NCJ Number
231428
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 19 Issue: 3 Dated: May-June 2010 Pages: 275-289
Date Published
May 2010
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This study investigated the relationship between indicators of severe sexual abuse and mental health problems in adulthood, and the degree to which disclosure of the abuse affected this relationship.
Abstract
This study examined the relationship among severe child sexual abuse, disclosure, and mental health symptoms during adulthood. The sample consisted of 172 adults who were sexually abused in childhood. The multivariate model showed that respondents in their 30s and 40s who were abused by more than one abuser, who were injured by their abusers, who were abused by a biological relative, who told someone about the abuse when it occurred, and who did not discuss their abuse in depth within 1 year of the abuse had a greater number of mental health symptoms. Abuse severity and disclosure history should be assessed by professionals to identify clients who are at higher risk of mental health symptoms and to focus therapy. Tables and references (Published Abstract)