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Smith JA, Zhang J, Urusov A, Colucci L, Sloss I, Eckert L, Price‐Cameron M, Browne DT. Exploring networks of complex developmental trauma symptomatology among children and adolescents involved in child welfare. JCPP ADVANCES 2024; 4:e12224. [PMID: 38827977 PMCID: PMC11143960 DOI: 10.1002/jcv2.12224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Clinical presentations of child and adolescent psychopathology can vary systematically for boys and girls. While network analysis is increasingly being applied to explore psychopathology in adults, there is a dearth of network studies considering differences in symptoms for boys and girls, particularly in developmental trauma-related symptomatology. Methods This study involves rural children (n = 375, 39.47% girls) and adolescents (n = 291, 51.20% girls) involved with child protection services in Ontario, Canada. Caregivers completed the Assessment Checklist for Children or Adolescents within the first 6 months of care. Psychometric network analyses were conducted using subscales for boys and girls. Differences were examined via network comparison permutation tests, moderated network models, and independent t-tests. Results Attachment-related interpersonal difficulties were the most central nodes in the child and adolescent networks for both boys and girls. Emotional dysregulation also had high strength centrality for adolescents. While network comparison tests found the overall network structures and global network strength to be invariant between boys and girls for children and adolescents, moderated network models and independent t-tests revealed several differences with regards to the expression of specific symptoms. Among children, girls exhibited more indiscriminate and pseudomature interpersonal behaviors, whereas boys expressed significantly more non-reciprocal interpersonal behaviors and self-injury. Adolescent girls exhibited more behavioral dysregulation and suicide discourse in the moderated network model; t-tests also indicated higher levels of emotional dysregulation, negative self-image, and other items considered clinically important complex trauma symptoms (e.g., distrust of adults, confused belonging). Discussion This study supports evidence of differences in the expression of complex trauma symptomatology for boys and girls. Additionally, girls exhibit more symptoms, in general. Consistent with the transdiagnostic conceptualization of the consequences of developmental trauma, findings demonstrate the primacy of attachment-specific difficulties and emotion dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson A. Smith
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
- Centre for Mental Health Research and TreatmentUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
| | - Jasmine Zhang
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
- Centre for Mental Health Research and TreatmentUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
| | - Alexey Urusov
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
- Centre for Mental Health Research and TreatmentUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
| | - Laura Colucci
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
- Centre for Mental Health Research and TreatmentUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
| | - Imogen Sloss
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
| | - Lillian Eckert
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
| | | | - Dillon T. Browne
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
- Centre for Mental Health Research and TreatmentUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
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Yoon NY, Yun I, Jung YH, Park EC, Jang SI. Associations between the type of help after sexual harm and adolescents' suicidal ideation. J Adolesc 2024; 96:684-695. [PMID: 36895155 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the association between receiving external help after sexual harm and suicidal ideation among Korean adolescents. The help received was classified into professional and nonprofessional to test the strength of the association according to the type of help. METHODS Using data from the 2017-2019 Korean children and youth rights study, we analyzed a total of 18,740 middle and high school students. The dependent variable was suicidal ideation; the primary and secondary independent variable was experience of sexual harm and receiving help after sexual harm, respectively. Data were analyzed using χ2 tests and multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS Experience of sexual harm was significantly associated with higher suicidal ideation, and receiving help after sexual harm was significantly associated with lower suicidal ideation compared with not receiving help, regardless of gender. Furthermore, lower suicidal ideation was more strongly associated with receiving professional help in female adolescents, and receiving nonprofessional help in male adolescents. CONCLUSIONS Receiving help after sexual harm was negatively associated with suicidal ideation, and the strength of this association varied with gender and the type of help received. These results can aid the development of evidence-based crisis intervention for victims of sexual harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na-Young Yoon
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Il Yun
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Hwa Jung
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Cheol Park
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-In Jang
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Szymanski K, Hartmann V, Springer C, Bornstein R. Suicidality and Implicit Dependency in Child and Adolescent Inpatients With Histories of Trauma: Moderating Effect of Gender. J Nerv Ment Dis 2023; 211:496-503. [PMID: 37192011 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT There is lack of empirical findings on a direct link between suicidality and dependency in youth. This is particularly relevant for children and adolescents with a trauma history, since traumatization is a well-established risk factor for suicidality in this population. Research on dependency predominantly uses self-report assessments, which may be susceptible to biases. In this study, performance-based interpersonal dependency scores in inpatient children and adolescents with trauma history were compared with patients' suicidal behavior (suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts) as derived from chart records. The results showed a gender effect. High dependency scores were associated with higher suicidal ideation for girls and with lower suicidal attempts for boys. These findings demonstrate that a relationship between dependency and suicidality for hospitalized traumatized youth is impacted by gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Szymanski
- Derner School of Psychology, Adelphi University, Garden City, New York
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Baltazar-Meza CY, Pérez-Camborda BDR, Solis-Mandujano DY, Huamán De La Cruz AR. Violence forms among university students from Junin Región, Perú. Rev Salud Publica (Bogota) 2023; 22:414-420. [PMID: 36753240 DOI: 10.15446/rsap.v22n4.87379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association among six forms of violence and their levels among Peruvian university students from a public University in Peru's Junin region. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study of students of both sexes from the Faculty of Education. Sampling comprised 961 voluntary students (629 females and 332 males) studying in the education faculty from the National University of Center of Perú. Data were collected in the period July-December 2019 using the Domestic Violence Measurements Scale (VIFJ4), which assessed six forms of violence (physical, psychological, sexual, social, patrimonial, and gender). These variables were assessed through three levels of violence (mild, moderate, and severe). RESULTS All student felt violence in their six forms. A higher percentage of violence was found in females than males. According severe level the forms of violence were ordered as follow: physical > psychological > patrimonial > social > gender. For moderate level: social > sexual > physical > gender > patrimonial > psychological, and mild level: psychological > patrimonial > gender > social > physical > sexual. CONCLUSION It was confirmed that there are different forms of violence and their levels in both males and females. This knowledge will serve as a basis for the development and implementation of educational programs that help university students to establish adequate behavior and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Y Baltazar-Meza
- CB: Lic. Pedagogía y Humanidades. Ph. D. Psicología Educacional y Tutorial, Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú, Facultad de educación. Huancayo, Perú.
| | - Belén Del Rosario Pérez-Camborda
- BP: Lic. Psicología. M. Sc. Psicología Infantil y del Adolescente, Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú, Facultad de educación. Huancayo, Perú.
| | - Dany Y Solis-Mandujano
- DS: Lic. Educación. Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú. I.E. Colegio Ágora-Huancavelica. Ágora, Perú. Docente.
| | - Alex R Huamán De La Cruz
- AH: IQ. Ph. D. Química, Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú, Perú. Instituto General de Investigación, Huancayo, Perú.
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Altundağ S. "Don't Touch My Body!" Child Sexual Abuse Training Program for Future Pre-School Educators: A Single-Blind, Pre-Test/Post-Test, Randomized Controlled Trial. Clin Nurs Res 2023; 32:337-348. [PMID: 36540032 DOI: 10.1177/10547738221141369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the "Don't Touch My Body" Training Program (DTMB-TP) and raise awareness of child sexual abuse (CSA) among future pre-school teachers enrolled in a Turkish university. The study design was quasi-experimental and employed two groups (intervention and control) with pre-test/post-test. Convenience sampling method was used. The study sample included participants (n = 218) enrolled in an academic degree program to become pre-school teachers. Data were collected using a descriptive information form and the "DTMB" awareness form. The data collection forms were administered to the study and control groups at baseline (pre-test) and 4 weeks after the intervention. The intervention applied to the experimental group was conducted face-to-face in one class hour (40 minutes) under the leadership of a nurse. There was a statistically significant increase in the knowledge of the children's private body parts, good/bad touch, reactions to strangers, and the family security password in the intervention group in the post-test (p < .05). In the post-test, no increase was observed in the control group's CSA knowledge level score (p > .05). The DTMB-TP effectively increased the awareness of preventing sexual abuse in participants. This study concluded that education effectively raised awareness to prevent CSA and provided basic data for larger-scale studies.
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Myrie ZE, Schwab MG. Recovery Experiences from Childhood Sexual Abuse among Black Men: Historical/Sociocultural Interrelationships. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2023; 32:22-39. [PMID: 36503514 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2022.2155599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) can result in devastating and long lasting consequences. Differences in the nature of the abuse differ for males and females and this difference potentially influences recovery. However, studies of recovery from CSA, especially among men, are relatively few, especially for ethnic minority men. The study explored the lived experience of recovery from CSA among African-Caribbean Black male survivors of CSA living in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. The theoretical framework was the transactional model of stress and coping, which proposes that stress is an ongoing transaction between the demands of life and a person's psychological ability to address those demands. The study was qualitative in design, using an interpretive phenomenological approach, involving purposeful sampling, in-depth semi-structured interviews, and interpretive phenomenological analysis of the data informed by a critical race theory lens. The results showed that Black male survivors are situated in unique historical/sociocultural interrelationships that complicate recovery from CSA, including institutional racism and discrimination, restrictive narratives of masculinity, and other cultural norms. These findings can be used to influence policy makers, service providers, and communities, to more effectively support and address the needs of CSA survivors and their affected families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeneth E Myrie
- School of Health Sciences, Walden University, Minneapolis, MN
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Morelli NM, Hong K, Garcia J, Elzie X, Alvarez A, Villodas MT. Everyday Conflict in Families at Risk for Violence Exposure: Examining Unique, Bidirectional Associations with Children's Anxious- and Withdrawn-Depressed Symptoms. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2023; 51:317-330. [PMID: 36331716 PMCID: PMC9908649 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-022-00966-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to family conflict during childhood increases risk for the development of anxiety and mood problems, though the potential for bidirectionality in this association remains unknown. It is also unclear whether nonviolent family conflict is related to children's anxious- and withdrawn-depressive symptoms within high-risk family contexts, independent of more severe events such as children's exposure to violent victimization. Participants included 1,281 children and their caregivers identified as being at high risk for family violence, interviewed prospectively at ages 6, 8, and 10 about family conflict, children's anxious- and withdrawn-depressive behaviors, and children's victimization experiences. After controlling for cumulative victimization prior to and between each time point, significant cross-lagged, bidirectional associations were identified between family conflict and children's anxious- and withdrawn-depressive symptoms across ages 6 and 8, but not across ages 8 and 10. Invariance testing revealed no differences in model fit between boys and girls and minimal differences depending on whether families were reported for maltreatment prior to recruitment. Findings are partially supportive of a conceptualization of the family-child relationship that is reciprocal, while highlighting the role of daily negative familial interactions, over and above experiences of victimization, in predicting anxious- and withdrawn-depressed symptoms in early and middle childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M. Morelli
- San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, US
| | - Kajung Hong
- San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, US
| | - Jackelyne Garcia
- grid.263081.e0000 0001 0790 1491Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, 6363 Alvarado Ct., Suite 250, 92120 San Diego, CA US
| | - Xavier Elzie
- grid.263081.e0000 0001 0790 1491Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, 6363 Alvarado Ct., Suite 250, 92120 San Diego, CA US
| | - Andrew Alvarez
- grid.263081.e0000 0001 0790 1491Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, 6363 Alvarado Ct., Suite 250, 92120 San Diego, CA US
| | - Miguel T. Villodas
- San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, US ,grid.263081.e0000 0001 0790 1491Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, 6363 Alvarado Ct., Suite 250, 92120 San Diego, CA US
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Kim S, Kim TE, Nickerson A. The Longitudinal Effects of Second Step Child Protection Unit on Children: Gender as a Moderator. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2023; 32:74-90. [PMID: 36617737 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2022.2154729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the longitudinal effects of the Second Step Child Protection Unit (CPU; Committee for Children) on student outcomes through a randomized controlled trial. Eight schools with a total sample including 2,031 students were assigned randomly to the CPU intervention or the wait-list control condition. We employed a multi-process latent growth model using a structural equation modeling framework which simultaneously analyzed student outcome growth via the effects of the intervention. The moderating effect of gender was also included. Over four data collection waves (pretest, posttest, follow-up [6 months] and follow-up [12-months]), the intervention group students were better able to recognize appropriate requests in CSA scenarios than control group students over time. Teacher-student relations improved for the students in the intervention schools but worsened for the students in the control schools over time. Despite concerns that CSA prevention programs may result in the unintended consequence of making children more fearful, children in both conditions did not show increased fears over time. The longitudinal effect on CSA recognition was more pronounced among girls, who suffer from higher CSA prevalence, compared with boys. Implications for prevention, policy, and directions for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunha Kim
- Department of Counseling, School and Educational Psychology and University at Buffalo The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Tia E Kim
- Committee for Children and Seattle, Was, USA
| | - Amanda Nickerson
- Department of Counseling, School and Educational Psychology and University at Buffalo The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Morelli NM, Hong K, Elzie X, Garcia J, Evans MC, Duong J, Villodas MT. Bidirectional associations between family conflict and child behavior problems in families at risk for maltreatment. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 133:105832. [PMID: 36027861 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children's exposure to family conflict is associated with the development of behavior problems. However, it remains unclear whether this association (1) functions bidirectionally and (2) exists independent of more severe forms of violent victimization. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to examine bidirectional and transactional associations between family conflict and children's behavioral problems, controlling for time-varying violent victimization experiences. Invariance testing examined whether these models differed by gender and by maltreatment status prior to initial recruitment. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Participants were caregiver-child dyads identified prospectively as being at risk for maltreatment and family violence exposure prior to age four (N = 1281; 51.4 % female; 74.6 % persons of color). METHODS Caregivers were interviewed prospectively about family conflict, children's aggressive and delinquent behavior, and children's victimization experiences at child ages 6, 8, and 10. RESULTS After controlling for prior victimization, significant cross-lagged bidirectional associations were identified between family conflict and child behavior problems. Indirect effects from age 6 to age 10 externalizing problems through age 8 family conflict were not supported. Several bidirectional paths were stronger among boys than girls. Results revealed little evidence for moderation by prerecruitment maltreatment status. CONCLUSIONS Findings support a conceptualization of the family-child relationship that is reciprocal in nature and highlight the importance of non-violent, everyday negative family processes. Interventions aiming to improve child behavior problems by targeting severely dysfunctional family processes should also address non-violent, lower-level patterns of negative family interactions, such as everyday instances of blame, criticism, nonacceptance, and favoritism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M Morelli
- San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, United States of America.
| | - Kajung Hong
- San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, United States of America
| | - Xavier Elzie
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, United States of America
| | - Jackelyne Garcia
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, United States of America
| | - Meghan C Evans
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, United States of America
| | - Jacqueline Duong
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, United States of America
| | - Miguel T Villodas
- San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, United States of America; Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, United States of America
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Walsh C, Bradley SK, Goodwin J. "Unless they bring it up, I won't go digging": Psychiatric nurses' experiences of developing therapeutic relationships with adult survivors of child sexual abuse. Perspect Psychiatr Care 2022; 58:2497-2504. [PMID: 35383940 PMCID: PMC9790752 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.13085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to explore psychiatric nurses' experiences of developing therapeutic relationships with adult survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA). DESIGN AND METHODS A qualitative descriptive design was adopted. Semistructured interviews were conducted with six registered psychiatric nurses. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. FINDINGS Although participants were able to develop therapeutic relationships with survivors and cited the importance of interpersonal skills, they felt uncomfortable discussing CSA. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Given the importance of developing trusting relationships, more support needs to be provided for nurses so they can build stronger alliances with survivors of CSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Walsh
- Cork/Kerry Mental Health Services, HSE South, HSE, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - John Goodwin
- Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Tsur N, Najjar AA, Katz C. "Explode into small pieces": Suicidal ideation among child sexual abuse survivors. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 131:105780. [PMID: 35803028 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child sexual abuse (CSA) has been acknowledged as predisposing survivors to an increased risk of suicidal ideation and attempts. Despite this risk being widely recognized, the study of suicidality has mainly focused on psychopathology, while less attention has been given to survivors' experiences and perceptions. OBJECTIVE This study aims to uncover the experiences and perceptions of suicidality among adult CSA survivors. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTINGS The sample consisted of 41 adult CSA survivors' written narratives of abuse that included references to suicide. METHODS Written narratives of CSA experiences were collected from 41 adult participants as part of the Israeli Independent Public Inquiry on CSA to change public policy. An inductive thematic analysis guided the exploration of the stories. RESULTS The findings portrayed several main themes regarding the survivors' experiences before, during and after suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These themes elucidated their motivations leading to suicidal attempts, including the wish to end one's self and suffering, self-blame, communicate the abuse and the request for recognition. Additionally, the survivors' stories illuminated their experiences following the suicidal attempts, depicting inadequate treatment and difficulties with the psychiatric labeling of a mental health disorder. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study uncover new insights regarding the link between trauma, posttraumatic suffering, and suicidality within a social interaction context. Furthermore, these findings call medical and psychosocial health practitioners to view post-CSA suffering as trauma-related rather than personal psychopathology and to adjust practices to adapt to survivors' experiences and needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noga Tsur
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | | | - Carmit Katz
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Le T, Dang HM, Weiss B. Prevalence of adverse childhood experiences among Vietnamese high school students. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 128:105628. [PMID: 35413548 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) are linked to a range of negative health outcomes. However, the majority of research has been conducted in high-income-countries and little is known about ACE prevalence in low-and-middle-income-countries (LMIC), where the majority of the world's youth reside. OBJECTIVE Assess ACE prevalence and demographic correlates in two provinces of the Southeast Asian LMIC Vietnam. METHODS Prevalence of ACE were assessed among 644 Vietnamese high-school students, using the WHO Adverse Childhood Experiences-International Questionnaire. RESULTS About 74% of participants reported experiencing at least one ACE, with 27% reporting experiencing three or more ACE. Prevalence of sexual abuse was above 10% for both males and females. Sex differences were non-significant, suggesting child protective services should give consideration to both males and females. Factor analysis identified two patterns of ACE: Violence and Aggression in Family and Community, and Family Member Dysfunction. Three ACE (sexual abuse, emotional neglect, physical neglect) did not load on either factor. Thus, at least in our sample, sexual abuse was independent of other ACE, which indicates that it can occur in any context, among children in otherwise well-functioning families, an important consideration for child protective services. The lack of significant sex differences in sexual abuse means that Vietnamese boys need equal consideration for protection and support as girls. CONCLUSIONS Results indicate that ACE are a prevalent public health problem in Vietnam. Future research evaluating potential ACE risk factors such as authoritarian parenting may be useful to identify possible targets for prevention programs in Vietnam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trang Le
- Center of Research, Information and Services in Psychology, VNU University of Education, 144 Xuan Thuy, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Hoang-Minh Dang
- Center of Research, Information and Services in Psychology, VNU University of Education, 144 Xuan Thuy, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Viet Nam.
| | - Bahr Weiss
- Center of Research, Information and Services in Psychology, VNU University of Education, 144 Xuan Thuy, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Viet Nam; Department of Psychology and Human Development, Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
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Sexual Abuse vs. Sexual Freedom? A Legal Approach to the Age of Sexual Consent in Adolescents in Spanish-Speaking Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph181910460. [PMID: 34639760 PMCID: PMC8507833 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Child and adolescent sexual abuse (CSA) is an international public health problem. Despite the importance of CSA, there is no consensus definition, and the lack of consensus is related to difficulties in conducting prevalence studies as well as research in other areas. To establish a consensual definition, legal aspects such as the age of sexual consent and the difference in age or power between victim and aggressor as well as aspects related to sexual freedom and sexual indemnity must be considered. Therefore, the main goal of this research was to analyze the age of sexual consent in the legal systems of Spanish-speaking countries and to examine whether the Romeo and Juliet clause is established. To achieve the proposed aims, we employed the legal interpretation method, and we analyzed the current Criminal Codes of the 21 Spanish-speaking countries. From the results, it is found that the age of sexual consent varies between countries, establishing valid sexual consent between 13 and 18 years. In addition, only six countries have the Romeo and Juliet clause that protects sexual freedom in adolescents. Finally, we discussed the lack of consensus on the age of sexual consent and the limitations presented by the Romeo and Juliet clause.
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Profiling Children Sexual Abuse in a Sample of University Students: A Study on Characteristic of Victims, Abusers, and Abuse Episodes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094610. [PMID: 33925293 PMCID: PMC8123693 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Because of its prevalence and its potential negative consequences, child sexual abuse (CSA) is a public health problem in every country in the world. Knowledge of the characteristics of abuse episodes (victim, abuser, relationship between them, type of sexual contact, duration, threat and/or use of force) is essential to specify the contents of intervention programs for the detection and reduction of the negative consequences of CSA. Starting with an initial sample of 1605 university students of both sexes (70.9% women, 29.1% men), aged between 18 and 26 years (M = 21.1, SD = 2.2), 90 participants who had suffered an episode of CSA up to age 16 were selected (84.4% women, 15.6% men; Mage = 21.1, SD = 2.2). It was found that: (1) there was a higher prevalence of CSA among women and that the victims’ average age when they suffered abuse was around 11 years; (2) the abusers were mostly male, close to the victims, and with an average of slightly less than 30 years; and (3) there was a significant proportion (25.6%) of CSA cases with penetration and in which force was used or threatened. These results are relevant, as they show that there is still a noteworthy prevalence of CSA cases on university campuses that needs to be addressed. Knowing the characteristics of these episodes is critical to implementing more effective interventions.
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Fletcher K. A Systematic Review of the Relationship between Child Sexual Abuse and Substance Use Issues. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2021; 30:258-277. [PMID: 33017264 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2020.1801937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Child sexual abuse (CSA) and substance use issues later in life have been well documented in the literature. This systematic review from 2009 to 2019 provides an update on what is known about the relationship between CSA and substance use. While the review confirms a clear relationship between CSA and substance use, it also highlights some potential gaps in our current practices, including an acknowledgment of the other risk factors associated with CSA and substance use issues, as well as the need to develop treatment that specifically screens for and addresses CSA in the context of substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara Fletcher
- Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, Saskatoon, Canada
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Emotion regulation deficits mediate childhood sexual abuse effects on stress sensitization and depression outcomes. Dev Psychopathol 2020; 34:157-170. [PMID: 33023709 DOI: 10.1017/s095457942000098x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a notable risk factor for depressive disorders. Though multiply determined, increased sensitivity to stress (stress sensitization) and difficulty managing distress (emotion regulation) may reflect two pathways by which CSA confers depression risk. However, it remains unclear whether stress sensitization and emotion regulation deficits contribute to depression risk independently or in a sequential manner. That is, the frequent use of maladaptive emotion regulation responses and insufficient use of those that attenuate distress (adaptive emotion regulation) may lead to stress sensitization. We tested competing models of CSA, stress sensitization, and emotion regulation to predict depression symptoms and depressive affects in daily life among adults with and without histories of CSA. Results supported a sequential mediation: CSA predicted greater maladaptive repertoires that, in turn, exacerbated the effects of stress on depression symptoms. Maladaptive responses also exacerbated the effects of daily life stress on contemporaneous negative affect (NA) levels and their increase over time. Independent of stress sensitization, emotion regulation deficits also mediated CSA effects on both depressive outcomes, though the effect of maladaptive strategies was specific to NA, and adaptive responses to positive affect. Our findings suggest that emotion regulation deficits and stress sensitization play key intervening roles between CSA and risk for depression.
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Tutty LM. Children's Knowledge of Abuse Questionnaires (CKAQ)-Short: Two Brief Ten-Item Measures of Knowledge about Child Sexual Abuse Concepts. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2020; 29:513-530. [PMID: 31751187 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2019.1688443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Child-focused sexual abuse prevention programs were developed in the 1970s in response to significant concerns across North America with respect to children being sexually abused. While program evaluations are common, measures to evaluate these programs, most of which are offered to children in elementary schools, are not widely available. This article reviews the key concepts covered in CSA prevention education programs that comprise the constructs used to measure knowledge/attitude gains post-program. Available measures are reviewed and the psychometrics of two new 10-item versions (one for students in grades 1-2; the other for grades 3-6) of the CKAQ-33, a commonly used tool, are presented and psychometrically assessed with a sample of 7646 elementary school students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie M Tutty
- Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary , Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Castro Á, Ibáñez J, Maté B, Esteban J, Barrada JR. Childhood Sexual Abuse, Sexual Behavior, and Revictimization in Adolescence and Youth: A Mini Review. Front Psychol 2019; 10:2018. [PMID: 31543854 PMCID: PMC6728807 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is considered as an activity aimed at providing sexual pleasure, stimulation, or sexual gratification to an adult who uses a minor for this purpose, taking advantage of the situation of superiority. CSA can have devastating consequences for the child. Previous studies have concluded that those who suffer an episode of CSA perform more risky sexual behaviors and are more likely to experience further episodes of sexual victimization during adolescence and early youth. There are two theoretical contributions that, although they offer partial views, can help to understand the association between CSA, sexual behavior, and revictimization in adulthood: the traumagenic dynamics model and the information-motivation-behavioral skills model. This short review provides an overview of the problems and theoretical explanations that have been presented up to the present, underlining the importance of prevention and sex education as of childhood, as well as the need to continue investigating in order to develop specific theoretical models that help to understand and prevent CSA and its consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Castro
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain
| | - Javier Ibáñez
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain
| | - Berta Maté
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain
| | - Jessica Esteban
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain
| | - Juan Ramón Barrada
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain
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