Attributions and Coping in Sexually Abused Adolescents Referred for Group Treatment

• NCJ Number: 216364
• Journal: Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 15 Issue: 3 Dated: 2006 Pages: 35-59
• Author(s): Isabelle Daigneault; Martine Hebert; Marc Tourigny
• Date Published: 2006
• Length: 25 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This Canadian study assessed the value of variables related to self-attributions and coping behaviors in predicting the functioning of 103 sexually abused female teens, while controlling for abuse-related and family variables.

Abstract

The study found that measures of self-attributions and coping behaviors explained between 22 percent and 39 percent of the unique variance for seven out of nine measures of adolescent functioning, after controlling for sexual abuse and family characteristics. General self-attributions of blame for negative events was the strongest predictor of anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, sexual concerns, dissociation, anger, and self-injurious behavior. Coping strategies did not predict much unique variance in scores of adolescent functioning when controlling for all other variables. Avoidant coping was only related to depression, and approach coping (seeking social support) was only related to sexual concerns. Self-attributions and coping behaviors did not significantly explain additional variance for scores on antisocial behaviors and drug use. Suggestions are offered for future research. The Socio-Demographic Questionnaire assessed such factors as family composition, living arrangements, and age. The Sexual Abuse Rating Scale measured abuse-related variables, such as severity, frequency, identity of the perpetrator, and age at first episode. The Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children measured symptoms that often resulted from trauma; and the Self-Injurious Behaviors Questionnaire measured the presence of 22 self-harming behaviors during the last 3 months. The Drug Use Questionnaire measured the use of alcohol and 5 types of drugs, and the Antisocial Behaviors Inventory measured 10 antisocial behaviors displayed during the past year. Family characteristics were determined from the Events of Childhood and Adolescence self-report questionnaire. Self-attributions and coping variables were determined by administering the Children's Impact of Traumatic Events Scale Revised: Blame/Guilt Subscale, the Children's Attributions and Perceptions Scale, and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire. 3 tables and 55 references