NCJ Number
216109
Journal
Child Maltreatment Volume: 11 Issue: 3 Dated: August 2006 Pages: 203-216
Date Published
August 2006
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study explored the heterogeneity of profiles of sexually abused children by means of a cluster analysis.
Abstract
Four different clusters of children disclosing sexual abuse (SA) were identified. The first cluster referred to children subjected to chronic SA but experiencing mainly anxiety symptoms. The second cluster identified children displaying a host of negative outcomes reaching clinical levels for both internalizing and externalizing difficulties, suggesting more behavioral problems. The third cluster described children who were displaying less negative outcomes defined by children experiencing less severe SA. The fourth and last cluster described resilient children who, while subjected to severe intrafamilial SA, displayed efficient coping skills. Children classified in the anxiety group comprised the greatest number of sexually abused children. The data suggested that children in the resilient group appeared to benefit from a series of protective factors that might help them overcome the trauma associated with SA. The less severe SA children presented the highest prevalence of abuse by a stranger and the lowest prevalence of abusive episodes involving an immediate family perpetrator. Data gathered to date suggest that sexually abused children are likely to present significant anxiety, depression, somatic complaints, social withdrawal, anger, and aggressive behaviors. Children experiencing SA are more likely to demonstrate inappropriate sexualized behaviors and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. A cluster analysis was used in this study to explore differential outcomes in 123 French Canadian children reporting sexual abuse contrasted with 123 control children. Tables, figure, and references