Child Sexual Abuse, Self-esteem, and Delinquent Behaviors During Adolescence: The Moderating Role of Gender
Date
2021
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Publisher
Journal of interpersonal violence
Abstract
Abstract
To reflect the complex phenomena of child sexual abuse (CSA), studies
should examine possible gender specificities and explore potentially
explanatory mechanisms. The current study aimed to test the moderating
effect of gender in the mediated relationship between CSA, self-esteem, and
delinquency during adolescence. A moderated mediation model was tested
among a representative sample of 8,194 high school students (57.8% girls
and 42.2% boys) age 14 to 18 in the province of Quebec in Canada. Results
showed that self-esteem has an indirect effect on the relationship between
CSA and delinquency. Gender (being a boy) was associated with a higher
level of self-esteem and an increased risk of delinquent behaviors. Among
victims of CSA, boys reported lower levels of self-esteem than girls, which
was associated with an increased risk of displaying delinquent behaviors.
Self-esteem may be an important target of intervention for sexually abused
youth, especially for boys. Focusing on promoting positive self-esteem may
also reduce the risk for male adolescents struggling with the deleterious
consequences of delinquency.
Description
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Article
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Keywords
research, International Resources, Canada, child sexual abuse, long term effects, delinguency, adolescents
Citation
Gauthier-Duchesne, A., Hébert, M., & Blais, M. (2021). Child sexual abuse, self-esteem, and delinquent behaviors during adolescence: the moderating role of gender. Journal of interpersonal violence, 08862605211001466.