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impacts of child sexual abuse
impacts of child sexual abuse
impacts of child sexual abuse
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Adulthood Implications Due to a History of Child Sexual Abuse Daniela Cerda Vega Mills College Abstract Childhood sexual abuse leads to negative consequences that result in a many psychological problems during adulthood such as sexual dysfunction, sleep deprivation, and low self-esteem. It is important to analyze the post traumatic implications that may result as soon as childhood or as late as adulthood. I investigated 3 main factors that may affect the victim, such as the relationship between …show more content…
Sleeping interference is a subject that is less focused on or tested, and it is an important public health concern, since it can result in a permanent effect on the victim’s mental and physical well-being well into adulthood(Mackenzie J. Lind, 2015). The main purpose of this paper was to determine if any powerful form of CSA, was associated with insomnia symptoms in adulthood. In the all-female sample, having a history of CSA was associated with a 1.67 times increased risk for higher insomnia symptom severity in adulthood, which confirms that CSA is related to subjective sleep disturbances 25–30 years after abuse(Lind, 2015). Researchers hypothesized that sleep plays a huge role in future psychopathology breakdowns. To reduce depression, treatment with cognitive–behavioral therapy and antidepressants for insomnia has been found to be effective on survivors. Treatment of sleep problems in PTSD has also proved to reduce PTSD symptoms and has improved sleeping conditions(Lind, 2015). However, the treatment of sleep disturbances may be different depending on the trauma history a survivor may experience.. To test their hypothesis, they used an adult twin sample, age group adulthood, ages 18 years and older. Both sexes were tested with a broad CSA variable and abuse characteristics. A sum score of past-month insomnia symptoms was calculated from the Symptom Checklist-90(Lind). Finally, A random clinical test involving the use of interpersonal psychotherapy found that patients with current depression and a history of CSA showed less improvement in insomnia symptoms than those without CSA(Lind, 2015). The SCL-90 measured difficulty falling asleep, sleep that is distressed or restless, and awakening in the early morning. Estimated factor loadings were
McNally, R. J., Clancy, S. A., Schacter, D. L., & Pitman, R. K. (2000). Cognitive processing of trauma cues in adults reporting repressed, recovered, or continuous memories of childhood sexual abuse. Journal Of Abnormal Psychology, 109(3), 355-359. doi:10.1037/0021-843X.109.3.355
...hor, D. (1986). Impact of child sexual abuse: A review of the research. Psychological Bulletin, 99(1), 66-77. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.99.1.66
This paper outlines the consequences of child sexual abuse (CSA) based on the examination of results from multiple researches previously fulfilled concerning the psychological and physical impact of this crime, information of statistics, warning signs detected, victims’ performances, and emotional state. Sexual abuse causes severe trauma on child victims that will last for the course of their lives, therefore it is critical to identify and improve the therapeutic methods utilized to treat CSA survivors.
Children who have been abused are left with more than just physical scars. They have many psychological, emotional, and behavioral problems as well. Their social lives are affected dramatically, and they suffer lifelong effects. (Lambert) Children tend to be emotionally disturbed years after the abuse, many have IQ scores lower than average, and some have even been classified as mentally retarded. Children who have been abused also show signs of personality and neurological changes. (Oates 119) Sexual abuse has been linked to nightmares, bed wetting, sadness, clinging behavior, and anxiety. Children also showed more aggressive and anti-social behaviors. (Oates 127) Adults who were sexually abused are more prone to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and drug or alcohol problems. (Oates 132-133) Studies show overwhelming evidence of the effects abuse can have on a child, and the way the effects continue into their adult lives. (Oates 135)
Several studies found that alcohol abuse and suicidal ideation was usually accompanied by trauma related insomnia and nightmares. In a longitudinal study, Pigeon, Campbell, Possemato, & Ouimette (2013), examined the prevalence of insomnia and nightmares after six months in eighty combat veterans who met the criteria for sub threshold PTDS. Interviews and self-reports were conducted to measure the severity of insomnia and/or nightmares associated with PTSD (Pigeon et al., 2013). Results indicated that a high PTSD symptom severity level was associated with insomnia; more frequent nightmares; greater alcohol use; and symptoms of depression in the past six months (Pigeon et al., 2013). After six months, veterans were reassessed for whether the insomnia and nightmares frequencies had improved (Pigeon et al., 2013). Out of the entire group of veterans “74% presented with insomnia and 61% endorsed distressing nightmares” (Pigeon et al., 2013, p.549). By the end of the six months, veterans reported a 26% decline in nightmares and a no change in insomnia (Pigeon et al., 2013). The findings demonstrated “a strong association between the presence of sleep disturbance (both insomnia and nightmares) and the severity of both PTSD and depressive symptoms; that the persistence of these symptoms is particularly associated with insomnia; and that insomnia itself does not spontaneously resolve” (Pigeon et al., 2013, p.549). This research established the need for MHNs to implement interventions that will help individuals to cope with the trauma related distress that could contribute drug abuse; suicidal ideation; and insomnia and nightmares. Early interventions for PTSD are necessary to control, reduce or prevent symptoms and the risks they ma...
Not all children can show the manifest symptoms, some children may not be so disturbed by physical abuse, but also they may show latent symptoms that show that the children are suffering from sexual abuse, such symptoms are psychological torment. Some of these symptoms may include; nightmares and sleeping problems, changes in the eating habits, outburst of anger, uncontrollable fear of certain people or places, strong fear of being left alone with some individuals among many others (Hornbacher, 2009). A number of ...
In Chapter1 of How Children Succeed Paul Tough argues that trauma in childhood would cause a negative effect on children. However, this negative effect can be changed.
Adults experiencing the effects of past or current trauma may display such symptoms as difficulty beginning new tasks, blame, guilt, concern for safety, depression, inability to trust (especially those in power), fear of risk taking, disturbed sleep, eroded self-esteem/confidence, inability to concentrate, or panic attacks (Mojab and McDonald 2001). Some people may manifest no symptoms; at the other end of the spectrum is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, characterized by flashbacks, avoidance, numbing of responsiveness (including substance abuse), persistent expectation of danger, constriction (dissociation, zoning out), and memory impairment (Isserlis 2001).
Sexual abuse cannot be clearly defined with ease. In fact, sexual abuse is an umbrella term for any sort of situation, whether or not it involves physical contact, in which a sexually immature child is exposed to anything sexual in nature. Because no child is psychologically mature enough for sexual stimulation, the complex feelings associated with it are mentally and emotionally disfiguring. Children who have been sexually abused experience an array of negative emotions such as shame, guilt and anger, and may display oddly withdrawn or distrustful behaviors. They cannot help but feel that they somehow brought the abuse unto themselves (Saisan, et al). One major contributing factor to these severe psychological consequences is the concept of trust. Sexual abuse is, in most cases, committed by a parent or other trusted adult figure. While children are naïve on such adult topics, they can still get an overwhelming feeling that the attention is wrong, yet they are unsure of how to cope with it. If the child has an emotional atta...
Today, impact of the harsh attempts of assimilation through residential schools and the sixty scoop has resulted Indigenous persons to experience marginalization, joblessness, poverty, family violence, drug and alcohol abuse, emotional, and sexual abuse, family breakdown, homelessness, imprisonment, and early death (Government of Canada, 1996). When looking at impact of intergenerational trauma, and how it is still manifest today, it is important to understand its affects on the individual, family, and community level (cite). The impact of intergenerational trauma on the individual level refers to the lack of connection to their family, community or culture; low self-esteem; addictions; unemployment; depression and/or other mental health issues;
Probably one of the most damaging, and longest lasting effects of assault, is the emotional turmoil that follows afterwards. Every victim’s response is unique, and they suffer from a range of emotional disorders, from depression to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Survivors of sexual assault are more likely to become depressed, anxious, engage in risky behavior, develop an eating
It was middle school. A time where my peers and I begin to question everything, develop, and mature. I was in the 8th grade when I found out a close friend of mine was self-harming. The news was difficult to process. I was frightened. I was still trying to figure out myself and the world, how was I to help my friend? At first, I decided maybe it was not my situation to handle and just keep quiet. It was not up to me to resolve her problem for her. Maybe she would stop. But, it soon flooded my mind with thoughts and questions, what if it she committed considerable damage to herself? I could not keep it in much longer and I decided I did not care if my friend felt mad at me for letting an adult know. She needed help. I decided to go to a teacher
As a result of the experience of emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse in childhood, it has various effects for the mental health, and physical health of children. Inter-personal and social functioning during the childhood and adulthood accompanies these three types of abuses. Childhood victims of these forms of abuse have more regularly psycho-pathological difficulties, physiological difficulties, anxiety, more somatic complaints, depression, low communication skills, problems in emotional adjustment, high levels rates of aggression, violent behavior, and abused children will have a higher chance at demonstrating lower academic achievements than non -abused children. All of these effects of childhood abuse can be counted as short term and long term effects depending on how severe the abuse was, and the childhood age period.
It is most important to understand that children and teens of all racial, religious, ethnic, gender and age groups, at all socio-economic levels are sexually abused. Although there are risk factors that may increase the possibility of sexual abuse, sex abuse can be found in all types of families, communities, and cultures (The Scope of, 2016). Childhood sexual abuse is an important issue to address because the impact of sexual does not end when the abuse ends. Childhood trauma follows into adulthood and can have long-range effects. “Survivors of sexual abuse are at significantly greater risks for severe and chronic mental health issues, including alcoholism, depression, anxiety, PTSD and high risk behaviors” (The Scope Of, 2016). Victims may experience traumatic sexualization, or the shaping of their sexuality in “developmentally inappropriate” and “interpersonally dysfunctional” ways (Effects of Child, 2012). “A child who is the victim of prolonged sexual abuse usually develops low self-esteem, a feeling of worthlessness and an abnormal or distorted view of sex. The child may become withdrawn and mistrustful of adults, and can become suicidal” (Effects of Child, 2012). Overall, the effects and impact of childhood sexual abuse are long lasting and do not diminish when the abuse ends, their childhood trauma follows them into
Understanding the correlation between a child abuse and the possible effects it may have on a growing child is vital. This study suggested that the long-term impacts of child abuse included disease risk factors, adverse quality of life, and mortality. A total of 8,506 participants were utilized ranging from 19-92 years old. Overall, groups were similar in their years of education and gender; however, race was not accounted for evenly. White participants made up about79% of the participant pool while the remainder subjects were of mixed races. The Adverse Childhood Experience Study (ACE) was used to measure the participants. Within this study, three categories of abuse were reviewed: psychological, physical, and contact sexual abuse. The ACE questionnaires were mailed out to all participants, and addressed childhood abuse issues while growing up. The questions were derived from several other screening tests. For example, to identify sexual abuse, questions from the Wyatt Test were used. One question read “As a child were you ever raped or sexually molested?” Results from this study revealed a prevalence and risk increase for those who experienced childhood abuse relating to depression, suicide attempts, poor overall health, and obesity. There was also an indication of increase in the use of illicit drugs and