NCJ Number
228597
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 18 Issue: 5 Dated: September-October 2009 Pages: 489-512
Date Published
October 2009
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This study investigated the impact of child sexual abuse (CSA) on five dimensions of adulthood parenting among a sample of predominantly African-American mothers receiving public assistance.
Abstract
Results indicate that although CSA survivors reported significantly lower rates of parental warmth, higher rates of psychological aggression, and more frequent use of corporal punishment, after consideration of other factors, CSA did not independently impact parenting. This study examined the effects of CSA on parenting in a specific population of African-American women. Prevalence estimates for CSA suggest that 30-40 percent of females have been sexually abused in childhood. Numerous studies indicate that survivors of CSA experience greater lifelong trauma-related symptoms, including parenting. The study was comprised of measurements in five dimensions: childhood physical abuse; childhood neglect; observing domestic violence in childhood; childhood poverty; and living apart from one or both parents in childhood. Data were comprised of information previously collected as part of the Illinois Families Study, a 6-year panel study of families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits in Illinois. Tables and references