Ethnic differences in psychological functioning among black and Latino sexually abused girls

Psychological assessments were conducted for Black and Latino sexually abused girls aged 8 to 13 years. Latino girls received significantly higher scores for depression than the Black girls. These differences in depression appeared to be related to ethnic differences in the circumstances of the abuse. Latino girls were abused at a younger age; more likely to be abused by a relative; and more likely to have had a sibling abused. Latinos were also more likely to report high levels of family conflict and somewhat lower levels of maternal support. Ethnicity was also found to be related to psychological functioning independently of the impact of other factors such as the circumstances of the abuse. Cultural and social factors that may influence psychological functioning subsequent to sexual abuse among Black and Latino girls are identified and discussed.