NCJ Number
167613
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 12 Issue: 4 Dated: (August 1997) Pages: 590-599
Date Published
1997
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study investigated the influence of childhood physical abuse and gender on intimacy.
Abstract
A total of 148 female and 128 male university students participated in the study. The Family Conflict Questionnaire was developed, based on the Child Physical Maltreatment Scale; this form assessed the presence or absence and degree of abuse in participants' childhoods. Using the Intimacy Attitude Scale Revised, subjects' feelings and attitudes toward others and relationships with others were measured. The Identity and Intimacy subscales of the Erikson Psychosocial Stage Inventory were also used. All data were analyzed by using Statistical Analysis System. As predicted, the results show a statistically significant difference in intimacy between abused and nonabused participants. Further, there is evidence that difficulty with intimacy may further predispose individuals to numerous other negative sequelae often reported by adult survivors of childhood physical abuse, such as heightened levels of depression, anxiety, and general distress, as well as additional revictimization experiences. Neither intimacy measures revealed statistically significant gender differences, even though scores were in the predicted direction. This article notes study limitations and offers suggestions for future research. 24 references