Does The Impact of Child Sexual Abuse Differ from Maltreated But Non-Sexually Abused Children?

Child sexual abuse (CSA) continues to be a significant problem with significant short and long term consequences. However, extant literature is limited by the reliance on retrospective recall of adult samples, single-time assessments, and lack of longitudinal data during the childhood and adolescent years. 

The purpose of this study was to compare internalizing and externalizing behavior problems of those with a history of sexual abuse to those with a history of maltreatment, but not sexual abuse. We examined whether gender moderated problems over time. Data were drawn from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN) at ages 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 (N=977). The Child Behavior Checklist was used to assess internalizing and externalizing problems. Maltreatment history and types were obtained from official Child Protective Services (CPS) records. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) were used to assess behavior problems over time by maltreatment group. 

Findings indicated significantly more problems in the CSA group than the maltreated group without CSA over time. Internalizing problems were higher for sexually abused boys compared to girls. For sexually abused girls internalizing problems, but not externalizing problems increased with age relative to boys. This pattern was similar among maltreated but not sexually abused youth. 

Further efforts are needed to examine the psychological effects of maltreatment, particularly CSA longitudinally as well as better understand possible gender differences in order to best guide treatment efforts.

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By:   Lewis T1, McElroy E1, Harlaar N1, Runyan D1.

• 1The Kempe Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse and Neglect, University of Colorado, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, USA. 

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Child Maltreatment and Sexual Risk Behavior: Maltreatment Types and Gender Differences

To compare sexual risk behaviors in maltreated male and female sexually active adolescents with a comparison population and examine whether specific maltreatment experiences were associated with sexual risk behaviors and teen pregnancy.

Data came from the fourth assessment (M = 7.2 years after baseline) of an ongoing longitudinal study with case-control design. The sample was restricted to only the sexually active adolescents, leaving a sample of 251 (n = 82 comparison, n = 169 maltreated, mean age = 18.49 years, SD = 1.46). Maltreatment type was coded from case records, and sexual behaviors were assessed via computerized questionnaire.

• Maltreated youth were significantly younger at first consensual intercourse than comparison youth, and males were younger than females. 
• Maltreated males reported significantly higher number of lifetime sexual partners than maltreated females. 
• Neglected, sexually abused, and physically abused youth were more likely to have had a one-night stand than comparison youth. 
• Sexually abused females were at higher risk of having sex under the influence than other maltreated females. 
• Neglected females were more likely to have ever been pregnant than females with other maltreatment types or comparison females. 
• A higher number of maltreatment victimizations predicted a younger age at first pregnancy involvement for both sexes.

Many maltreated youth continue to be at high risk for engaging in behaviors that may initiate a trajectory of problematic sexual behaviors. The findings highlight maltreated males and neglected females as vulnerable groups that should be targeted in prevention efforts to curtail sexual risk behaviors and prevent teenage pregnancy.

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By: Negriff S1, Schneiderman JU, Trickett PK.

• 1School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.
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