of sexual abuse in their childhood. We have demonstrated the symptomatic emotional, behavioral, and psychophysical manifestations specific to anxiety disorders, depression, and post-traumatic disorders of the subjects studied. Difficulties in establishing and maintaining intimate relationships were observed, as well as tendencies to distort reality. The relevance of this study comes from the focus on the sexual abuse without penetration, which has been shown to be easy to ignore, both by the victim and the expert (psychologist, psychotherapist, counselor, social worker). As a result, the consequences in adult life may be erroneously attributed to other types of trauma, which substantially increases the risk of re-traumatizing the victims. Future research can focus on expanding the statistical sample and moving towards quantitative methods, which would increase accuracy and representativeness for larger populations.