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Related Experiment Videos

Variability in symptom expression among sexually abused girls: developing multivariate models

S Spaccarelli1, C Fuchs

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago 60612, USA.

Journal of Clinical Child Psychology
|March 1, 1997
PubMed
Summary

Internalizing and externalizing problems in girls experiencing sexual abuse are linked to different factors. Support, coping mechanisms, and appraisals influence symptom presentation and severity.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Child Psychiatry
  • Trauma Studies

Background:

  • Sexual abuse in children is a significant trauma with varied psychological outcomes.
  • Understanding predictors of internalizing and externalizing problems is crucial for effective intervention.
  • Previous research has identified several potential risk factors, but their specific impact on symptomology requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify predictors of internalizing and externalizing problems in girls referred for therapy after sexual abuse disclosure.
  • To examine the influence of abuse characteristics, parental support, coping strategies, and cognitive appraisals on symptomatology.
  • To differentiate the factors associated with internalizing versus externalizing problem behaviors.

Main Methods:

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  • A cohort of 48 girls referred for therapy post-sexual abuse disclosure was assessed.
  • Data collected included abuse characteristics, perceived support from nonoffending parents, coping strategies, and cognitive appraisals.
  • Symptomatology was measured using self-report and parent-report measures for depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems.

    • Main Results:

    • Internalizing problems (depression, anxiety) were associated with lower parental support, cognitive avoidance coping, and negative abuse appraisals.
    • Externalizing problems (aggression, social/sexual problems) were linked to controlling coping strategies and, for social problems, self-distraction coping.
    • Parent-reported anxiety was uniquely predicted by incest, while aggressive behaviors were predicted by abuse-related stress.

    Conclusions:

    • Symptom presentation in child sexual abuse survivors is heterogeneous and influenced by a complex interplay of factors.
    • Therapeutic interventions should consider individual coping mechanisms, cognitive appraisals, and the quality of social support.
    • Tailoring interventions based on specific predictors may improve outcomes for girls experiencing sexual abuse.