NCJ Number
117013
Date Published
1988
Length
6 pages
Annotation
To examine the effects of physical abuse on self-concept, the Offer Self-Image Questionnaire (OSIQ) was administered to 30 physically abused male and female adolescents, aged 12 to 16, and 30 nonabused adolescents from the same general California neighborhood.
Abstract
Another control group was comprised of normal adolescents tested by Offer et al in 1981. OSIQ total scores showed significant differences between the abused and nonabused groups. Abused adolescents had significantly poorer self-images, particularly in the areas of emotional tone and family relationships. Analyses of variance indicated that abused adolescents also reported significantly more psychopathology, poorer coping skills, and poorer impulse control. Less positive self-image among abused youth also was found in the areas of orientation to future vocational and educational goals and poor relationships. According to their own self-reports, these abused adolescents reflect the negative effects of their disruptive environments. Results corroborate clinical reports indicating negative self-images and problems in emotional development among child physical abuse victims. 1 table and 22 references. (Author abstract modified)