Factors associated with resilience in preschoolers reporting sexual abuse: A typological analysis

Date

2014

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

International Journal of Child and Adolescent Resilience

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to explore the diversity of profiles in sexually abused preschoolers and identify possible protective factors associated with individual differences in outcomes. Methods: A sample of 68 sexually abused children (ages 3½ – 6 ½ years old) and a comparison group of 78 children participated in the study. Parents evaluated children’s level of internalizing and externalizing behavior problems with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL; Achenbach & Rescorla, 2000; 2001). They also reported on within-child protective factors by completing the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA; LeBuffe & Naglieri, 1999), their resilience capacity (CD-RISC 10; Campbell-Sills & Stein, 2007) and coping strategies (WOC; Folkman & Lazarus, 1988). A two-step cluster analysis was used to identify relevant subgroups of children. Results: A three-cluster solution identified: a) High symptomatology subgroup whose members had clinically elevated scores on internalizing and externalizing behavior problems scales; b) moderate symptomatology group displaying significant externalizing behavior problems when compared to non-abused children, and c) resilient group of children displaying few behavior problems and benefiting from a host of protective factors. Conclusions and Implications: Results underscore the relevance of incorporating screenings for protective factors in addition to behavioral concerns in the assessments of sexually abused preschool-age children. Such an approach is likely to optimize the implementation of interventions for this vulnerable population.

Description

Keywords

International Resources, Canada, child sexual abuse, preschoolers, resilience, research

Citation

Hébert, M., Langevin, R., & Charest, F. (2014). Factors associated with resilience in preschoolers reporting sexual abuse: A typological analysis. International Journal of Child and Adolescent Resilience, 2(1), 46-58.

DOI