Cognitions and Distress in Caregivers after Their Child's Sexual Abuse Disclosure |
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Authors: | Melissa K. Runyon Ellen D. Spandorfer Christine M. Schroeder |
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Affiliation: | 1. Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine , Stratford , New Jersey , USA runyonmk@rowan.edu;3. Private Practice , Marietta , Georgia , USA;4. Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine , Stratford , New Jersey , USA |
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Abstract: | The impact of child sexual abuse on children is well documented, but few studies have examined the impact of a child's sexual abuse disclosure on maternal caregivers. The studies that have been conducted suggest that parental response postdisclosure is variable. The present study examined the association between maternal attributions and abuse-specific cognitions with depression and trauma symptoms postdisclosure. Participants included 68 nonoffending maternal caregivers of children between the ages of 3 and 17 years who experienced child sexual abuse. Findings indicated that caregivers' abuse-specific cognitions were the best predictor of self-reported symptoms of depression after controlling for general negative attributions. These findings suggest that in order to reduce caregivers' distress and to enhance their support of their children, it is important to assess and treat caregivers' abuse-specific cognitions. |
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Keywords: | child sexual abuse maternal caregiver distress PTSD depression general attributions abuse-specific attributions |
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