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Attrash-Najjar A, Tener D, Katz C. "One Day It Will Be Over, and You Will See Other Landscapes. . . You Are Not Alone": Adult Survivors' Messages to Children Undergoing Child Sexual Abuse. J Interpers Violence 2023; 38:11138-11164. [PMID: 37431742 PMCID: PMC10466942 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231178496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Child sexual abuse (CSA) has received considerable attention from scholars, contributing to policy, intervention, and prevention efforts worldwide. However, survivors' involvement in this research is limited. This study was designed to delve into the messages of adult CSA survivors to abused children. In all, 371 written testimonies were provided to the Israeli Independent Public Inquiry on CSA by survivors from diverse communities in Israel. The Inquiry aimed to promote change in policies related to CSA. The testimonies were analyzed using the qualitative thematic analysis method. The results revealed five main messages emphasized by survivors to children experiencing CSA: (a) transferring the responsibility and guilt from children to perpetrators and society; (b) turning toward the light and continuing on; (c) disclosure is essential; (d) a happy life is possible; and (e) together we can survive. The discussion emphasizes how various systems in survivors' lives have profound impacts following the abuse. Although survivors were from diverse backgrounds, their messages to abused children were consistent. Through their messages to the children, the survivors emphasized their wish to transfer responsibility and guilt from children experiencing abuse to the society that is supposed to see, listen, protect, and validate. Implications for practice are discussed, focusing on the importance of making room for survivors' voices and experiences in the processes of shaping policies in the area of CSA. Moreover, the survivors' desire to be there for the children emphasized the urgent need to promote the perception of survivors as key stakeholders in the field of child abuse and to integrate their experiences and perceptions into the formal and informal systems for children.
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Chen WL. Adverse Experiences in Late Adolescence and Young Adulthood Disadvantages. J Youth Adolesc 2023; 52:585-97. [PMID: 36449209 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-022-01714-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Despite extensive research documenting associations between adverse early-life experiences and negative outcomes in later life, little is known about how adverse experiences in late adolescence relate to young adulthood disadvantages. This study examines the role of adverse experiences during late adolescence on young adults' education and work trajectories in Taiwan. Drawing theories and research from human development and sociology, the study links indicators of disadvantages in young adulthood to measures of adverse experiences in late adolescence using data from the Taiwan Youth Project data (n = 1221; median ages 18, 20, and 22; 49.4% female). The analysis found that running away from home was associated with instability in education or employment and that having cumulative adverse experiences was associated with graduating with debt and instability in education or employment. Some associations were explained by financial pressure, however, taken together, the findings suggest that certain adverse experiences in late adolescence have a significant impact on disadvantaged education and work trajectories in young adulthood.
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Kairyte A, Truskauskaite I, Daniunaite I, Gelezelyte O, Zelviene P. Resilience trajectories and links with childhood maltreatment in adolescence: a latent growth modeling approach. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:10. [PMID: 36658591 PMCID: PMC9851572 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00558-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current definitions of resilience can be addressed as a process, an outcome, or a trait. Empirical studies should be carried out to determine the most appropriate definition for it. Therefore, the main aim of the current study was to investigate changes in adolescents' resilience over two years and explore the links between resilience and different forms of child maltreatment. METHODS The three-wave longitudinal study "Stress and resilience in adolescence" (STAR-A) sample was comprised of a general school-based sample of Lithuanian adolescents [baseline N = 1295, 56.7% females; M(SD)age = 14.24 (1.26)]. Resilience was measured using the 14-item Resilience Scale (RS-14), lifetime exposure to maltreatment was measured at wave 1 using a questionnaire developed by the Norwegian Center for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies (NKVTS), risk of psychopathology-using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). The changes in resilience scores over the period of two years were investigated using the latent growth modeling approach. RESULTS The analyses revealed two classes of resilience-stable higher and stable lower. We found that experience of at least one form of abuse was significantly more prevalent in the lower resilience group in comparison to the higher resilience group. Also, adolescents with lower resilience had a higher probability of psychopathology. CONCLUSIONS This study provided meaningful insights into the stability of resilience over time in adolescence and its relation to various types of child maltreatment. Experiences of maltreatment, as well as risk for psychopathology, were linked to lower resilience in adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agniete Kairyte
- Center for Psychotraumatology, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Vilnius University, M. K. Ciurlionio str. 29, Vilnius, 01300, Lithuania.
| | - Inga Truskauskaite
- grid.6441.70000 0001 2243 2806Center for Psychotraumatology, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Vilnius University, M. K. Ciurlionio str. 29, Vilnius, 01300 Lithuania
| | - Ieva Daniunaite
- grid.6441.70000 0001 2243 2806Center for Psychotraumatology, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Vilnius University, M. K. Ciurlionio str. 29, Vilnius, 01300 Lithuania
| | - Odeta Gelezelyte
- grid.6441.70000 0001 2243 2806Center for Psychotraumatology, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Vilnius University, M. K. Ciurlionio str. 29, Vilnius, 01300 Lithuania
| | - Paulina Zelviene
- grid.6441.70000 0001 2243 2806Center for Psychotraumatology, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Vilnius University, M. K. Ciurlionio str. 29, Vilnius, 01300 Lithuania
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Marshall C, Fernet M, Langevin R. Intergenerational Continuity of Child Sexual Abuse: Comparison of Mother and Emerging Adult Dyads. J Child Sex Abus 2023; 32:40-59. [PMID: 36398799 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2022.2147888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Sexual abuse trauma can have long-term implications for individuals in terms of psychological functioning, relationships, and socio-environmental circumstances, all of which are elements that could explain the CSA intergenerational continuity phenomenon. There are few empirical studies drawing comparisons between families to identify factors associated with the intergenerational (dis)continuity of CSA. The objectives of this study are to compare mother and emerging adult dyads to determine differences between cycle maintainers, cycle breakers, cycle initiators, and a control group in terms of maternal maltreatment histories, mental health, attachment, and socio-environmental characteristics. A sample of 186 dyads was recruited across Canada to participate in an online study. The study represents a cross-sectional design and bivariate and multivariate analyses were used. The results support prior research that there is a higher risk of CSA in dyads where the mother experienced CSA (OR = 1.38). Compared to cycle initiators, maintainers reported greater psychological distress (M = 27.23; 35.18), and lower mother-rated parent-child attachment (M = 115.83; 111.43). Maintainers reported more post-traumatic stress symptoms only in comparison to the control group (M = 24.82; 10.13). Mothers in cycle maintaining dyads were exposed to more acts of domestic violence than those in cycle breaking dyads (OR = 2.43). No group differences were observed for intimate partner attachment. Findings should be replicated using robust methodological designs (e.g., longitudinal, mixed methods). Preventative efforts should target at-risk families to reduce the chance of intergenerational CSA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mylène Fernet
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Xiao W, Rong F, Li S, Xu H, Jin Z, Li R, Yu W, Tao F, Wan Y. Co-occurrence patterns of adverse childhood experiences and their associations with non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal behaviors and gender difference among middle school students: A three-city survey in China. J Affect Disord 2023; 320:140-147. [PMID: 36181912 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.09.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has found increasing evidence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) leading to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal behaviors. Most studies have focused on a certain type or timing of ACEs or the patterns of multiple types; however, few of them have examined the patterns of ACEs combined types and timing and the gender differences in the association between ACEs and self-harming behaviors. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted in three Chinese cities from November 2020 to May 2021. We asked 16,853 middle school students to anonymously complete a questionnaire to provide the details of their own ACEs and NSSI or suicidal behaviors. RESULTS Latent class analysis identified four classes: high ACEs (10 %), high abuse/neglect (20.3 %), moderate ACEs (26.7 %) and low ACEs (43 %). Logistic regression models demonstrated that students in the high ACEs, high abuse/neglect and moderate ACEs subgroups were more likely to engage in NSSI and suicidal behaviors than students with low ACEs. Compared with boys, girls had a higher probability of engaging in NSSI and suicidal behaviors when exposed to the same level of ACEs. CONCLUSION Co-occurrence of ACEs is associated with high risk of NSSI and suicidal behaviors. Our findings recognized the most dangerous patterns and latent class membership, which supply the evidence for policy makers to adopt preventive measures to protect high-risk individuals. Strategies to relieve the impact of ACEs, especially on girls, need to be considered comprehensively. LIMITATIONS The study was limited by cross-sectional design, as causality could not be confirmed. In addition, because our survey was retrospective, potential recall bias can not be ignored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Xiao
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health & Aristogenics, Anhui, China
| | - Fan Rong
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health & Aristogenics, Anhui, China
| | - Shuqin Li
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health & Aristogenics, Anhui, China
| | - Huiqiong Xu
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health & Aristogenics, Anhui, China
| | - Zhengge Jin
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health & Aristogenics, Anhui, China
| | - Ruoyu Li
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health & Aristogenics, Anhui, China
| | - Weiqiang Yu
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health & Aristogenics, Anhui, China
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health & Aristogenics, Anhui, China
| | - Yuhui Wan
- Teaching Center for Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China.
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Assini-Meytin LC, Thorne EJ, Sanikommu M, Green KM, Letourneau EJ. Impact of Child Sexual Abuse on Socioeconomic Attainment in Adulthood. J Adolesc Health 2022; 71:594-600. [PMID: 35705424 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2022.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE While child sexual abuse (CSA) victimization is linked to adverse mental and behavioral health outcomes, few studies have examined the association between CSA and socioeconomic attainment in adulthood, particularly for men. This study assesses the impacts of CSA victimization on socioeconomic outcomes in adulthood, separately for men and women. METHODS Analyses are based on the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health restricted use dataset. Adolescent to Adult Health is a nationally representative cohort of teenagers in grades 7-12 (1994-1995; N = 20,000) followed to ages 33-44 (2016-2018; N = 12,300). These analyses were based on N = 10,119 participants. We used propensity score weighting to equate on observed confounders of those who experienced CSA victimization with those who had not. All analyses were conducted in the R statistical software. RESULTS In this analytical sample, 25.2% of women and 9.8% of men reported of having been sexually abused as a child. Results from propensity score weighted models showed that by their late 30s, men and women who experienced CSA had lower educational attainment, lower odds of being financially stable, and a decrease in household income compared to their peers. CSA was associated with lower odds of being employed among women only. DISCUSSION Findings from this study suggest that men and women who survive CSA, experience socioeconomic disadvantages in adulthood relative to peers who did not experience CSA. Preventive programs and treatment and other services for survivors of CSA could positively impact individuals' economic productivity over the life course, reducing the individual and societal costs associated with CSA victimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana C Assini-Meytin
- Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Mental Health, Baltimore, Maryland.
| | - Evelyn J Thorne
- Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Mental Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mythili Sanikommu
- Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Mental Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kerry M Green
- University of Maryland, School of Public Health, Department of Behavioral and Community Health, College Park, Maryland
| | - Elizabeth J Letourneau
- Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Mental Health, Baltimore, Maryland
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Schuyler AC, Catania JA. Trauma Chronicity and the Long-Term Needs of Childhood Sexual Trauma Survivors. Sexes 2022; 3:367-384. [DOI: 10.3390/sexes3030028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Research has linked childhood sexual trauma (CST) with adverse adult outcomes (AAOs) that span physical, psychological, and social domains of functioning. Differences in conceptualizing and measuring CST, however, have inhibited the examination of trauma-related variables hypothesized to impact adult outcomes. We used National Sexual Health Survey (NSHS; 1995–1996) data to examine trauma chronicity (i.e., duration) and AAOs (domains: physical and mental health, close relationships, and achievement). The NSHS (N = 6537, 18–70 years) assessed duration using perpetrator-specific CST reports. Adjusting for background characteristics, we examined CST duration in relation to AAOs and CST-related help-seeking. Approximately 8% of participants reported CST. Chronic (vs. single-exposure) CST survivors were at substantially higher risk of experiencing AAOs [i.e., mean AAOs and specific AAOs (e.g., physical and emotional health problems, divorce/separation, and poverty)]. CST had direct effects on sexual dysfunction and satisfaction, and on relationship stressors which may impact sexual relationship quality. Although 62% of CST survivors did not seek help, those with more chronic CST histories reported a higher prevalence of trauma-related help-seeking. Our work underscores the importance of examining CST chronicity in relation to long-term developmental outcomes. Chronicity assessment may be an important screening tool in the therapeutic context and in broader community screening efforts.
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Gresham B, Karatekin C. The role of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in predicting academic problems among college students. Child Abuse Negl 2022:105595. [PMID: 35382940 PMCID: PMC10117202 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The complex associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and academic performance among college students are not well understood. The following aims were examined in this longitudinal study: the direct association of ACEs on academic problems after 4 years without (1) and with accounting for other academic risk factors (2a), the possible mechanisms linking ACEs and academic problems (2b). PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING First-semester freshmen (N = 268; 71.3% female; Mage = 18.30; 76.9% White, 14.6% Asian, 3.7% Black, 2.6% multiracial, 1.1% Native American, and 1.1% other) were recruited from a Midwestern U.S. university. METHODS Participants reported their ACEs, intrinsic motivation, psychological distress, and financial status as first-semester freshmen. Administrative records (i.e., SAT/ACT scores, GPA, courses taken not counted toward degree progress, and graduation) were collected prospectively over 4 years. Structural equation modeling was used to test the research aims. Post-hoc analyses without SAT/ACT scores were conducted. RESULTS ACEs were associated with academic problems assessed 4 years later, when studied in isolation (β = 0.36, p < .001) but not after adjusting for other risk factors (β = 0.08, p = .278). Psychological distress and SAT/ACT scores during the first semester predicted academic problems 4 years later (β = 0.33 and - 0.38, p < .001). There was an indirect effect of ACEs on academic problems through psychological distress (β = 0.13, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS There is a need to expand mental health services and address barriers to utilization on college campuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bria Gresham
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, United States of America.
| | - Canan Karatekin
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, United States of America.
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MacIntosh HB, Ménard AD. Where are We Now? A Consolidation of the Research on Long-term Impact of Child Sexual Abuse. J Child Sex Abus 2021; 30:253-257. [PMID: 33988087 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2021.1914261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This manuscript provides an introduction to the special issue: Where are we now? A consolidation of the research on long-term impact of child sexual abuse. Over the past thirty years, there has been an explosion of research about the long-term impacts of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) on adult functioning and wellbeing. However, the consolidation of this vast literature has not kept up with the creation of new research despite the complexity and sophistication of these newer investigations. We have compiled a special issue of the Journal of Child Sexual Abuse to summarize and analyze this vast literature into a cohesive, consolidated whole. The goal of this issue was to consolidate recent research about the effects of CSA on alcohol and substance use in survivors, revictimization, sexual risk and sexual well-being and couple and parenting functioning.
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