NCJ Number
246694
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 38 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2014 Pages: 243-251
Date Published
February 2014
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study identified factors related to long-term mental health problems among a non-clinical sample of 487 men with histories of childhood sexual abuse (CSA).
Abstract
The study found that the use of force in the CSA was associated with long-term mental health problems. This finding is consistent with previous studies on the impact of coercion or force and long-term mental health symptoms (Boudewyn and Liem, 1995; Molnar et al., 2001). The number of childhood adversities other than CSA was also positively related to the number of mental distress symptoms in adulthood, as was the length of time until first disclosure of CSA. In addition to the timing of the disclosure, how others reacted to the disclosure or account of the CSA also influenced the impact on long-term mental health. Another factor in long-term mental health of CSA survivors was conformity to masculine norms. Some of the norms that were measured included emotional control, disdain for homosexuality, and self-reliance. It is possible that a strong attachment to these norms inhibited help-seeking or the processing of the sexual abuse. Three control variables were significant in the final model: low household income, the number of recent stressors, and age (CSA survivors in their 30s and 40s had more mental health symptoms than older survivors). Possible explanations for the findings are offered, and implications are discussed for prevention and treatment of CSA survivors. The study used a cross-sectional design with purposive sampling from three national CSA survivor organizations. Data were collected through an anonymous Internet-based survey. Multivariate analysis was used in identifying factors related to long-term mental health problems among the CSA survivors. 2 tables and 52 references