Thirteen physically abused six-year-olds were assessed in school for language development, educational attainments, and social adjustment, and compared with controls. There were no significant differences between the groups in language development or number skills, but the abused group did contain more high (maladjusted) scores on the Bristol…

Methods of coping with childhood sexual abuse were retrospectively studied with 54 adult women who had been sexually abused in childhood. "Denial" and "emotional repression" were the coping methods most commonly employed. Analysis suggested that avoidant/emotion suppressing strategies were associated with poorer adult psychological adjustment.…

Comparison of psychological and sexual functioning of 54 women sexually abused as children and 54 nonabused women found no differences in self-esteem, but abused women reported more symptoms of distress and psychological symptoms previously associated with sexual abuse. No differences in self-reported sexual satisfaction or dysfunction were found.…

Chart reviews and telephone interviews with 72 sexual abuse victims found that 48 of the children had symptoms similar to the "rape trauma" syndrome. Two-thirds of victims commonly had somatic complaints (such as abdominal pain) and emotional/behavioral problems (runaway behavior, suicide attempts). (DB)

The study explored the relationship between a history of childhood sexual abuse and later psychological and sexual adjustment of 582 college men. Few significant correlations emerged between early sexual abuse and later sexual adjustment, though several small but significant correlations were found with later psychological adjustment. (Author/DB)

Comparison of attitudes of 40 young adult substance abusers and 40 nonabusers found perceived parental rejection in childhood was higher among abusers than nonabusers and substance abusers were more impaired in their current psychological adjustment than nonabusers. These two variables and education level produced classification accuracy of 91.2…

In a study involving 383 college students, a number of small, but significant, relationships were found between history of childhood sexual abuse and measures of later psychological and sexual adjustment. However, when parental supportiveness was controlled, very few significant relationships emerged. (Author/CL)

Common emotional responses that parents of a child who has been sexually assaulted by someone external to the family exhibit include guilt regarding failure as a parent, ambivalent feelings toward the child, ambivalent feelings toward the offender, and concerns about the investigatory and judicial processes. (DB)

Thirty nine girls (aged 6 to 12) referred for suspected child sexual abuse were evaluated for the prevalence and severity of depression. Results indicated that 67% exhibited symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of depression. Severity of abuse was not significantly correlated with depression intensity scores. (DB)

Evaluation of the psychiatric histories and projective test responses of 102 sexually abused girls found that the following characteristics of abuse were significantly associated with greater psychological disturbance: more than one perpetrator, an early age of abuse onset, and periods of intense and frequent abuse episodes. A relatively stable…

This article examines effects of separation and divorce on children in the context of possible psychological maltreatment. Common behavior patterns of children in this situation are discussed in terms of those that are acceptable and those that must be considered harmful. (Author/DB)

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder developed in many youths who were exposed to multiple trauma in South Africa's black townships. A modified treatment program was developed for 60 youths, with the goals of alleviating symptoms, documenting events for court cases, and helping individuals reevaluate their position in the struggle against apartheid. (JDD)

Behavioral and emotional characteristics were compared for 29 sexually and 52 physically abused hospitalized psychiatric children. Results indicated that sexually abused children exhibited greater sexual behavior, fear/mistrust/anxiety, and withdrawal than physically abused or nonabused children. There were no significant differences between…

A follow-up study was conducted of the adult functioning of 19 people who were severely battered as young children. Results indicated highly variable outcomes. Little evidence of overt aggression was found, but resentment and suspiciousness scores were high. Findings indicate that early abusive trauma and adult functioning have no simple…

Evaluation of 11 children from 5 exile families with at least 1 parent having been subjected to torture found children were anxious, depressive, and regressive with psychosomatic symptoms, sleep disorders, and family and school problems. Coping strategies including isolation and withdrawal, mental flight, eagerness to acclimatize, and strength of…