NCJ Number
208877
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 16 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2001 Pages: 495-509
Editor(s)
Jon R. Conte
Date Published
June 2001
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This study attempted to identify the interpersonal difficulties among survivors of childhood sexual abuse that may be linked to sexual revictimization.
Abstract
Past research demonstrates that survivors of childhood sexual abuse have a greater likelihood of being sexually revictimized. However, there has been little research to identify the variables or factors that mediate sexual revictimization for this population of survivors. Theories exist which suggest that one consequence of having been sexually abused in childhood is the development of abnormal relationship models which lead to interpersonal difficulties. Given the interpersonal nature of sexual revictimization, it is reasonable to consider whether interpersonal difficulties are linked to sexual revictimization. Through the use of the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (1988) and the Sexual Experiences Survey (1982), this study examined the relationship between sexual revictimization and interpersonal problems in a sample of 52 adult-female survivors of childhood sexual abuse diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study hypothesized that revictimized women would have greater interpersonal problems. The study found that treatment-seeking women with histories of childhood sexual abuse and current PTSD and who had also been sexually revictimized in the previous 6 months reported greater interpersonal problems than those who were not sexually revictimized during that period. In addition, revictimization may be associated with certain types of interpersonal problems, such as being socially avoidant, nonassertive, and overly nurturant. References