Ten-year research update review: Child sexual abuse

Date

2003

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Abstract

Objective: To provide clinicians with current information on prevalence, risk factors, outcomes, treatment, and prevention of child sexual abuse (CSA). To examine the best-documented examples of psychopathology attributable to CSA. Method: Computer literature searches of Medline and PSYCInfo for key words. All English-language articles published after 1989 containing empirical data pertaining to CSA were reviewed. Results: CSA constitutes approximately 10% of officially substantiated child maltreatment cases, numbering approximately 88,000 in 2000. Adjusted prevalence rates are 16.8% and 7.9% for adult women and men, respectively. Risk factors include gender, age, disabilities, and parental dysfunction. A range of symptoms and disorders has been associated with CSA, but depression in adults and sexualized behaviors in children are the best-documented outcomes. To date, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) of the child and a nonoffending parent is the most effective treatment. Prevention efforts have focused on child education to increase awareness and home visitation to decrease risk factors. Conclusions: CSA is a significant risk factor for psychopathology, especially depression and substance abuse. Preliminary research indicates that CBT is effective for some symptoms, but longitudinal follow-up and large-scale “effectiveness” studies are needed. Prevention programs have promise, but evaluations to date are limited. (Author Abstract)

Description

Keywords

child sexual abuse, prevention, depression, sexualized behavior, literature review

Citation

Putnam, F. W. (2003). Ten-year research update review: Child sexual abuse. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 42(3), 269-278.

DOI