NCJ Number
245160
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 22 Issue: 6 Dated: 2013 Pages: 658-676
Date Published
2013
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study examined the relationships between family environment characteristics, personality traits, and current psychological symptoms in adults with a history of child sexual abuse.
Abstract
The current study examined the relationships between family environment characteristics, personality traits, and current psychological symptoms in adults with a history of child sexual abuse. Family environment characteristics, personality traits, and psychological symptoms in 18 abused and 18 nonabused college students were examined using ANOVAs and MANOVAs. Pearson product moment correlations were also performed. Results indicated significantly more dysfunctional family environment characteristics (inflexibility, poor cohesion, family dissatisfaction, and poor family communication) in the abused versus the nonabused group. There were significantly higher levels in the personality traits of neuroticism and openness to experience in the abused group; however, there were no significant differences in psychological symptoms when comparing the two groups. The implications of the results and areas of future research are discussed. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.