NCJ Number
247587
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 23 Issue: 2 Dated: 2014 Pages: 128-145
Date Published
2014
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Child sexual abuse is associated with problems in children's emotional development, particularly increased insecurity of attachment.
Abstract
Child sexual abuse is associated with problems in children's emotional development, particularly increased insecurity of attachment. However, few studies have examined its effect on the organization of attachment representations in preschoolers, and the findings of those that have been conducted have not been entirely consistent. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the effect of child sexual abuse on attachment representation quality in a sample of children 3 to 7 years old in Chile. The results indicate child sexual abuse does affect children's attachment representation quality. The attachment narratives of child sexual abuse victims scored significantly higher than nonvictims on the hyperactivity and disorganization dimensions of attachment. These results are discussed in terms of attachment theory, clinical findings on child sexual abuse, and clinical implications. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor Francis.