NCJ Number
146182
Journal
American Journal of Family Therapy Volume: 21 Issue: 3 Dated: (Fall 1993) Pages: 216-224
Date Published
1993
Length
9 pages
Annotation
The 22 women interviewed in this study were in a high- risk group for low self-esteem, depression, shame, and other long-term interpersonal difficulties due to their survival of childhood sexual abuse (CSA).
Abstract
The study sample was selected from a group of 75 adult women in Utah who had been sexually abused as children; 57 women completed a questionnaire, and 22 were interviewed. The women identified factors they felt were important in helping them survive CSA. All were currently employed and/or living in the community. The interview elicited information on age at onset of abuse, frequency of abuse, degree or nature of bodily penetration, and familial relationship between victim and perpetrator. The mean age of the women was 39 years. Unlike many of their contemporaries, the women were able to have relationships, stable careers, and healthy personalities. Resiliency factors included the ability to find emotional support outside the family, self-esteem, spirituality, external attribution of blame and cognitive style, and inner-directed locus of control. 17 references and 1 table