The Psychological Sequelae of Child Sexual Abuse

Abstract

Examines individual differences in response to childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and compares commonalities of this population with other groups of children who have experienced stress and trauma. Despite considerable heterogeneity among CSA victims, these children tend to display significantly higher levels of symptomatology than their nonabused, nonclinic-referred peers. Two problem areas appear to differentiate those with CSA: posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology and sexuality problems. Variables mediating CSA sequelae include severity and course of CSA; child's age at time of CSA, at time of disclosure, and at time of psychological assessment; the child's attributional style; and family variables. Research suggests the need for thorough multidimensional, multi-informant assessments of global and abuse-specific adjustment and consideration of factors that exacerbate the sequelae of CSA. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved)