Sexual at-risk behaviors of sexually abused adolescent girls

The present study investigated sexual at-risk behaviors of sexually abused adolescent girls. Variables of interest were presence of consensual sexual activity, age at first consensual intercourse, number of sexual partners, condom use, and pregnancies. Participants were 125 sexually abused adolescent girls aged 12 to 17 years. Results showed that severity of sexual abuse (e.g., penetration, multiple perpetrators, physical coercion, multiple incidents of abuse) was related to a greater number of sexual at-risk behaviors. For instance, adolescents with a history of sexual abuse involving penetration were 13 times as likely to have been pregnant. Although family characteristics were significantly associated with being sexually active, their effect proved non-significant in the final hierarchical regression. Regression analyses clearly showed that the likelihood of engaging in sexual at-risk behaviors increased as a function of the number of severity factors.     

Relationships between maternal adult attachment security, child perceptions of maternal support, and maternal perceptions of child responses to sexual abuse

This study assessed the relationships between maternal adult attachment style, children's perceptions of maternal support following disclosure of sexual abuse, and maternal perceptions of children's behavioral and emotional responses to sexual abuse among African-American child sexual abuse victims aged 4 to 12 (n=96) and a comparison group of non-abused subjects (n=100). Mothers with insecure attachment styles reported significantly higher rates of internalizing behaviors in their sexually abused children than did securely attached mothers. Among mothers of non-abused children, those with insecure adult attachment styles reported significantly higher rates of externalizing behaviors shown by their children in comparison with mothers with a secure adult attachment style. Mothers with insecure adult attachment styles also reported higher rates of overall behavior problems in their non-abused children that approached statistical significance. Sexually abused children's perceptions of maternal support were not related to maternal attachment style nor to child functioning. Contrary to our prediction, mothers of sexually abused children did not show lower rates of secure attachments when compared to mothers of non-sexually abused children. Our findings indicate that fostering parent- child attachment is important in order to decrease the risk for behavior problems and symptomatology in sexually abused children.     

Characteristics of Sexually Abused Children and Their Nonoffending Mothers Followed by Child Welfare Services: The Role of a Maternal History of Child Sexual Abuse

Considering the importance of mother’s support in the adaptation of a sexually abused child, it is relevant to determine if the mothers and children involved in an intergenerational cycle of child sexual victimization differ from dyads in which only the child has been abused. The purpose of this study was to compare mother–child dyads with sexually abused children according to whether the mother had herself been victim of child sexual abuse. The sample included 87 dyads with sexually abused children aged 3–18 years old and their mothers (44 reporting maternal and child abuse), followed by social welfare services of the province of Quebec (Canada). The two groups of mothers were compared on their past family abuse experiences and past family relations, their mental health history, their current psychological distress, their parenting behaviors, and their current levels of family functioning. Children were compared on their adaptation. Multivariate analyses indicated that mothers reporting child sexual abuse were more likely to report more other maltreatments in their childhood and greater prevalence of lifetime history of alcohol abuse disorders, dysthymia, and panic disorder compared with mothers who had not experienced CSA. Compared to children whose mothers had not experienced CSA, those whose mothers had experienced CSA showed higher rates of problems behaviors and were more likely to report having been sexually abused by a trusted person. These results highlight the specific clinical needs for the assessment and treatment for sexually abused children whose mothers experienced child sexual abuse.     

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Suicidal Ideation Among Sexually Abused Adolescent Girls: The Mediating Role of Shame

ABSTRACT

Sexual abuse is associated with a host of negative repercussions in adolescence. Yet the possible mechanisms linking sexual abuse and negative outcomes are understudied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among self-blame, shame, coping strategies, posttraumatic stress disorder, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation. The sample included 147 sexually abused adolescent girls between 14 and 18 years of age. A total of 66% of girls reached clinical score for posttraumatic stress disorder, and 53% reached clinical score for depressive symptoms. Close to half (46%) reported suicidal thoughts in the past 3 months. Shame was found to partially mediate the relationship between self-blame and posttraumatic stress disorder. Shame and depressive symptoms were also found to partially mediate the relationship between self-blame and suicidal ideation. Results suggest that shame is a crucial target in interventions designed for sexually abused adolescent girls.     

Background and Adjustment Capacity of Sexually Abused Girls and their Perceptions of Intervention

The main objective of the study was to understand the adjustment capacity of sexually abused girls in the age group 13–18 years in Kolkata, India. The study also attempted to understand how the sexually abused girls perceived the psychological interventions, i.e. individual and group counselling, which they had received. A group of 120 sexually abused Indian girls and 120 non‐sexually abused Indian schoolgirls residing in Kolkata Metropolitan City and its suburbs were studied. Findings revealed that the majority of the sexually abused girls came from nuclear and poor families (93.3%) with a low educational background. More than two‐thirds (73.3%) were lured with promises of job prospects, marriage and a better life and then abused sexually. Emotional and social adjustment capacity of sexually abused and non‐sexually abused girls differed significantly (p < 0.05). Overall, the perception of more than two‐thirds of the sexually abused girls of the rehabilitation homes they lived in was found to be positive. Further, the girls who reported they gained considerably from counselling had a better adjustment capacity compared to those who reported they did not benefit from counselling. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Childhood sexual abuse, dissociation, and adult self-destructive behavior

Female college students reporting a history of childhood sexual abuse (N=175) and not reporting a history of childhood sexual abuse (N=260) were compared on indices of six self-destructive behaviors, including drug use, alcohol abuse, binge eating, self-mutilation, risky sex, and suicidality. The samples were also compared on two measures of dissociation, the Trauma Symptom Checklist dissociation subscale and the Dissociative Experiences Scale. The CSA group had significantly higher mean scores on all the indices of self-destructive behavior except self-mutilation (where the mean difference approached significance), and on both measures of dissociation. One or both dissociation measures were related significantly to each index of self-destructive behavior except binge eating. Multiple regression mediation analyses provided support for the hypothesis that dissociation mediates the relationships between CSA and both drug use and alcohol abuse. Dissociation also explained significant variability when added to the regressions of risky sex and suicidality on CSA.     

Sex Differences and HIV Risk Behaviors: The Interaction between the Experience of Multiple Types of Abuse and Self-Restraint on HIV Risk Behaviors

Adolescents with abuse histories have been shown to be at increased risk to acquire human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted infections. In addition, teens with lower levels of self-restraint or higher levels of distress, such as those with psychiatric concerns, have also demonstrated increased sexual risk behaviors. This study explored sex differences in sexual risk behaviors among a sample of adolescents in a therapeutic/alternative high school setting. Moderated regression analysis showed that a lower level of self-restraint was associated with sexual risk behaviors in boys but not in girls. Rather, the interaction of self-restraint and multiple types of abuse was associated with greater sex risk within girls in this sample. Results suggest that girls and boys with abuse histories and low levels of self-restraint may have different intervention needs related to sexual risk behaviors.     

Interpretations of Facial Expressions of Emotion by Sexually Abused and Non-Abused Girls

Physical abuse history has been demonstrated to have an effect upon accuracy of interpretation of facial expressions, but he effects of sexual abuse have not been explored. Thus, the accuracy of interpretation and the role of different facial components in the interpretation of facial expressions were studied in sexually abused and non-abused girls. Twenty-nine sexually abused and 29 non-abused females, ranging in age from 5 to 9 years, chose schematic faces which best represented various emotional scenarios. Accuracy of interpretation of facial expression differed between sexually abused and non-abused girls only when emotion portrayed was considered. A history of sexual abuse alone had no effect upon overall accuracy, but did influence performance on specific emotions, particularly at certain ages. In this investigation, specific facial component had no effect on integretation of facial expressions. Rather than exhibiting patterns o fp overall arrested development, these sexually abused girls seemed to focus upon selected emotions when interpreting facial expressions. Findings regarding lhis selectivity of emotions or heightened awareness of particular emolions (e.g., anger) may be quite useful in understanding the effects of sexual abuse and in the advancement of treatment for sexual abuse victims.     

Sexual abuse: Effects of group therapy on pre-adolescent girls

This article describes the effectiveness of a group therapy program used at the University of Manitoba with pre-adolescent girls who have experienced sexual abuse. Thirty-five girls, ranging in age from 7 to 12, were referred to structured therapy groups of 9 to 12 weeks' duration. Issues addressed in weekly sessions included feelings about the offender, problem-solving, sex education, and prevention of further abuse. Measurements of self-esteem, anxiety, and internalizing and externalizing behaviour problems were taken for participating children prior to and following treatment at 1 and 9 to 12 month intervals. Parent- and child-reported social validity data were also collected following treatment. Comparison group data for self-esteem and anxiety were provided by a non-random sample of 35 girls with no known history of sexual abuse. Results indicated that following group therapy, self-esteem increased and anxiety and behaviour problems decreased. Comparison group data further supported the effectiveness of group treatment in improving the self-esteem of sexually abused girls. Social validity reports of children and parents also suggested that treatment was helpful and worthwhile. Implications of the findings are discussed as are difficulties encountered in conducting treatment outcome research with children who have been sexually abused.     

Typologies of Violence Among Youth Who Encounter Child Welfare Systems

This study explored patterns of violent delinquent behaviors using latent class analysis (LCA). The study sample consisted of 1,013 11- to 17-year-olds who participated in Wave 1 of the second National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW II). LCA was used to identify distinct patterns of violent delinquent behavior among youth involved in the child welfare system. The study found a model consisting of the two following classes: violent and normative. The study also examined how exposure to domestic violence, youths’ mental health, and youths’ substance abuse function as characteristics of the latent classes. Results showed members of the violent class were significantly more likely to report clinically significant depression and substance abuse. Racial differences did exist, showing members of the violent class were more likely to be Black than members of the normative class. The study found no differences on whether members of each class had been physically or sexually abused, experienced physical neglect, been exposed to domestic violence, or having a substance abusing parent, or a substantiated child maltreatment investigation. Results from this study could illuminate opportunities for prevention and intervention resources.     

Gender Differences in the Characteristics and Outcomes of Sexually Abused Preschoolers

ABSTRACT

This study examined whether sexually abused preschool boys and girls (ages 2–5) differed in terms of abuse characteristics or psychological outcomes. A retrospective chart review of 74 cases of sexually abused children (29 boys and 45 girls) treated at an urban mental health clinic in Maryland was conducted. Information was collected on: (1) demographics; (2) abuse characteristics (victim's age, type of sexual abuse, relationship to perpetrator); (3) abuse discovery pattern (accidental vs. purposeful); (4) children's symptomatology; and (5) child and familial factors. No differences were found between boys and girls in terms of the victim's age at the time of abuse, perpetrator's age, or the identity of the perpetrator. However, boys and girls experienced different forms of abuse; boys were more likely to experience fondling, oral and anal intercourse. The majority of boys and girls were abused by males, typically someone they knew (biological parent/parent figure or relative). No differences were evident in the type of disclosure; however, older children were more likely to self-disclose than younger children. Results indicated that boys exhibited more developmental delays and aggressive symptoms than girls. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed as well as recommendations for future research.     

Multiple sexual victimizations among adolescent boys and girls: prevalence and associations with eating behaviors and psychological health

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of sexual abuse, including multiple victimizations, among adolescents and to examine associations among history of sexual abuse, disordered eating behaviors and psychological health. The sample included 81,247 students (40,946 girls and 40,301 boys) in 9th and 12th grade in Minnesota public schools. Sexual abuse was reported by 14.7% of girls and 6.2% of boys. Sexual abuse was associated with unhealthy eating behaviors, suicidal thoughts and attempts, and lower emotional well-being and self-esteem. Students who reported a single or multiple forms of sexual abuse were more likely than their non-abused peers to binge-eat (Odds Ratio: girls = 1.93-2.32; boys = 2.26-5.61), fast (OR: girls = 1.68-2.34; boys = 1.33-2.32), use diet pills (OR: girls = 1.50-4.30; boys = 2.99-17.29) or laxatives (OR: girls = 1.87-5.11; boys = 3.89-29.22), vomit (OR: girls = 1.75-4.06; boys = 2.82-24.16), and have suicidal thoughts/attempts (OR: girls = 3.01-6.12; boys = 3.35-9.46). Boys and girls reporting multiple sexual victimizations and had the highest odds ratios for disordered eating behaviors. Future research should explore strategies for primary prevention of revictimization and secondary prevention of detrimental effects of abuse.     

Adolescent females who have sexually offended: comparisons with delinquent adolescent female offenders and adolescent males who sexually offend

Very little is known about adolescent females who commit sexual offenses. In this two-part exploratory study, a sample of 11 adolescent females with sexual offense histories is described. In Study I, the sample is compared to an age-matched sample of 11 adolescent females with non-sexual victim-involved offense histories. The sexually offending group had significantly fewer antisocial behavior problems, such as alcohol or drug use problems, problems with fighting, or problems at school. They began their offense behaviors at younger ages than their non-sex offending delinquent peers. Few differences emerged with respect to attitudes about offense behaviors, such as level of denial. In Study II, the same sample of females with sex offense histories was compared with a group of age-matched adolescent males with sex offense histories. The two sex-offending groups were found to be remarkably similar. There were few differences with respect to psychosocial and criminal histories, antisocial behavior, and variables related to clinical presentation and treatment (e.g., level of denial about offense). Likewise, the two groups are remarkably similar with respect to specific sex offense behaviors. The females, however, appear to have experienced more severe and pervasive abuse compared to the males.     

Signs of resilience in sexually abused adolescent girls in the foster care system

In a sample of 99 sexually abused adolescent girls in the foster care system (64% in congregate living situations and 36% in family/foster care homes), nearly half were psychologically functioning well despite having experienced moderate-to-severe emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. It was hypothesized that these girls with resilient trajectories would differ from the currently symptomatic girls on several protective factors: education, future orientation, family support, peer influence, and religion. The results revealed that the girls with resilient trajectories were significantly more certain of their educational plans and optimistic about their future and had more positive peer influences.     

Victimization and Violence: An Exploration of the Relationship Between Child Sexual Abuse,Violence, and Delinquency

Child sexual abuse (CSA) continues to be a major public health issue with significant short- and long-term consequences. However, little contemporary research has examined the relationship between CSA and delinquent and violent behavior in adolescence. Children who have been sexually abused experience a unique form of victimization compared to children who have endured other forms of maltreatment, as CSA can result in feelings of shame, powerlessness and boundary violations. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of CSA on delinquent and violent behavior in adolescence. We examined self-report data at the age 18 interview from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN) on measures of sexual abuse experience, and engagement in delinquent and violent behavior in the past year. All participants reported either a history of maltreatment or were identified at-risk based on demographic risk factors. Participants included 368 males and 445 females who self-reported experiences of CSA and delinquent and violent behavior (N = 813). Findings indicated that, when controlling for gender and race, the odds of engagement in delinquent and violent behavior for those who have experienced CSA are 1.7 times higher than for those who have not. Additionally, female victims of CSA were .52 times less likely to engage in violent and delinquent behavior compared to their male counterparts. Further efforts are needed to examine the effects of CSA on violent and delinquent behavior to better guide treatment efforts that prevent juvenile justice involvement.     

The frequency of sexual abuse and depression in a sample of street children of one of deprived districts of Tehran

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of sexual abuse and depression among street children who live in a deprived district of Tehran. The researchers used the K-SADS questionnaire and a clinical interview were used to evaluate depression and sexual abuse in 87 street children in Tehran. Eighteen (20.9%) of the children had been sexually abused. Depressed children were 3.2 times more likely to be sexually abused than non-depressed children. Furthermore, 26 girls (86.7%) and 27 boys (48.2%) suffered from depression. The frequency of depression demonstrated a significant association with the father's or breadwinner's history of imprisonment or unemployment. Interventional programs providing education and support should be implemented for street children.     

Parental functioning and child sexual abuse

Eighty-two mothers and 46 fathers of emotionally disturbed youth in a day treatment program completed the Family Assessment Device (FAD) at time of intake. Interviews with therapists enabled classification of families into three groups: those whose client (the youth) had been sexually abused, those where sexual abuse was suspected but not confirmed, and those without a sexual abuse history. All cases of abuse were non-incestuous. Comparisons of the confirmed abuse and non-abuse groups were made, using three types of analyses. ANOVA of parental responses to the FAD by group yielded significance for mothers but not for fathers, with mothers of abused children reporting more family dysfunction in problem-solving and roles than mothers of non-abused children. Second, significant differences between parents according to group were found in the abused sample in problem-solving, communication, and general functioning, but not in the non-abused sample; mothers reported significantly greater pathology in their families than did fathers. Third, comparison of differences between mothers and their children within families yielded a greater number of differences in the non-abused group. Significance was obtained in affective responsivity and behavior control in both samples. Additionally, however, significant differences in communication and roles were obtained in the non-abused group. Caution in differentiating between incestuous and non-incestuous families is suggested. Implications of this research for family interventions, especially with regard to mother/child perceptual congruence, are discussed.     

Gender Differences in Sexually Abused Children and Adolescents: A Multicenter Study in Turkey

The purpose of this study was to examine gender-based differences in abuse-related characteristics and post-abuse psychiatric disorders among sexually abused children and adolescents. The researchers retrospectively examined files, judicial reports, and social examination reports of 1,250 sexually abused youth cases. Results showed that boys were more often victimized by penetration, force, and physical violence. Incidence of sexual abuse by family members, familiar persons, and multiple persons was higher among girls. In addition, a higher rate of major depressive disorder as well as alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking were found in sexually abused girls. No difference was observed between boys and girls in terms of post-traumatic stress disorder, conduct disorder, and other mental disorders. Intellectual disability was more frequent in boys.