NCJ Number
197153
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 7 Issue: 6 Dated: November-December 2002 Pages: 567-589
Date Published
November 2002
Length
23 pages
Annotation
Focusing on the emotional and social outcomes of individuals who have experienced childhood sexual abuse, this article examines the findings of 41 recent articles.
Abstract
Highlighting various social and emotional outcomes of childhood sexual abuse including gang involvement and behavioral problems, this paper presents a review of 41 articles on childhood sexual abuse. After arguing that the number of children experiencing sexual abuse has increased in recent years, the author presents a summary of current literature on suicide and substance abuse as potential outcomes of early sexual abuse. Focusing on other recent literature concerning sexual abuse in early childhood, the author argues that gang involvement, teen parenthood, high rates of running away, post traumatic stress disorder, risky sexual behavior, and other behavior problems are linked to childhood sexual abuse. Presenting a summary of research findings by developmental period, the author contends that there is little research on social and emotional outcomes of childhood sexual abuse for individuals in early childhood, some research on individuals in middle childhood, and a large number of studies on adolescents. A discussion of gender, age, race, abuse characteristics, and family support as mediators and moderators of early sexual abuse precedes the author’s discussion of the limitations of existing research on childhood sexual abuse. Concluding that there is a need for additional research in all developmental periods, the author argues that it is important to understand the root causes and consequences of early childhood sexual abuse. References