NCJ Number
223038
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Dated: 2008 Pages: 51-70
Date Published
2008
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This study examined two resiliency factors: self-concept and perceived parental support, in conjunction with abuse factors that impact psychological functioning.
Abstract
Findings indicated that with regard to the two resiliency variables, self-concept and perceived levels of parental support, the children did not show substantial deviations from a nonclinical population in their self reported level of self-worth and perceived levels of parental support, despite the fact that they were sexually abused. Self-concept was found to be associated with all of the trauma symptoms, except sexual concerns, and accounted for a significant amount of variance in relation to the total amount of trauma symptomatology a child reported experiencing. Perceived parental support was only associated with the Dissociation Subscale. Perceived parental support was not found to account for a significant amount of variance with the children’s self-reported levels of trauma symptoms. These findings do not support the current literature that states perceived social support has been found to be positively associated with children’s and adolescents’ self-worth, and socioemotional functioning. Data were collected at a nonprofit community-based agency in a western State which serves children and adults who have been neglected physically and/or emotionally abused, sexually abused, or exposed to domestic violence. Referral sources to this agency include Child Protective Services, the Police Department, the Victim Witness Crime Office, and self-referral. Tables, references