Title

Psychological Characteristics of Women Who Do or Do Not Report a History of Sexual Abuse

UMMS Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry

Publication Date

1-2003

Document Type

Article

Subjects

Child Abuse, Sexual; Stress, Psychological; Women; Adult Survivors of Child Abuse

Disciplines

Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Psychiatric and Mental Health | Psychiatry | Psychiatry and Psychology

Abstract

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a prevalent form of violence in our society. The exact number of women sexually abused as children is not known, as the estimated rates vary from 6% to 62%. This study examined the psychological characteristics of women with and without a history of CSA. A nonclinical sample of 255 undergraduate women served as volunteer participants. The variables measured included: Adult Romantic Attachment, Depression, Anxiety, Traumatic Symptoms, Cognitive Distortions, Maladaptive Schemas, and Borderline Personality Features. Women who reported a history of abuse evidenced marked differences from those who did not across a broad spectrum of variables. A majority of CSA survivors did not seek any treatment. These results are discussed relative to prevention and early intervention efforts that are necessary to assist this underserved population.

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Journal of Prevention and Intervention in the Community

Comments

Citation: Lewis, R. J., Griffin, J.L., Winstead, B. A., Morrow, J. & Schubert, C. (2003). Psychological Characteristics of Women Who Do or Do Not Report a History of Sexual Abuse. Journal of Prevention and Intervention in the Community 26(1):49-65. DOI 10.1300/J005v26n01_05

At the time of publication, Jessica Griffin was not yet affiliated with the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

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