Prevention and outcomes for victims of childhood sexual abuse: Associations between mental health, substance use, and sexual abuse experiences among Latinas
Date
2015
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of child sexual abuse
Abstract
This study examined self-reported sexually abusive experiences in childhood and adulthood as correlates of current drug use, alcohol abuse, and depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Participants were 204 Latina women 18–34 years old. Results indicated significant relationships between history of sexual abuse (regardless of age of occurrence), depression symptoms, PTSD symptoms, alcohol abuse, and drug use. When examined separately, childhood sexual abuse was associated with symptoms of depression, PTSD, and substance use but not alcohol abuse behaviors. Experiencing sexual abuse in adulthood was associated with symptoms of depression, alcohol abuse behaviors, and substance use but not PTSD symptoms. Structural equation modeling showed that substance use partially mediated the relationship between sexual abuse and mental health outcomes. These findings suggest mental health and substance use services should incorporate treatment for trauma, which may be the root of comorbid mental health and substance use issues
Description
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Keywords
child sexual abuse, adult survivors, substance abuse, posttraumatic stress, HIspanic
Citation
Ulibarri, M. D., Ulloa, E. C., & Salazar, M. (2015). Prevention and outcomes for victims of childhood sexual abuse: Associations between mental health, substance use, and sexual abuse experiences among Latinas. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 24(1), 35-54.