Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
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Self psychology and male child sexual abuse: healing relational betrayal
- Journal article citation:
- Clinical Social Work Journal, 42(1), 2014, pp.41-48.
- Publisher:
- Springer
- Place of publication:
- New York
The prevalence of male child sexual abuse (MCSA) is higher than initially thought with up to 26 % of men in community samples reporting sexual abuse in childhood, and up to 36 % of men in clinical samples reporting childhood sexual abuse. Disclosure of MCSA is complex because of men’s difficulties in viewing themselves as victims, especially of sexual violence. This difficulty is exacerbated by societal attitudes that sexual abuse rarely occurs with boys, and is further complicated with the taboo of victimisation by same sex perpetrators. Too often, the response to disclosure is disbelief and minimisation. For these reasons disclosure is often delayed or withheld thus prolonging the abuse. The negative effects of child sexual abuse are well documented and far reaching with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, addictions, sexual dysfunction and impaired interpersonal relations as common presenting issues in therapy. Treatment is indicated for significant numbers of male survivors. This paper identifies aspects of interpersonal relational difficulties commonly experienced by male sexual abuse survivors, and describes self psychology as guiding a clinical approach to address these interpersonal difficulties. The application of self psychology with male sexual abuse survivors is traced and discussed through the use of a clinical case study with Adam. (Edited publisher abstract)
Coping, emotion regulation, and self-blame as mediators of sexual abuse and psychological symptoms in adult sexual assault
- Authors:
- ULLMAN Sarah E., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 23(1), 2014, pp.74-93.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
This study examined whether coping, emotion regulation, and self-blame mediate relationships of trauma histories with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression in adult sexual assault victims (N = 1863). A path analysis showed that theorised mediators partially mediated associations between trauma history variables and psychological symptoms. Specifically, child sexual abuse severity was related to greater post-traumatic stress disorder and depression indirectly through maladaptive coping and decreased emotion regulation but not self-blame. Other traumas had direct relationships with symptoms and partially mediated effects through maladaptive coping and emotion regulation. Child sexual abuse was unrelated to self-blame, but other traumas were related to greater self-blame. Results differed according to whether women had counselling post-assault. Implications are drawn for future research and clinical treatment of adult sexual assault victims. (Publisher abstract)
Lifetime prevalence of multiple victimizations and its impact on children’s mental health
- Authors:
- CYR Katie, CLEMENT Marie-Eve, CHAMBERLAND Claire
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 29(4), 2014, pp.616-634.
- Publisher:
- Sage
This study sought to document lifetime experiences of individual categories of victimizations and polyvictimization using the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire among children from the province of Quebec (Canada) to examine whether polyvictimization predicts mental health symptoms and to assess whether categories of victimization still contribute to mental health symptoms after considering polyvictimization. Polyvictimization accounted for the most variability in scores for depression, anxiety, and anger/aggression compared with individual victimization categories. None of the individual categories of victimization made an independent contribution to the prediction of trauma scores, once polyvictimization was considered. (Publisher abstract)
Exploring mental health adjustment of children post sexual assault in South Africa
- Authors:
- MATHEWS Shanaaz, ABRAHAMS Naeemah, JEWKES Rachel
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 22(6), 2013, pp.639-657.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Large numbers of children are affected by child sexual abuse in South Africa. This study aimed to assess psychological adjustment of children post sexual assault. In-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with caretakers, and structured interviews using mental health assessment screening tools were given to children at three intervals over a five-month period after presentation at a sexual assault centre. Almost half of the children met clinical criteria for anxiety, and two-thirds met criteria for full symptom post-traumatic stress disorder two to four weeks post disclosure. With standard care, the authors observed some recovery; 43.3% of children still met full symptom post-traumatic stress disorder nearly six months postdisclosure. Our findings indicate that current practice in South Africa does not promote adequate recovery for children. (Publisher abstract)
Perception vs. circumstances of the child sexual abuse event in relation to depression and post-traumatic stress symptomatology
- Authors:
- LEV-WIESEL Rachel, MARKUS Liora
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 22(5), 2013, pp.519-533.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
The study examined the impact of the circumstances of childhood sexual abuse on post-traumatic stress symptoms and depression among female adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The sample consisted of 225 Israeli women divided into two groups according to the identity of the perpetrator (nonfamily perpetrator versus a family member perpetrator). A self-report questionnaire was used consisting of the following scales: demographic variables, the Traumatic Events Questionnaire, Childhood Sexual Experiences Scale, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale, and Depression Scale. The findings indicated that the identity of the offender significantly differed between groups only if intercourse had occurred. Women who experienced coerced intercourse scored significantly higher on depression and post-traumatic stress compared to those who experienced other forms of childhood sexual abuse. (Publisher abstract)
Posttraumatic growth among men with histories of child sexual abuse
- Authors:
- EASTON Scott D., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Child Maltreatment, 18(4), 2013, pp.211-220.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Despite an increased risk of long-term mental health problems, many survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA) experience positive changes in areas such as appreciation for life, personal strength, and interpersonal relationships. Drawing on life course theory, this study examined factors related to posttraumatic growth among a sample of men with CSA histories (N = 487). Using multiple linear regression (i.e., ordinary least squares), it was found that men who had a better understanding of the sexual abuse experience, who ascribed to less traditional masculine norms, and who experienced a turning point reported greater growth. To promote growth, practitioners can help survivors understand the meaning and impact of the abuse on their lives and deconstruct rigid gender norms. More research on growth is needed with male survivors, especially on the nature of turning points in the recovery process. (Publisher abstract)
Impact evaluation of a cognitive behavioral group therapy model in Brazilian sexually abused girls
- Authors:
- HABIGZANG Luísa, DAMÁSIO Bruno Figueiredo, KOLLER Silvia Helena
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 22(2), 2013, pp.173-190.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
This study evaluated the impact of a newly developed cognitive behavioural group therapy model for young female victims of sexual abuse. The effect of the waiting period before treatment and the enduring effectiveness of the treatment after 6 and 12 months were also evaluated. The cognitive behavioural group therapy consisted of 3 stages: psychoeducation and cognitive restructuring (Stage 1, 6 weeks of group therapy); stress inoculation training (Stage 2, 10 weeks of group therapy); and relapse prevention (Stage 3, 16 weeks of group therapy). The participants were 49 Brazilian girls from 9-16 years of age who had experienced at least one episode of sexual abuse. The participants completed instruments measuring depression, anxiety, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder before, during, and after the group therapy. The findings showed that group therapy had a positive impact on the girls psychological functioning, significantly reducing symptoms of anxiety, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder. They also showed that the model was of benefit regardless of the time between the sexual abuse and the beginning of group therapy. The therapeutic effects of the group therapy continued to be maintained 6-12 months after the treatment ended.
Childhood sexual abuse, adult psychiatric morbidity, and criminal outcomes in women assessed by medium secure forensic service
- Authors:
- DOLAN Mairead, WHITWORTH Helen
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 22(2), 2013, pp.191-208.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
There is extensive literature linking childhood sexual abuse (CSA) with adult psychopathology, interpersonal dysfunction, and criminality. The purpose of this study was to look at the associations between contact CSA and psychosocial function in women referred to a medium secure forensic service. The study was conducted at Edenfield Adult Forensic Service Manchester, UK. The case files of all 225 women (aged 18 and older) assessed by the service between 1991 and 1999 were examined, and childhood sexual abuse and non–childhood sexual abuse cases were compared. Over half the sample had a history of childhood sexual abuse, and 5.6% of this group were victims of a subsequent sexual assault in adulthood. The perpetrators were all male. The majority of intrafamilial cases resulted in victims being raised in environments outside the family home. CSA was associated with later relationship, educational, and occupational difficulties. Significant associations were also seen with personality disorder, self-harm, and substance misuse. The findings suggest that treating services need to recognise the potential importance of CSA in their models of care.
Health outcomes by closeness of sexual abuse perpetrator: a test of betrayal trauma theory
- Authors:
- EDWARDS Valerie, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Aggression Maltreatment and Trauma, 21(2), February 2012, pp.133-148.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Betrayal trauma theory suggests that traumas involving childhood abuse perpetrated by a caregiver or someone close to the victim results in worse mental health than abuse perpetrated by someone less central to the victim’s wellbeing. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of betrayal trauma as a result of childhood sexual abuse on physical and mental health outcomes in adults. The study used data from the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study to test whether adults with high betrayal abuse would report poorer functional and mental health than low betrayal abuse victims. Among the 3,100 participants who reported childhood sexual abuse and reported their relationship to the abuser, 32% had experienced high betrayal abuse. The high betrayal victims had a higher average ACE score than low betrayal victims, had significantly lower functional health scores on 4 of the 7 SF-36 Health Survey scales, and reported higher depression, anxiety, suicidality, panic, and anger. The findings confirm that betrayal trauma is associated with victims’ later-life health outcomes.
Neurodevelopmental biology associated with childhood sexual abuse
- Authors:
- de BELLIS Michael D., SPRATT Eve G., HOOPER Stephen R.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 20(5), September 2011, pp.548-587.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Child maltreatment appears to be the single most preventable cause of mental illness and behavioural dysfunction in the United States. This article reviews the psychiatric problems associated with maltreatment and the emerging biologic stress system research with a special emphasis on what is known about victimisation by sexual abuse. Data shows that the effects of traumatic stress on the developing brain may be severe and persistent. There are multiple mechanisms through which sexual abuse can cause post-traumatic stress disorder, activate biological stress response systems, and contribute to adverse brain development. However, there appear to be some factors that may be protective against this response. In theory, early interventions with maltreating parents, loving adoptive families, cognitive behavioural therapy and medications may lead to therapeutic reversibility of the adverse brain developmental effects of abuse.