NCJ Number
117012
Date Published
1988
Length
10 pages
Annotation
To assess the self-concept and psychological profile associated with sexual abuse, 20 female victims, aged 9 to 15, evaluated in a California sexual abuse clinic completed the Offer Self-Image Questionnaire. (OSIQ).
Abstract
OSIQ scores for these girls were compared to those for an acutely medically ill sample matched for ethnicity and socioeconomic status and to normal values. The alleged assault was intrafamilial in 13 cases, listing from several months to 10 years. Extrafamilial abuses were isolated events. Intercourse was alleged in 18 of the 20 cases. OSIQ group mean scores were in the poorly adjusted range for three scales, indicating serious problems with sexual attitudes, family relations, and feelings of inability to master the external environment. While the mean Overall Adjustment scale score was within normal limits, 10 girls had scores indicating severe problems in adjustment. Of these, 7 were incest victims. Compared to nonsexually abused adolescent medical patients, the abused girls had significantly more problems with vocational/educational goals, psychopathology, and ability to master the environment. The self-concept problems identified in the abused sample are similar to those reported by women seeking psychiatric care long after their childhood sexual abuse occurred and share some features with problems reported among physically abused adolescents. 1 table and 44 references. (Author abstract modified)