Chronic Avoidance Helps Explain the Relationship Between Severity of Childhood Sexual Abuse and Psychological Distress in Adulthood

• NCJ Number: 213157
• Journal: Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 14 Issue: 4 Dated: 2005 Pages: 25-41
• Author(s): M. Zachary Rosenthal; Mandra L. Rasmussen Hall; Kathleen M. Palm; Sonja V. Batten; Victoria M. Follette
• Date Published: 2005
• Length: 17 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study investigated whether self-reported severity of sexual abuse during childhood was associated with greater use of avoidance and trauma-related psychological distress.

Abstract

Overall, results supported the hypothesis that greater use of avoidance would be associated with greater psychological distress and the severity of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Specifically, CSA survivors who report sexual victimization before the age of 14 years may report more trauma-related distress symptoms when avoidance is used as a primary method of regulating negative emotions or thoughts. Participants were 151 female undergraduate students recruited through psychology courses who completed a series of questionnaires assessing sexual victimization during childhood, psychological measures of avoidance, and psychological distress. Measures included the Impact Event Scale, the Trauma Symptom Inventory, and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire. Statistical analysis techniques included bivariate correlations and multiple regression models. Future studies should focus on a comprehensive analysis of regulation processes among individuals with a history of sexual victimization. Tables, figure, references