| Abstract: | Attributions of self-blame, molester-blame, and blame for consequences to the victim's family were assessed in male and female child sexual abuse victims across three age groups: children (8-12), adolescents (13-17); and adult who were molested as children (18 and older). The majority of child victims rated themselves as not at all to blame for their victimizations, and totally blaming of their perpetrator. Contrasts in lower levels of blame in the child than older victim's groups are discussed with regard to developmental, clinical, and sampling issues. Gender differences were found in correlations between the three attributional variables and between attributional variables and victimization characteristics. Males, unlike females, showed evidence of blurring victim-perpetrator boundaries and a sensitivity to issues related to control. Theoretical implications of the findings and directions for future research are discussed. |
