NCJ Number
145375
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: (1993) Pages: 41-60
Date Published
1993
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This study was designed to assess the traumatic impact and severity of abuse in a sample of 531 adult and adolescent child sexual abuse survivors, who, using the Post-Traumatic Stress Questionnaire, provided detailed information concerning 1,140 different sexually abusive experiences.
Abstract
The findings showed that the major determinant of subsequent adjustment or maladjustment was cognitive appraisal of the traumatic event, underscoring the importance of individual beliefs and appraisals in contributing to the self- reported severity of the impact of sexual abuse. The majority of respondents were or had been in therapy, possibly making them more aware of the influence sexual abuse had had on them. Type of abuse, use of force and coercion, and number of perpetrators were also related to seriousness of the abuse. The relationship between seriousness of abuse factors and intrusive aspects of posttraumatic stress disorder was stronger than the relationship between factors and avoidance symptoms. 1 figure and 53 references