NCJ Number
205225
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 25 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2001 Pages: 1159-1176
Editor(s)
Richard D. Krugman
Date Published
September 2001
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This study examined how mothers’ developmental history and current functioning affected their sexually abused children’s functioning and recovery.
Abstract
A number of studies indicate that a mother’s developmental history and current functioning can be associated with the subsequent recovery of a sexually abused child. This study attempted to explore the extent to which maternal developmental history, which is defined as problems in family origin, continuity of care, family history of substance abuse, and childhood sexual abuse, and maternal current functioning, which is defined as current substance abuse, domestic violence, ability to support her child after sexual abuse disclosure and trauma-related symptomatology, were correlated with domains of the child’s functioning. The study included a sample of 67 non-offending African-American mothers and their sexually abused children. Study findings indicate that maternal childhood experiences of inconsistent relationship with caregivers, sexual abuse, and family-of-origin problems were related to increased child psychological symptomatology. In addition, maternal current trauma symptomatology, substance abuse, and maternal support to the child were related to increased behavior problems in the sexually abused children. Overall, the findings indicate the importance of assessing and treating the mothers of sexually abused children to ensure the recovery and prevention of re-victimization of the child. References