NCJ Number
216366
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 15 Issue: 3 Dated: 2006 Pages: 79-98
Date Published
2006
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This study examined the relationship between ethnicity and psychological symptoms related to childhood sexual abuse among Hispanic (n=19), African-American (n=19), and Caucasian (n=12) girls (ages 5-17)) who had been sexually abused.
Abstract
Study results partially support a growing body of research that indicates a relationship between ethnicity and psychological symptom levels in child victims of sexual abuse. African-American girls had higher levels of trauma-related avoidance symptoms than Hispanic girls. This is consistent with previous research that showed African-American girls were more likely than Hispanic girls to use withdrawal or avoidance as a primary coping strategy following childhood sexual abuse. On avoidance symptoms, there was no significant difference between African-Americans and Caucasians or Hispanics and Caucasians. There were no significant differences between Hispanic and African-Americans, Hispanic and Caucasian, or African-Americans in depression. No significant differences were found between ethnic groups for depression or intrusive symptoms. Future research should continue systematic efforts to determine how the cultural context in which sexual abuse occurs may explain the psychological and social processes related to abuse effects. The characteristics of the abuse were assessed regarding type of victimization, number of incidents, and perpetrator-victim relationship. The Children's Depression Inventory measured beliefs/perceptions, feelings, and behavioral signs of depression. The Impact of Event Scale assessed posttraumatic stress symptoms of avoidance and intrusive thoughts and feelings following a traumatic event. The Piers-Harris children's Self-Concept Scale assessed childhood and adolescent self-esteem. 4 tables and 66 references