NCJ Number
143518
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 17 Issue: 3 Dated: (May/June 1993) Pages: 409-418
Date Published
1993
Length
10 pages
Annotation
The Clinical Analysis Questionnaire (CAQ) was used to study the personality characteristics of three groups of mothers: mothers whose children had been molested by a family member (13), mothers whose children had been molested by a teacher (15), and a group of control mothers whose children had not been molested (12).
Abstract
There were few disparities between the two groups of mothers of molested children. When the molested groups were combined and compared to controls, they differed on only one scale that measured normal personality functioning. Significant differences between mothers of molested children and control mothers were found on seven of the 12 scales that measured abnormal functioning. Additionally, significant correlations were found between mother's scores and children's scores on the Adjustment Scale of the Personality Inventory for Children. Mothers whose children had been molested showed greater preoccupation with bodily dysfunctions, low energy, increased feelings of worthlessness, blame, suspiciousness, and rejection, as well as more unusual impulses, anxiety, and obsessional behavior. 2 tables and 15 references