Keywords

Behavior disorders in children; Child prostitution; Child sexual abuse; Sex crimes; Sexually abused children

Abstract

This study investigates the level of social competency and presence of behavioral problems associated with young sexually abused children ages 4 to 8, as compared to those among a comparable sample of nonabused young children. Thirty-two parents or guardians, 16 in each group, completed the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist for each child. Characteristics of the abuse were addressed on an additional questionnaire. Data was collected on 12 female and 4 male children in each group. The results indicated that the amount and severity of behavior problems was greater and social competency levels were lower among the sexually abused children than that of the nonabused sample. However, sexually abused children were perceived to exhibit significantly higher levels of each problem than nonabused children with the exception of the problem identified as somatic complaints. Nonsignificant results were found when comparisons were made of the behavior problem level and characteristics of the abuse. These findings are consistent with previous research and further support the existence of problem behaviors among young sexually abused children. Suggestions for future research in this area and the clinical utility of the current findings are discussed.

Notes

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Graduation Date

1987

Semester

Spring

Advisor

McGuire, John M.

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Psychology

Degree Program

Psychology

Format

PDF

Pages

31 p.

Language

English

Rights

Public Domain

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Identifier

DP0020676

Contributor (Linked data)

John M. McGuire (Q59421427)

Accessibility Status

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Psychology Commons

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