Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
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Childhood sexual abuse, social support, and psychological outcomes: a loss framework
- Authors:
- MURTHI Meera, ESPELAGE Dorothy L.
- Journal article citation:
- Child Abuse and Neglect, 29(11), November 2005, pp.1215-1231.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
The objectives of the study were: (a) to develop a scale to assess Childhood sexual abuse (CSA)related loss among a college sample of CSA survivors (CSALM), (b) to examine the measure's convergent validity through associations among depression, alexithymia, coping, and social support, and (c) to test whether social support moderates the relation between multiple experiences of CSA and loss. The study involved a survey methodology and included 116 college-age women reporting CSA experiences. Based on the Sexual Victimization Questionnaire, 90% of the sample reported CSA before age of 12, 12.3% reported CSA before age 12 with an adult over 16, and 42.2% reported CSA after age 12 with an adult. Exploratory Factor Analysis of the CSALM revealed a three-factor solution: (a) Loss of Optimism, (b) Loss of Self, and (c) Loss of Childhood. Convergent validity of several scales was evidenced through associations with depression, alexithymia, coping, and social support. Social support from family and friends was found to moderate the association between CSA experiences and loss dimensions. Findings provide preliminary psychometric support for the CSALM, a tool that will be useful in future investigations of loss among college-age CSA survivors. Findings also support using a loss framework to understand the current mental health of these survivors.
The relationship between childhood sexual abuse and mental health outcomes among males: results from a nationally representative United States sample
- Author:
- TURNER Sarah
- Journal article citation:
- Child Abuse and Neglect, 66, 2017, pp.64-72.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
Background: Few studies have examined the associations between childhood sexual abuse (CSA), co-occurrence with other types of maltreatment and adult mental health outcomes, specifically among males. The objectives of this study were to: 1) determine the prevalence of males who have experienced a) childhood maltreatment without CSA; b) CSA without other forms of childhood maltreatment; and c) CSA along with other forms of childhood maltreatment; and 2) determine the relationship between CSA among males and mood, anxiety, substance and personality disorders and suicide attempts. Methods: Data were drawn from the 2004–2005 National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) and limited to males age 20 years old and older (n = 14,564). Child maltreatment included harsh physical punishment, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, emotional neglect, physical neglect and exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV). Results: Emotional abuse, physical abuse, and exposure to IPV were the most common forms of maltreatment that co-occurred with CSA among males. A history of CSA only, and CSA co-occurring with other types of child maltreatment, resulted in higher odds for many mental disorders and suicide attempts compared to a history of child maltreatment without CSA. Conclusions: Child maltreatment is associated with increased odds of mental disorders among males. Larger effects were noted for many mental disorders and suicide attempts for males who experienced CSA with or without other child maltreatment types compared to those who did not experience CSA. These results are important for understanding the significant long-term effects of CSA among males. (Publisher abstract)
Current issues in child sexual abuse, gender and health outcomes: shedding new lights to inform worldwide policy and practice
- Authors:
- COLLIN-VEZINA Delphine, GARRIDO Edward F.
- Journal article citation:
- Child Abuse and Neglect, 63, 2016, p.245–248.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
This paper introduces the articles in this special issue, which builds upon a growing literature on CSA, gender and outcomes that calls for action to further prevent, address and respond to cases of sexual violence. The calls for action highlighted in this series of papers are paramount to improving the well-being of children and youth, and to building communities and societies that can nolonger ignore the magnitude of the problem of CSA and the extent of its impact. (Edited publisher abstract)
Barriers to successful treatment completion in child sexual abuse survivors
- Authors:
- MCPHERSON Paul, SCRIBANO Philip, STEVENS Jack
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 27(1), January 2012, pp.23-39.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Child sexual abuse (CSA) often necessitates psychological treatment to address the symptoms of trauma. However, barriers to counselling services can compromise long-term well-being. This study examined the characteristics between CSA patients who engaged versus those who do not in mental health treatment, and identified factors associated with successful completion of mental health treatment goals. A retrospective cohort study was conducted of 499 CSA patients, aged 3 to 16 years, referred to mental health services following a child advocacy centre (CAC) assessment. About 52% linked with mental health services and 39% of patients that successfully linked with mental health services completed therapy. Findings revealed that successful linkage was independently associated with referrals to other counselling services, and independently associated with caregiver participation in therapy. In contrast to previous reports, efforts at the CAC seem to overcome linkage barriers in this population. However, there remained challenges in achieving successful completion of treatment goals in this population. The authors concluded that engaging caregivers’ in therapy services had a positive effect with successfully achieving treatment goals.
Treatment effects for common outcomes of child sexual abuse: a current meta-analysis
- Authors:
- TRASK Emily V., WALSH Kate, DILILLO David
- Journal article citation:
- Aggression and Violent Behavior, 16(1), January 2011, pp.6-19.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
This meta-analysis examines the literature to quantify the effectiveness of psychosocial treatments at reducing the most frequent outcomes of child sexual abuse. A literature search identified a total of 35 articles or dissertations written in English, focusing on youth under the age of 18, and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments for the following negative outcomes of sexual abuse: post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, externalising problems, and internalising problems. Analyses of these publications revealed that treatment was effective in reducing many negative outcome of child sexual abuse. The effect sizes averaged across all outcomes were medium. The potential moderating effects of treatment (e.g., modality, duration, and inclusion of caregiver) and participant (e.g., age, gender, and ethnicity) characteristics were also analysed. The results indicated that longer interventions were associated with greater treatment gains. Group and individual treatments were equally effective. Studies with older children and more males were shown to have larger treatment effects. The findings shed new light on treatment effectiveness and provide information regarding the conditions under which treatment may be most effective.
Cognitive-behavioural interventions for children who have been sexually abused
- Authors:
- MACDONALD Geraldine, HIGGINS Julian, RAMCHANDANI Paul
- Journal article citation:
- Campbell Systematic Reviews, 2(1), 2006, pp.1-60.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This review aimed to examine the efficacy of cognitive-behavioural approaches in addressing the immediate and longer-term psychological and behavioural problems on children who have been sexually abused. Ten studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria for the review, in which a total of 847 children participated. The evidence suggests that cognitive-behavioural therapy may have a positive impact on the sequelae of child sexual abuse, but most results were statistically non-significant. Implications for practice and further research are noted. (Edited publisher abstract)
Men with childhood sexual abuse histories: disclosure experiences and links with mental health
- Authors:
- ROMANO Elisa, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Child Abuse and Neglect, 89, 2019, pp.212-224.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
Background: There is limited research on the disclosure experiences of men who have experienced childhood sexual abuse and on how such experiences might impact mental health outcomes. Objective: The current study described men’s disclosure experiences and examined the role of disclosure characteristics on mental well-being (internalizing and externalizing behaviours, substance use, resilience). Participants and setting: Men (N = 253) from across Canada and the U.S. were recruited through websites for males with sexual abuse histories. Men aged 18–59 years anonymously completed an online study on their sexual abuse, disclosure experiences, and mental health outcomes. Results: Findings indicated that 77.9% of men disclosed their sexual abuse, although they waited an average of 15.4 years before sharing their experience. Once disclosed, 64.4% of the men reported a positive response (e.g., support), while 35.6% reported a negative response (e.g., blame). Regression analyses indicated that a greater delay in disclosure predicted greater externalizing behaviours (B = .49, p < .05), although this was a small effect (Cohen’s f 2 = 0.02). Additional disclosure variables were associated with components of externalizing (aggressive and rule-breaking behaviours) and internalizing (somatic complaints) behaviours. Conclusions: These results require replication in future studies. However, they do suggest that efforts need to be undertaken to address the barriers that hinder men from disclosing their sexual abuse and to ensure that men are supported once they disclose. (Edited publisher abstract)
The impacts of child sexual abuse: a rapid evidence assessment
- Authors:
- FISHER Cate, et al
- Publisher:
- Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 196
- Place of publication:
- London
This rapid evidence assessment (RAE) summarises the existing evidence for the impacts of child sexual abuse on victims and survivors throughout their lives, in relation to physical health, emotional wellbeing and mental health; externalising behaviours, interpersonal relationships, socio-economic impact, religious and spiritual beliefs and vulnerability to revictimisation. The REA also looks at impact of CSA on the families of victims and survivors and wider society. Searches were conducted using peer-reviewed journal databases and sources of grey literature during 2016 and the results of over 200 of the most relevant and robust studies were synthesised for the report. The review found compelling evidence that CSA is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes in almost every sphere of victims and survivors’ lives, and that this risk can persist across their lifespan. It also identified impacts for family members of the victims and survivors, and for wider society in both financial and less tangible ways. The evidence also shows that resilience and recovery are possible for victims and survivors. Protective factors identified include the receipt of effective support services and a positive and sensitive response from family, friends and professionals following disclosure of CSA. The review identifies evidence gaps in a number of areas, including the impact of CSA on pre-adolescent and older (65 plus) victims and survivors, as well as on black and minority ethnic (BME), lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) and disabled people. (Edited publisher abstract)
The impact of sexual abuse committed by a child on mental health in adulthood
- Authors:
- ALLEN Brian, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 29(12), 2014, pp.2257-2272.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Numerous research studies document the negative mental health outcomes associated with the experience of childhood sexual abuse. In addition, factors such as one’s relationship with the perpetrator and the severity of the abuse predict the likelihood of future mental health problems. Less attention, however, has focused on the age of the perpetrator, and recent years have seen an increased interest in children who display sexual behaviour problems. College students completed measures of mental health functioning and retrospective reports of maltreatment histories. Participants were categorised as abused by an adult (n = 48), teenager (n = 39), or another child (n = 37), and non-abused (n = 219). Victims of abuse, regardless of perpetrator age, displayed higher levels of mental health problems than non-abused participants. There were no differences between the abused groups on any of the mental health outcomes; however, individuals who were abused by other children were less likely to label their experiences as abuse. (Edited publisher abstract)
Childhood sexual abuse and adult developmental outcomes: findings from a 30-year longitudinal study in New Zealand
- Authors:
- FERGUSSON David M., McLEOD Geraldine F.H., HORWOOD L. John
- Journal article citation:
- Child Abuse and Neglect, 37(9), 2013, p.664–674.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
Objectives: Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) has been associated with many adverse medical, psychological, behavioural and socioeconomic outcomes in adulthood. This study aims to examine the linkages between CSA and a wide range of developmental outcomes over a protracted time period to age 30. Methods: Data from over 900 members of the New Zealand birth cohort the Christchurch Health and Development Study were examined. CSA prior to age 16 was assessed at ages 18 and 21 years, in addition to: mental health, psychological wellbeing, sexual risk-taking behaviours, physical health and socioeconomic outcomes to age 30. Results: After statistical adjustment for confounding by 10 covariates spanning socio-demographic, family functioning and child factors, extent of exposure to CSA was associated with increased rates of (B, SE, p): major depression (0.426, 0.094, <.001); anxiety disorder (0.364, 0.089, <.001); suicidal ideation (0.395, 0.089, <.001); suicide attempt (1.863, 0.403, <.001); alcohol dependence (0.374, 0.118, <.002); and illicit drug dependence (0.425, 0.113, <.001). In addition, at age 30 CSA was associated with higher rates of PTSD symptoms (0.120, 0.051, .017); decreased self-esteem (−0.371, 0.181, .041); and decreased life satisfaction (−0.510, 0.189, .007). Childhood sexual abuse was also associated with decreased age of onset of sexual activity (−0.381, 0.091, <.001), increased number of sexual partners (0.175, 0.035, <.001); increased medical contacts for physical health problems (0.105, 0.023, <.001); and welfare dependence (0.310, 0.099, .002). Effect sizes (Cohen's d) for the significant outcomes from all domains ranged from .14 to .53, while the attributable risks for the mental health outcomes ranged from 5.7% to 16.6%. Conclusions: CSA is a traumatic childhood life event in which the negative consequences increase with increasing severity of abuse. CSA adversely influences a number of adult developmental outcomes that span: mental disorders, psychological wellbeing, sexual risk-taking, physical health and socioeconomic wellbeing. While the individual effect sizes for CSA typically range from small to moderate, it is clear that accumulative adverse effects on adult developmental outcomes are substantial. (Publisher abstract)