NCJ Number
143516
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 17 Issue: 3 Dated: (May/June 1993) Pages: 393-400
Date Published
1993
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study investigated the prevalence of depression in a sample of 39 girls aged 6 to 12 who had been referred for evaluation of suspected child sexual abuse.
Abstract
In addition to determining the prevalence of depression in the sample, the study also examined the relationship of depressive symptoms to severity of abuse and potential mediator variables. Information on the children was obtained from the Child Behavior Checklist-Parent Form, the Child Depression Inventory, and the Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised. Information was also obtained on severity of abuse, depression criteria, supportiveness of mother, and life events. Results indicate that 67 percent of the children could be classified as experiencing symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of depression. Severity of abuse was not significantly correlated with depression intensity scores. Stepwise regression analyses revealed that a high number of stressful life events and low IQ were significant predictors of depression scores. The results confirm that the onset of depression in child sexual abuse survivors is often in childhood. Previous research has demonstrated that children who experience major depressive episodes are at a greater risk of subsequent episodes in adolescence and adulthood than children who are not depressed. Early detection and treatment may be able to avert the long-term sequelae of depression throughout life. 2 tables and 28 references