Symptomatology in Adolescents Following Initial Disclosure of Sexual Abuse: The Roles of Crisis Support, Appraisals and Coping

• NCJ Number: 228786
• Journal: Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 33 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2009 Pages: 717-727
• Author(s): Sarah Bal; Geert Crombez; Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij; Paulette Van Oost
• Editor(s): David A. Wolfe
• Date Published: October 2009
• Length: 11 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined possible explanations for symptom development and variability in sexually abused adolescents by testing four process models in which appraisal, coping, and crisis support play prominent roles.

Abstract

The buffering role of crisis support, in particular, and the role of negative appraisals appeared to be key factors in the explanation of symptom development and variability in sexually abused adolescents. Studies have revealed that complaints and symptoms in sexually abused adolescents vary widely. Symptom development and variation have often been related to the type of sexual abuse. To further understand symptom development and variation, researchers have proposed process models in which appraisal, coping, and social support play a prominent role. This study presents a theoretical model which emphasizes the relationships between appraisals, coping, social support, and internalizing and externalizing symptoms in sexually abused adolescents. Data were analyzed from 100 Flemish sexually abused adolescents, aged 12-18 years. Table, figures and references