NCJ Number
208207
Journal
Trauma, Violence, & Abuse: A Review Journal Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2005 Pages: 24-39
Date Published
January 2005
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This article presents a review of the empirical literature on the causal factors underlying the association between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and adult emotional distress.
Abstract
A history of CSA has been clearly linked with adult emotional distress however it is likely that this relationship is indirect, working through mediating variables. The current article reviewed the empirical research literature for evidence of these underlying causal mechanisms of adult emotional distress. Research findings indicate that the relationship between CSA and adult emotional distress is mediated by self-doubt, interpersonal difficulties, and avoidant coping strategies. Additionally, adult emotional distress acts as a mediator between CSA and other deleterious outcomes, such as substance abuse and re-victimization. The identification of mediating variables is important to clinicians who cannot change the past CSA but can act upon the mediators contributing to adult emotional distress following CSA. Future studies should utilize longitudinal methods to test for mediating variables and should test for causality by establishing temporal relationships among the variables. References