Interpersonal and Psychological Functioning of Women Who Experienced Childhood Physical Abuse, Incest, and Parental Alcoholism

• NCJ Number: 151634
• Journal: Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 18 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1994) Pages: 849-857
• Author(s): K M Fox; B O Gilbert
• Date Published: 1994
• Length: 9 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Questionnaires assessing childhood physical abuse (CPA), childhood incest (CI), and parental alcoholism (ACOA) were completed by 253 female college students from introductory psychology classes at a large midwestern university.

Abstract

The analysis focused on the relationship between these variables and the level of depression; self-esteem; and involvement with physically abusive, sexually assaultive, sexually coercive, and chemically dependent partners was assessed. Results revealed support for an additive model of trauma that predicted a relationship between the number of childhood traumas and adult outcomes. Findings also indicated limited support for a specificity model of trauma that predicted that specific childhood trauma would be predictive of parallel negative adult outcomes. Findings suggested that clinicians need to investigate various types of childhood trauma and address specific types of associated problems. Tables and 32 references (Author abstract modified)