Sex with children is abuse: Comment on Rind, Tromovitch, and Bauserman (1998)

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• A 1998 meta-analysis by Rind, Tromovitch, and Bauserman examined the link between childhood sexual abuse and psychological adjustment in college students.
• This meta-analysis generated significant controversy due to its findings and its questioning of the term "abuse" in scientific contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize and contextualize the controversy surrounding the Rind et al. (1998) meta-analysis.
• To critique the methodology and presentation of the findings in the Rind et al. (1998) study.
• To advocate for the appropriate use of the term "abuse" in scientific discourse.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and critical analysis of the Rind et al. (1998) meta-analysis.
• Historical contextualization of the debate on child sexual abuse and its psychological impact.
• Examination of the limitations and presentation of the controversial findings.

Main Results:

• The Rind et al. (1998) meta-analysis asserted a small relation between child sexual abuse and adjustment, which was highly contested.
• The commentary highlights limitations in the Rind et al. (1998) findings and their presentation.
• The authors argue that the term "abuse" is appropriate and necessary in scientific inquiry.

Conclusions:

• The commentary supports the continued use of "abuse" to describe child sexual abuse in scientific research.
• It emphasizes the importance of scientific terminology aligning with societal understanding and morality.
• The critique underscores the need for careful consideration of the impact of child sexual abuse on psychological functioning.