NCJ Number
116068
Journal
Psychotherapy Volume: 24 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1987) Pages: 154-159
Date Published
1987
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This study examines the long-term effects of familial and nonfamilial sexual abuse on a group of women in psychotherapy.
Abstract
A total of 87 subjects participated in all phases of the study, responding to a sexual abuse screening checklist and a questionnaire assessing their feelings as well as participating in structured interviews. The subjects were predominantly white, young, and single, with a mean age of approximately 30 years. Over half of the women had never been married, over 20 percent were separated or divorced, and 9 percent were married at the time of the study. All had completed high school, a large number had college degrees, and most were employed. Sixty-one of the subjects reported a total of 151 incidents of sexual abuse. Those reporting incest experienced a greater number of sexual abuse incidents than did those reporting non-familial sexual abuse. Incest victims also recalled less anger and higher anxiety levels at the time of the abuse. The study indicates that victims of familial sexual abuse make in incomplete recovery from the abuse and are at greater risk for further abuse and psychiatric hospitalization than are victims of nonfamilial sexual abuse. Victims of familial sexual abuse experience continued negative feelings and lowered self-esteem. 10 references. (Author abstract modified)