Effects Of Childhood Sexual Abuse Research Articles

Disorganized Attachment as Partial Mediator of Relationship Between Childhood Sexual Abuse and Dissociation:

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a major social problem with various negative outcomes for a person’s life, such as dissociation. Previous research has shown that insecure attachment styles, especially disorganized attachment, play a role in mediating the effect of childhood sexual abuse on dissociation. However, most of these studies have not considered several abuse characteristics, such as relationship to the perpetrator, to play a role in determining the effect of childhood sexual abuse on outcomes such as dissociation. Our study borrows from betrayal trauma theory that states the effects of a traumatic event vary considerably based on one’s relationship to perpetrator, with more severe consequences for those traumatized at the hands of someone close to them. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the mediating role of attachment styles on the relationship between child sexual abuse and dissociation in terms of the relationship to the perpetrator. A sample of 258 adult men and women between the ages of 18 to 55 years was selected via convenience sampling. Individuals completed questions from Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Dissociative Experiences Scale, and Relationship Scales Questionnaire. Based on their relationship to perpetrators, participants were divided into two groups. Two mediation analyses were performed in each group to evaluate the mediating effects of attachment styles on the association between childhood sexual abuse and dissociation. Mediation analyses showed that fearful avoidant (disorganized) attachment partially mediated the relationship between CSA and dissociation (indirect = 0.10, 95% CI [0.0284–0.1833]) only in participants whose perpetrator was someone within their family. Results are discussed in terms of the role of victim-perpetrator relationship and attachment styles in pathways to dissociation.

Childhood sexual abuse and suicide attempts in patients with substance use disorders: The mediating role of emotion dysregulation

BackgroundSuicide attempts (SA) are a public health concern because of increasing prevalence and clinical implications. Childhood trauma (CT) and emotion dysregulation (ED) have been proposed as predictors of SA, but few data are available in patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUD). ObjectiveOur study aims to investigate the association of sociodemographic/clinical variables, CT typologies, and ED features with SA in SUD patients. Participants and settingSubjects with SUD were screened in an outpatient setting. The final sample consisted of 226 patients, subdivided according to the presence of lifetime SA (SUD, n = 163 vs. SUD-SA, n = 63). MethodsParticipants were compared for sociodemographic and clinical information. CT and ED were assessed through the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire - Short Form (CTQ-SF) and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), respectively. We performed a mediation analysis to test the effect of CT and ED on SA. ResultsPatients with a history of SA (27.9 %) displayed more psychiatric comorbidities (p = 0.002) and hospitalizations (p < 0.001), higher scores at CTQ-SF sexual abuse (p < 0.001) and DERS ‘impulse’ (p = 0.002), ‘goals’, ‘non-acceptance’, ‘strategies’ (p < 0.001) subscales. The relationship between CTQ-SF sexual abuse and SA was significantly mediated by DERS ‘strategies’ (p = 0.04; bootstrapped 95 % LLCI-ULCI = 0.004–0.024). ConclusionsCT and different dimensions of ED were associated with SA in SUD patients. In our sample, the effects of childhood sexual abuse on SA were mediated by limited access to emotion regulation strategies. SUD patients are burdened with higher all-cause mortality, and CT and lifetime SA can worsen clinical outcomes. Clarifying the reciprocal interactions of psychopathological dimensions may help deliver targeted interventions and reduce suicide risk in specific populations.

The effect of childhood sexual abuse on depressive symptoms in female college students: a serial mediation model.

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) can have a negative impact on women's psychological, emotional and social functioning. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between CSA and depressive symptoms in female college students, as well as the mediating roles of negative core schema and experiential avoidance. 515 female college students responded to the Sexual Abuse subscale of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, the Depression subscale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, the Brief Core Schema Scales, and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire - II. The structural equation modeling was used for the mediation analysis. There was a significant positive correlation between CSA and depressive symptoms in female college students. The theoretical model was well fitted, χ2/df = 3.422, RMSEA = 0.069, CFI = 0.929, TLI = 0.919. The negative core schema played a mediating role between CSA and depressive symptoms. Experiential avoidance played a mediating role between CSA and depressive symptoms. The negative core schema and experiential avoidance played a serial mediating role between CSA and depressive symptoms. These results deepen our understanding of the relationship between CSA and depressive symptoms in female college students, and provide theoretical guidance for the prevention of depression in female college students. Attention should be paid to female college students who have experienced CSA, to eliminate the adverse influence of negative core schema on these students. Meanwhile, we should teach female college students to accept themselves as they are, and thereby reduce their use of experiential avoidance strategies.

Attachment and mentalization among survivors of sexual abuse: A questionnaire survey.

Knowledge of the long-term consequences of child sexual abuse (CSA) is crucial to further develop preventive strategies and treatment programs. The aim of this study is to investigate attachment and mentalizing ability in people who have experienced CSA. Attachment style, measured with the Experiences in Close Relationships-Relationship Structures Questionnaire (ECR-RS), and mentalization, measured with the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (RFQ), were examined through a quantitative questionnaire survey in a sample of 49 individuals who had experienced CSA, and a control group of 612 with no history of CSA. The CSA group was, to a greater extent, identified with insecure attachment style. In addition, participants with insecure attachment were more likely to use hypomentalizing compared to individuals identified with a secure attachment. No significant association was found between attachment style and the relationship between the victim and the offender or the length of traumatic episodes.

Emotional Maltreatment of Children and Adolescents - Definitions, Prevalences, Risk Factors and Psychological Consequences

The aim of this article is to provide an introductory overview of the phenomenon of emotional maltreatment of children and adolescents by presenting national and international literature and, in particular, to illustrate the consequences for the mental health of those affected. First, relevant definitions are made and forms of appearance of emotional child maltreatment are presented. A comparison of national and global prevalences shows that emotional child maltreatment is one of the most prevalent forms of child maltreatment. There are different risk factors that can exist at the level of the parents as well as at the level of the children or the environment. The risk that children and adolescents who have experienced emotional violence will have experienced other forms of childmaltreatment is high.There aremultiple consequences for victims of emotional child maltreatment which can result in different, longterm participatory impairments. Especially the psychological and somatic consequences of emotional childmaltreatment can be compared to the consequences of child sexual abuse and physical child maltreatment. Nevertheless, the significance of emotional maltreatment for affected children and adolescents is still underestimated in practice. Often, the effects of emotionalmaltreatment on those affected are not visible. Froma child and adolescent psychiatric/ psychotherapeutic perspective, the psychological consequences must therefore be clearly stated. Finally, there is a need for a broader understanding of emotional child maltreatment that also includes peer and sibling violence.

Surviving Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Qualitative Study of the Long-Term Consequences of Childhood Sexual Abuse on Adult Women’s Mental Health

Childhood sexual harassment is, unfortunately, a common experience for many girls, and the issue’s prevalence is alarming. Studies indicate that a significant percentage of girls are victims of some form of sexual abuse before they reach adulthood. It can have profound and long-lasting effects on a victim’s life, leading to behavioral changes that can continue into adulthood, including anxiety, depression, trust issues, difficulty forming relationships, and more. The issue has significant social and cultural implications, particularly in societies that highly value modesty, virginity, and family honor. The stigma associated with being a victim of sexual abuse can prevent girls from speaking out or seeking help. Research on the long-term consequences of childhood sexual abuse in adult women’s mental health is essential for understanding this issue’s prevalence and long-term effects, and developing effective interventions and prevention strategies. As such, it has chosen to investigate the long-term impact of childhood sexual harassment on adult women’s mental health.

Trauma-informed Care and its Significance in Responding to Child Sexual Abuse in India

Child sexual abuse is a detrimental experience that could cause deleterious mental-health outcomes in the survivor. Decades of research have revealed the complex nature of child sexual abuse in terms of its characteristics, dynamics, causes, and consequences. Efficacious psychological interventions for managing child sexual abuse-related outcomes in children exist. However, it is now well recognized that interventions alone are not enough for recovery from sexual or any other type of trauma; it requires an entire human service system that is well-informed about trauma and its effects. Given the lack of awareness about the consequences of child sexual abuse and the stigmatization that exists in the Indian context, which significantly contributes toward the evolution and severity of trauma outcomes in victimized children, this paper is an attempt to discuss the relevance of adopting a trauma-informed approach while responding to child sexual abuse.

Problems in diagnosing and treating children – victims of sexual abuse, including legal aspects

Abstract Introduction. The most frequent source of information on sexual violence are the victims. It should be borne in mind that children rarely disclose sexual abuse directly, and the symptoms depend on how long they have been sexually abused, the relationship with the perpetrator, the kind of sexual activities, and factors related to the child’s development. The obvious consequences of child sexual abuse are body injuries: genitourinary tract infections and injuries to the external genitalia. Notwithstanding, the psychological consequences are more serious than the physical injuries. Aim. The study aimed to present the problem of sexually abused children including diagnostics and therapy of victims of violence. Conclusions. The effects of sexual abuse of a child include, in addition to physical trauma, also the disruption of proper psychosexual development. The task of doctors, nursing staff , educators, and psychologists is to efficiently and confidently identify the crime, enabling the initiation of therapeutic activities and legal proceedings.

Maltraitances sexuelles infantiles et répétition victimaire dans les relations conjugales à l’âge adulte

AimsIn this article, we show the consequences of childhood sexual abuse on psychic development and its implication in victimary repetition in adulthood. MethodThe case study presented in this article is from a doctoral research project in psychology about the impact of early relationships on the experience of intimate partner violence in adulthood. This case appears emblematic of the rest of our population. The elements mentioned are anonymized and analyzed from a psychoanalytic perspective. ResultsThe results show the conscious and unconscious consequences of childhood sexual abuse on the victims’ psychological development. Indeed, the psychic intrusion following early sexual abuse hinders the construction of the self and prevents the psychic instances from functioning properly. This intrusion also leads to repetition in violent intimate relationships. Oscillating between primary and secondary processes, the person can cut her/himself off from a part of her/his emotional life to avoid psychic and/or somatic disorganization. DiscussionAfter experiencing early sexual trauma, even if the psychic apparatus is temporarily able to keep the traumatic elements far from the conscious mind, these elements still act in the unconscious. The work of shame and guilt, which are constitutive elements of moral masochism, lock the subject into a deadly repetition compulsion that can promote the experience of repetitive intimate partner violence (physical, psychological, sexual) in adulthood. ConclusionTo prevent, detect, and care for women victims of childhood sexual abuse, it is necessary to consider their modalities of psychic functioning, the formation of their Self, and their ability to psychically transform the trauma they suffered.

“It was wrapped in a kind of normalcy”: The lived experience and consequences in adulthood of survivors of female child sexual abuse

BackgroundSurvivors' surveys on the frequency of sexual offenses committed by women indicated a prevalence rate of 9.9 % to 11.6 %. Nevertheless, only a few studies have explored the long-term consequences of abuse on survivors. ObjectivesExamine the lived experiences and the long-term consequences of child sexual abuse committed by women. ParticipantsFifteen adult participants who experienced child sexual abuse conducted by female offenders participated in the study. MethodsThe Interpretive Phenomenological Approach was applied to semi-structured interviews. ResultsThree central themes emerged: types of abuse, characteristics of the perpetrator, and consequences of abuse. Most survivors experienced direct or indirect forms of sexual abuse committed by their mothers. In most cases, the offenders masked their abuse in caregiving, disciplinary or playful behavior. The survivors perceived their mothers as narcissistic, controlling, hostile, and having tremendous difficulties with separation. The survivors reported the need to engage in extensive negative long-lasting psychopathologies, which they attributed partly to having been invalidated and silenced by society. Many participants expressed fears of re-enacting the survivor or perpetrator role, which has led to difficulties in various relationships. They described an altered perception of their bodies as shameful and repulsive, manifesting in self-harm, eating disorders, and the elimination of signs of femininity. ConclusionThis complex form of sexual abuse hampers the internalization and the construction of positive feminine, masculine, and parental identities.

A Cross-Sectional Study onPublic Awareness About Child Sexual Abuse in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Child sexual abuse is a very serious and dangerous problem. It has long-term consequences and may impact children and follow them into adulthood. Without exception, regardless of their cultures and religious beliefs, all communities are vulnerable to child sexual abuse (CSA). Our aim in this study is to assess the level of public (caregivers) awareness of CSA in Makkah and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Makkah and Jeddah. The target populations were Saudi parents, caregivers, and teachers who are in daily contact with children. The participants were selected randomly (n=417), and were requested to complete a questionnaire that was later analyzed using the IBM Corp. Released 2015. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. 369 from 417 responders were females (88.5%), while 48 were males (11.5%). About 90.2% of the responders acknowledged the existence of the child sexual abuse problem. About 95.7% of the caregivers were aware of physical, social, and psychological consequences of child sexual abuse. In contrast, only 33.8% of the responders were aware of existence of social agencies and organizations that provide supportive services to the victims of child sexual abuse. In conclusion, the study found a high rate of awareness in the caregivers who recognize the problem of child sexual abuse (CSA) and are aware of its magnitude and impact on children's well-being. However, these results demonstrate the need for more education of the public about the mandatory laws regarding child sexual abuse.

Survivor Perspectives of Preventing Child Sexual Abuse: A Multi-level Approach

ABSTRACT Given the significant consequences of child sexual abuse (CSA), researchers and policymakers have made considerable efforts to develop and implement prevention strategies. However, these efforts are rarely informed by those who arguably have the most expertise on the matter – survivors of CSA. The present study examined recommendations for the prevention of CSA – from the child, parent, and community level – from a sample of 52 adults who experienced CSA. Overall, the results showed that prevention is a multi-level endeavor that should target children, parents and caregivers, and the community at large.

The consequences of childhood sexual abuse on body-centered behaviors - review

This article aims to review the main studies on this topic, with a focus on childhood sexual abuse and its consequences on the victims' body-centered behaviors. The long-term effects of sexual abuse are varied and complex, and are often devastating to the

SEXUAL AND MARITAL SATISFACTION IN OLDER ADULTHOOD: EFFECTS OF CHILDHOOD AND ADULTHOOD VIOLENCE EXPOSURE

Abstract Objectives Guided by Finkelhor and Browne’s traumagenic dynamics model, the current study examines: 1) the long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on older adults’ sexual and marital satisfaction, 2) the mediating role of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization in the association between childhood adversities and sexual and marital satisfaction, and 3) whether gender moderates the mediational association. Research Design and Methods Using the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, we analyzed data from 4,239 older adults between the 2004/2005 (Wave 1, Mean age = 65 years) and 2011 (Wave 2, Mean age = 72 years) data collections. The structural modeling approach was employed where the independent variables were CSA and ACEs, the dependent variables were sexual and marital satisfaction in Wave 2, and the mediators were IPV victimization and sexual and marital satisfaction in Wave 1. Results Both CSA and ACEs were associated with lower levels of sexual satisfaction and marital satisfaction in late adulthood. IPV victimization mediated the association between ACEs and marital satisfaction. The hypothesized moderated mediation by gender was not supported. Discussion and Implications: Using a population-based sample, this is one of the first studies demonstrating that distal life events such as CSA and ACEs can undermine older adults’ sexual and marital health, and revictimization in adulthood may serve as a mechanism for the association. Timely intervention is needed to prevent persistent negative effects of childhood violence.

The Effects of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Mental Health, and Motives for Sex on Sexual Risk-Taking Among United States Men Who Have Sex with Women

ABSTRACT This study assessed the role of mental health symptoms and motives for sex in the association between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and sexual risk-taking among men who have sex with women (MSW). The sample consisted of young adult (ages 21 to 30), non-monogamous MSW (N = 532) who reported having condomless sex at least once in the past year. Due to alcohol-related aims from two larger studies from which the data were analyzed, participation was excluded to men who regularly consumed alcohol (3 to 35 weekly drinks) and reported no symptoms of alcohol use disorder. Participants answered background questionnaires in lab and then completed a six-week, follow-up survey assessing the number of sex partners and condom use during the prior six weeks. CSA survivors reported greater mental health symptoms and sex motives related to coping, self-affirmation, and partner approval relative to non-survivors. CSA, sex for partner approval, and sex to enhance motives were positively associated with the number of sex partners. Participants endorsing self-affirmation sex motives reported higher condom use than those who did not. CSA contributes to long-term mental and sexual health outcomes among MSW. Identifying and treating depressive and anxiety symptoms and motives for sex may improve sexual health among CSA survivors.

The Effects of Severe Childhood Physical and Sexual Abuse on Adult Socioeconomic Prosperity.

Our study utilizes Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) scores to estimate the relationship between forced sexual intercourse and physical abuse on socioeconomic outcomes in adulthood. ACEs have been shown to have long-term negative impacts on health, mental health, and cognition. We expand upon the literature that analyzes the effects of ACEs on human capital investment and adult socioeconomic outcomes by focusing on the ACE scores pertaining to repeated physical and forced sexual abuse in childhood. Specifically, we estimate probit models using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to measure the marginal effects of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and physical abuse on the probability of high school completion, unemployment, and the likelihood of living in poverty in adulthood. We find adults who suffered physical abuse in childhood are more likely to live in poverty. Adult survivors of CSA are less likely to finish high school and more likely to live in poverty. The likelihood of high school noncompletion increases when the individual suffered both forms of abuse. We also find that only those who suffered both forms of abuse in childhood had a greater likelihood of being unemployed and high school noncompletion. We find the negative socioeconomic impact in adulthood is larger for women than for men, implying gender heterogeneity in outcomes of CSA and physical abuse. Researchers should control for the correlation between sexual abuse and physical abuse in childhood, particularly in women, when estimating their effects on socioeconomic outcomes.

An analysis of child sexual abuse seen in a teaching hospital of a developing country

BackgroundChild sexual abuse (CSA) continues to expand in scope and character and in developing countries is fuelled by poverty, poor policies, and cultural perceptions and practices. It is poorly studied or under-reported in sub-Saharan Africa. This may be due to the taboo placed on sex and ignorance of the consequences of child sexual abuse. The objective of this study was to analyze the characteristics of CSA seen in our environment. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information about children attending a forensic clinic with a history of sexual abuse. Information was obtained from the child and/or an accompanying adult. Descriptive statistics were performed on obtained data.ResultsIn the study period, CSA cases represented 72.4% of sexual assault; 98.4% of victims were females. Victims’ average age was 10.2±4.2 years (95% CI 9.47–10.93), most (61.1%) lived with both parents, and most presented for care after 72 h of the incident. Most parents/guardians were low-income earners with only secondary education. Most perpetrators (75.6%) were known to their victims and were predominantly artisans (36.6%), while most (43.5%) were aged from 21 to 30 years and 18.3% were adolescents; a greater proportion was unmarried or widowed (52%). The abuse occurred mostly in the perpetrator and victim’s home (56.4%). Inducement with gifts and promises (65.1%) was the most means of procuring CSA; in 21.4% of cases, victims were exposed to pornography before the act. Penis (64.3%) and finger (26.2%) were mostly used. Most victims did not sustain injuries (68.6%) and presented without symptoms (64.3%), while 35 (27.7%) had genitourinary symptoms.ConclusionsIn our environment, sexual abuse of children is commoner than that of adults and has characteristics that make it potentially more problematic than usual including a proportionately high number of adolescent perpetrators and involvement of pornographic materials. Preventive measures should be geared towards these and other aspects of the problem.

Association of Childhood Trauma with Migraines in Men

Advancements in knowledge are needed to identify the link between childhood trauma and migraines in men. Though migraines are more prevalent in women, research about migraines in men with past traumatic exposure has received little attention. There are9% of men of all ages with migraines in the United States, 12% of adult males in Europe between the ages of 18 and 65 with migraines, and 5 to 29% of males who experienced childhood sexual abuse, in other words, 1 in 6 males; whereby 50% of children who are sex trafficked in the United States are males, while 4% of male victims of significant trauma develop post-traumatic stress disorder. There may be a strong correlation that suggests that male migraine sufferers are more likely to have experienced some form of childhood trauma, in particular sexual abuse. Men’s migraines underrepresentation in research limits understanding of the adverse effects of childhood sexual abuse that often results in post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychiatric and medical conditions. As migraines become more understood, advances in our understanding of the neurobiological effects of trauma on brain structure and function may suggest a possible impact of early-life stress on the onset of migraines. Early-life stress-induced conditions in males may manifest because of sexual abuse often being undetected, fear of speaking out, or fear of being embarrassed. Unlike physical abuse where bruises are visible or neglect where malnourishment is noticeable, sexual abuse may inflict hidden bruises that may contribute to males suffering in silence. An increase in our knowledge may identify sexual abuse as the link between childhood trauma and migraines in men to suggest new treatment strategies.

Association of Childhood Trauma with Migraines in Men

Advancements in knowledge are needed to identify the link between childhood trauma and migraines in men. Though migraines are more prevalent in women, research about migraines in men with past traumatic exposure has received little attention. There are9% of men of all ages with migraines in the United States, 12% of adult males in Europe between the ages of 18 and 65 with migraines, and 5 to 29% of males who experienced childhood sexual abuse, in other words, 1 in 6 males; whereby 50% of children who are sex trafficked in the United States are males, while 4% of male victims of significant trauma develop post-traumatic stress disorder. There may be a strong correlation that suggests that male migraine sufferers are more likely to have experienced some form of childhood trauma, in particular sexual abuse. Men’s migraines underrepresentation in research limits understanding of the adverse effects of childhood sexual abuse that often results in post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychiatric and medical conditions. As migraines become more understood, advances in our understanding of the neurobiological effects of trauma on brain structure and function may suggest a possible impact of early-life stress on the onset of migraines. Early-life stress-induced conditions in males may manifest because of sexual abuse often being undetected, fear of speaking out, or fear of being embarrassed. Unlike physical abuse where bruises are visible or neglect where malnourishment is noticeable, sexual abuse may inflict hidden bruises that may contribute to males suffering in silence. An increase in our knowledge may identify sexual abuse as the link between childhood trauma and migraines in men to suggest new treatment strategies.

The Lived Experience of Human-Pet Relationships among Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

ABSTRACT Given the high prevalence and severe consequences of childhood sexual abuse, it is essential to identify ways to support adult survivors. One potential and relatively unexplored resource available to survivors is the human-pet relationship. In the literature, the human-pet relationship is linked to many positive benefits to physiological regulation, mental health, physical health, and social support – areas of functioning where survivors of childhood sexual abuse may be particularly at risk. Despite existing evidence, there is little research on human-pet relationships among survivors of childhood sexual abuse. To help address this gap, this qualitative study explored the lived experience of human-pet relationships among adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Utilizing data collection and analysis methods from Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The following themes were developed from the data: (a) close bond with pet; (b) idiosyncrasies within the human-pet relationship; (c) moral responsibility; (d) fundamental differences between pets and humans; (e) safety in the human-pet relationship; (f) resource for coping with painful experience; (g) positive impact on well-being; (h) buttress for human-human social interaction; (i) medium for skill and knowledge development; and (j) shortcomings of the human-pet relationship. Findings are discussed in the context of the existing literature, along with considerations for practice and future research with childhood sexual abuse survivors.