NCJ Number
145374
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: (1993) Pages: 23-40
Date Published
1993
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Researchers used the Past Experiences Questionnaire and the Ways of Coping Checklist-Revised to assess the coping strategies of 66 college women who reported childhood sexual abuse.
Abstract
The study focused on coping strategies used by victims at the time of the abuse and the relationship between these mechanisms, their perceptions of control over the abuse, and their adult adjustment. Victims tended to use emotion-focused coping skills to regulate their distress and problem-focused coping skills to affect the actual abuse situation. Most victims relied most on strategies that managed their own emotions by detaching themselves from the situation, wishing that it would improve, and keeping to themselves. Adult symptomology was associated strongly with the level of emotion-focused coping strategies, with greater use of these strategies correlated with higher levels of dysfunction. 3 tables, 1 note, and 24 references