Showing papers in "Journal of Child Sexual Abuse in 2003"
TL;DR: The two sex-offending groups were found to be remarkably similar, with the females, however, appear to have experienced more severe and pervasive abuse compared to the males.
Abstract: Very little is known about adolescent females who commit sexual offenses. In this two-part exploratory study, a sample of 11 adolescent females with sexual offense histories is described. In Study I, the sample is compared to an age-matched sample of 11 adolescent females with non-sexual victim-involved offense histories. The sexually offending group had significantly fewer antisocial behavior problems, such as alcohol or drug use problems, problems with fighting, or problems at school. They began their offense behaviors at younger ages than their non-sex offending delinquent peers. Few differences emerged with respect to attitudes about offense behaviors, such as level of denial. In Study II, the same sample of females with sex offense histories was compared with a group of age-matched adolescent males with sex offense histories. The two sex-offending groups were found to be remarkably similar. There were few differences with respect to psychosocial and criminal histories, antisocial behavior, and variables related to clinical presentation and treatment (e.g., level of denial about offense). Likewise, the two groups are remarkably similar with respect to specific sex offense behaviors. The females, however, appear to have experienced more severe and pervasive abuse compared to the males.
82 citations
TL;DR: Results support a more complex conceptualization of the trauma-related symptoms that occur in adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse that incorporate the relationships between avoidant coping, personality disorders, and PTSD.
Abstract: Using a treatment-seeking sample of adult female survivors of childhood sexual abuse, the relationships between coping strategies, personality disorders (PD) and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) were explored. A variety of PDs were found to exist in this population, with avoidant, antisocial, dependent PDs having higher frequencies than borderline PD. Avoidant coping and PTSD severity significantly correlated with many of these PDs. PTSD severity and avoidant coping were also significantly correlated. Additionally, women with PTSD displayed higher rates of avoidant and dependent PDs, as well as more avoidant coping, than did women without PTSD. Results support a more complex conceptualization of the trauma-related symptoms that occur in adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse that incorporate the relationships between avoidant coping, personality disorders, and PTSD.
71 citations
TL;DR: The components of cognitive-behavioural treatment with sexual offenders are described, including recent developments, assessment, treatment methods, and the importance of therapist characteristics on the therapeutic process and on treatment outcome.
Abstract: Recent research indicates that, of the various forms of treatment available to sexual offenders, cognitive-behavioural methods are likely to have the greatest impact in reducing rates of sexual re-offending. Cognitive-behavioural treatment typically targets attitudes that support sexual offending, anger management, victim empathy, deviant sexual arousal, and relapse prevention. More recently, treatment has targeted cognitive processes more generally, management of other emotional states in addition to anger, intimacy deficits, and risk self-management (Marshall, Anderson, & Fernandez, 1999; Yates, Goguen, Nicholaichuk, Williams, & Long, 2000). This article describes the components of cognitive-behavioural treatment with sexual offenders, including recent developments, assessment, treatment methods, and the importance of therapist characteristics on the therapeutic process and on treatment outcome.
55 citations
TL;DR: It appears that coping processes can affect psychological outcome following child sexual abuse, and insight is offered into the evolution of coping methods associated with an adaptive outcome.
Abstract: This research employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches to studying the immediate and long-term coping strategies adopted by survivors of child sexual abuse, focusing on how strategies evolve over time. Qualitative findings showed that coping with child sexual abuse is not static, but changes over time. The narratives of these nonclinical survivors suggest that an adaptive outcome may be associated with a particular evolution of strategies across time, i.e., survivors reported coping predominantly by engaging in psychological escape methods initially, and then adopting cognitive appraisal and positive reframing strategies in the longer term. It appears that coping processes can affect psychological outcome following child sexual abuse. This study offers insight into the evolution of coping methods associated with an adaptive outcome.
53 citations
TL;DR: This article will review the literature regarding community notification and civil commitment as interventions designed to combat sexual violence.
Abstract: SUMMARY Much attention has been given to the problem of sexual predators and the struggles of the legal-justice system to contain them. In response to public outcry over high-profile sex crimes, federal and state legislators have responded in the past decade with innovative but controversial public policy initiatives, called “sexually violent predator statutes.” In 1996 President Clinton signed “Megan's Law,” mandating all 50 states to develop requirements for convicted sex offenders to register with local law enforcement agencies and to notify communities when a sex offender lives in close proximity. Less publicized have been the civil commitment statutes introduced by 16 states which allow convicted sex offenders to be evaluated for involuntary and indefinite confinement in a psychiatric hospital following their release from prison. This article will review the literature regarding community notification and civil commitment as interventions designed to combat sexual violence. The history and context of...
52 citations
TL;DR: Girls' sexual development in the inner city based on qualitative material from a long-term ethnographic (observational) study is described to illustrate the mechanics of this process and how it is sustained by the deprivations of structural disadvantage, prevailing subcultural norms, violence and illicit drug use.
Abstract: Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) has been linked to a wide variety of adverse psychological and behavioral outcomes. This paper describes girls' sexual development in the inner city based on qualitative material from a long-term ethnographic (observational) study. For many inner-city girls, early and then continued experiences of being compelled to have sex were found to be part of a pathway leading to independent sexuality that often involved prostitution, teen pregnancy, early motherhood, school dropout, limited involvement with jobs, drug abuse, multiple children by different fathers and single-parent families. Quotes from respondents illustrate the mechanics of this process and how it is sustained by the deprivations of structural disadvantage, prevailing subcultural norms, violence and illicit drug use.
50 citations
TL;DR: It is indicated that paternal support and coping strategies may be important for later psychological adjustment in victims of CSA and several mediating factors on global self-worth.
Abstract: One hundred eighty-eight female participants (44 victims and 144 non-victims of CSA) from a 4-year university were recruited. The first objective examined the difference between victims and non-victims on measures of perceived social support, coping strategies, and global self-worth. Victims were more likely to report lower maternal support than non-victims of CSA. Additionally, victims who were perpetrated by a family member were more likely to report lower maternal support than those who were perpetrated by a non-family member. The second objective investigated the impact of victimization and several mediating factors on global self-worth. Victimization indirectly related to global self-worth through paternal support. Additional analyses examining non-victims showed significant direct relations between paternal, friend, and campus support leading to global self-worth. For victims, paternal support indirectly related to global self-worth through emotion- focused coping. These results indicate that paternal support and coping strategies may be important for later psychological adjustment in victims of CSA.
38 citations
TL;DR: The primary objective of this article is to examine and review data on the efficacy and tolerability of the testosterone-lowering agents medroxprogesterone acetate, cyproteroneacetate, and leuprolide acetate.
Abstract: Paraphilic disorders are psychiatric syndromes primarily characterized by deviant sexual thoughts, cravings, urges, and/or behaviors. Paraphilic men may engage in inappropriate sexual behaviors when cravings for socially unacceptable sexual acts become overpowering. These often chronic disorders may not only cause emotional distress and social embarrassment to the afflicted patient but also to the targets of their paraphilic focus. The primary objective of this article is to examine and review data on the efficacy and tolerability of the testosterone-lowering agents medroxprogesterone acetate, cyproterone acetate, and leuprolide acetate. The secondary goal is to review data on less conventional and more innovative pharmacological treatments, particularly the serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitors.
36 citations
TL;DR: Regression analyses clearly showed that the likelihood of engaging in sexual at-risk behaviors increased as a function of the number of severity factors, and family characteristics were significantly associated with being sexually active.
Abstract: The present study investigated sexual at-risk behaviors of sexually abused adolescent girls. Variables of interest were presence of consensual sexual activity, age at first consensual intercourse, number of sexual partners, condom use, and pregnancies. Participants were 125 sexually abused adolescent girls aged 12 to 17 years. Results showed that severity of sexual abuse (e.g., penetration, multiple perpetrators, physical coercion, multiple incidents of abuse) was related to a greater number of sexual at-risk behaviors. For instance, adolescents with a history of sexual abuse involving penetration were 13 times as likely to have been pregnant. Although family characteristics were significantly associated with being sexually active, their effect proved non-significant in the final hierarchical regression. Regression analyses clearly showed that the likelihood of engaging in sexual at-risk behaviors increased as a function of the number of severity factors.
34 citations
TL;DR: The girls who had been sexually abused exhibited significantly more behavioral difficulties, including internalizing and externalizing problems, with 51 % of them having clinically significant scores on the Youth Self-Report version of the Child Behavior Checklist.
Abstract: This descriptive study examines the differences between sexually abused and non-sexually abused adolescent females in the foster care system who were participating in an independent living program. Fifty-four percent of the 190 girls met the criteria for being categorized as sexually abused. Those who experienced sexual abuse had also experienced significantly more of other types of child maltreatment. In addition, those who had been sexually abused were much more likely to be living in a congregate living setting, such as a group home or residential center, than those who were not sexually abused. The girls who had been sexually abused exhibited significantly more behavioral difficulties, including internalizing and externalizing problems, with 51 % of them having clinically significant scores on the Youth Self-Report version of the Child Behavior Checklist. When co-occurrence of substance use and mental health problems were examined, sexually abused girls were significantly more likely than the...
32 citations
TL;DR: A variety of techniques are provided as specific ways in which clinicians can help enhance an offender's empathy level.
Abstract: Victim empathy is a widely used component of sex offender treatment throughout North America and Great Britain. Yet, it has been controversial over the past few years. One of the complications involves giving empathy a solid definition. Empathy was defined as the capacity to express compassion for victims. A multi-level system was developed to help specify the definition. The second issue concerns which methods to use in enhancing victim empathy. A variety of techniques are provided as specific ways in which clinicians can help enhance an offender's empathy level.
TL;DR: Polygraph testing is becoming increasingly important in sex offender treatment because of dramatic increases in historical disclosures, which presumably allow more precise targeting of treatment interventions, earlier detection of risky behaviors that often lead to new offenses, and improved treatment and supervision compliance.
Abstract: Polygraph testing is becoming increasingly important in sex offender treatment. Polygraph advocates cite dramatic increases in historical disclosures that presumably allow more precise targeting of treatment interventions, earlier detection of risky behaviors that often lead to new offenses, and improved treatment and supervision compliance. Based on this, they believe the procedure supports desirable behavior that continues to various degrees after treatment and supervision end. Opponents cite ethical problems related to inaccurate results, unproven accuracy rates, and the risk that examinees may be coerced into making false admissions. To counter these criticisms, proponents have developed standards, best practices, and examiner training and certification programs intended to reduce error rates and address ethical issues. Opponents argue that these measures have not been tested and that empirically established error rates and best practices may not be possible for a variety of reasons. This article reviews the current situation, leaving readers to decide the wisdom and ethics of using polygraph testing in their own practices.
TL;DR: Situational and intrapersonal risk factors such as homelessness and depression were predictive of re-traumatization risk while reported social support satisfaction was a protective factor.
Abstract: The current exploratory study examined a variety of risk factors related to re-traumatization, defined broadly, in a prospective sample of women who were sexually abused in childhood. Eighty women, who were part of a larger longitudinal study of the effects of child sexual abuse, were interviewed at three points in time: in childhood and at two points in early adulthood. Risk factors were measured at the second interview and used to predict reported trauma exposure between interviews two and three. Given theoretical arguments for differences in risk factors based on ecological context, analyses were conducted separately for married and unmarried women. Situational and intrapersonal risk factors such as homelessness and depression were predictive of re-traumatization risk while reported social support satisfaction was a protective factor. Reports of trauma exposure between interviews two and three were related to mental health symptoms.
TL;DR: (2003).
Abstract: (2003). Memory for Abuse: What Can We Learn from a Prosecution Sample? Journal of Child Sexual Abuse: Vol. 12, No. 2, pp. 97-103.
TL;DR: It is indicated that fostering parent-child attachment is important in order to decrease the risk for behavior problems and symptomatology in sexually abused children.
Abstract: This study assessed the relationships between maternal adult attachment style, children's perceptions of maternal support following disclosure of sexual abuse, and maternal perceptions of children's behavioral and emotional responses to sexual abuse among African-American child sexual abuse victims aged 4 to 12 (n = 96) and a comparison group of nonabused subjects (n = 100). Mothers with insecure attachment styles reported significantly higher rates of internalizing behaviors in their sexually abused children than did securely attached mothers. Among mothers of nonabused children, those with insecure adult attachment styles reported significantly higher rates of externalizing behaviors shown by their children in comparison with mothers with a secure adult attachment style. Mothers with insecure adult attachment styles also reported higher rates of overall behavior problems in their nonabused children that approached statistical significance. Sexually abused children's perceptions of maternal supp...
TL;DR: Results of multiple logistic regression analyses did not support the hypothesis that the relationship between childhood victimization and SI is moderated by revictimization in adulthood, and revealed an association between suicidal ideation and emotional and physical abuse in childhood and a history of partner violence.
Abstract: Despite the burgeoning literature on suicidal behavior, there are meager data available on the relationship between suicidal ideation and emotional abuse in childhood; adult physical or sexual victimization; and adult re-victimization in those with a history of childhood maltreatment This study addressed these gaps in the literature In a sample of 494 female undergraduates, current suicidal ideation was assessed dichotomously using an item from the SCL-90 and victimization was assessed retrospectively with validated multi-item measures Analyses revealed an association between suicidal ideation and emotional and physical abuse in childhood and a history of partner violence No relationship was found between childhood sexual abuse or forced sex in adulthood and suicidal ideation Additionally, results of multiple logistic regression analyses did not support the hypothesis that the relationship between childhood victimization and SI is moderated by re-victimization in adulthood
TL;DR: The Transtheoretical Stages of Change model and Motivational Interviewing are proposed for use in order to enhance the ability of parents to protect and support their children.
Abstract: When a child has been sexually abused, the non-offending parent plays a crucial role in determining that child's recovery. However, the disclosure of sexual abuse in families often throws non-offending parents into a dilemma about whether or not to side with the perpetrator or child, leaving them in an ambivalent position. In order to enhance the ability of parents to protect and support their children, this paper proposes the use of the Transtheoretical Stages of Change model and Motivational Interviewing. Techniques of Motivational Interviewing will be discussed and then illustrated with a case example.
TL;DR: Both female CSA survivors and their partners reported higher symptoms of stress, suggesting support for the theory of secondary traumatic stress, and relationship impairment results did not support the hypothesis that CSA would negatively impact the dyadic functioning of couples.
Abstract: This study addressed the impact of traumatic experiences on dyadic relationships by comparing general stress and trauma symptoms and relationship impairment measures between two clinical groups: female childhood sexual abuse (CSA) survivors (n = 15) and their male partners, and a control group of couples who reported no CSA (n = 17). Both female CSA survivors and their partners reported higher symptoms of stress, suggesting support for the theory of secondary traumatic stress. Relationship impairment results did not support the hypothesis that CSA would negatively impact the dyadic functioning of couples. Clinical implications and recommendations for future research are provided.
TL;DR: The clinical and ethical issues particular to the interview, assessment, and evaluation of sexual offenders are addressed, along with an overview of classification systems, paraphilias, and assessment techniques used with this population.
Abstract: SUMMARY The evaluation and assessment of sexual offenders is different than any other type of evaluation, and most clinicians are not properly trained to interview this population. This article addresses the clinical and ethical issues particular to the interview, assessment, and evaluation of these types of offenders. It offers both practical information regarding the interview itself, along with an overview of classification systems, paraphilias, and assessment techniques used with this population. In addition, issues related to risk assessment and risk management are also addressed, and an introduction to the use of actuarial risk assessment instruments is provided.
TL;DR: The hypothesis that group therapy was an effective intervention for sexual abuse survivors was not supported; however, this is likely due to the small sample size and mean trends were observed to see directional changes that may assist future researchers.
Abstract: Treatment interventions for female sexual abuse survivors was explored through a pilot study examining the relationship between group treatment and adolescent self-image. Self-image was defined as body image, self-reliance, self-control, and impulse-control. An experimental pre-post design was utilized. Participants were 13 female adolescent high school drop-outs with a history of sexual abuse who participated in the National Guard Youth Challenge Program at Camp Shelby in Mississippi. Participants completed the Offer Self- Image Questionnaire for Adolescents. The hypothesis that group therapy was an effective intervention for sexual abuse survivors was not supported; however, this is likely due to the small sample size. Because this was a pilot study, mean trends were observed to see directional changes that may assist future researchers. Observation of mean trends revealed that participants who received group therapy increased in levels of impulse control while the group that did not receive group therapy remained the same. Mean trends also revealed that the experimental group had a decrease in self-reliance whereas the control group maintained their levels of self-reliance.
TL;DR: It is vital that mental health professionals, the legal system, social service agencies, and other consumers and providers of sex offender assessments be aware of both what is possible to learn about an offender as well as the limitations on that knowledge and its application.
Abstract: SUMMARY No generally accepted theory of sex offender behavior exists at this point. As clinical experience and research findings interact within an evolving theoretical framework, the picture of what is important, as well as what is possible to know about a sex offender, is rapidly changing. It is vital that mental health professionals, the legal system, social service agencies, and other consumers and providers of sex offender assessments be aware of both what is possible to learn about an offender as well as the limitations on that knowledge and its application. Prominent theories that influence the assessment of offenders in North America and Europe are presented and examined. Uses and limitations of each theory are discussed. Several trends emerge which could influence the future of sex offender assessment, treatment, management, and policy.
TL;DR: Parents of children with alleged child sexual abuse were surveyed 4 months after visiting an interdisciplinary CSA evaluation clinic in order to examine the extent to which recommendations were recalled and implemented.
Abstract: Sixty-eight parents of children with alleged child sexual abuse (CSA) were surveyed 4 months after visiting an interdisciplinary CSA evaluation clinic in order to examine the extent to which recommendations were recalled and implemented. Of those parents for whom specific recommendations were provided, 9% recalled recommendations for medical follow-up, 79% recalled recommendations for child therapy, and 43% recalled recommendations for parental therapy. Families were more likely to receive and adhere to recommendations when there were behavioral problems and a strong indication of CSA. To improve communication with families, the reasons for recommendations must be clearly conveyed, and possible barriers to implementation should be anticipated and addressed. In addition, recommendations need to be realistic, and professionals need to facilitate the implementation of their treatment plan.
TL;DR: Gender differences in community corrections officers' (CCOs') attributions for child sexual offending were examined, finding that CCOs' reasons regarding why men sexually abuse children strongly paralleled current scientific theories on the etiology of child sexual abuse.
Abstract: The present research examined gender differences in community corrections officers' (CCOs') attributions for child sexual offending. Eighty-five CCOs were asked to write down the reasons why they thought men sexually abused children, and then rate their reasons using Benson's Attributional Dimensions Scale. The results found that CCOs' reasons regarding why men sexually abuse children strongly paralleled current scientific theories on the etiology of child sexual abuse. Also, significant gender differences were found regarding the frequency with which participants cited certain types of reasons for child sexual abuse. Female CCOs were more likely to cite power and control as a reason, while male CCOs were more likely to cite psychopathology as a reason for child sexual abuse. No other gender differences were found. The research, clinical, and educational implications pertaining to these findings are discussed.
TL;DR: Current information regarding what is known about sex offenders is provided so that appropriate assessment, treatment, and prevention techniques can be developed and utilized.
Abstract: Sex offender research is still in its infancy, but our knowledge about adult sex offenders has increased in the last several decades. However, public interest in the issues of assessment, treatment, and recidivism with respect to risk and safety has increased substantially during this time. This article provides an introduction to the significant issues involved in the assessment, treatment, and current state-of-the-science for adult sex offenders. Prevalence rates are discussed, but these are more difficult to narrow down due to definitional problems. In addition, controversial issues involving diagnoses, classification, public notification, and risk assessment are introduced, and the goals of this volume are described. The purpose of this volume is to provide current information regarding what is known about sex offenders so that appropriate assessment, treatment, and prevention techniques can be developed and utilized.
TL;DR: Clinical and neurobiological characteristics of the paraphilias are discussed and an overview of basic principles that are germane to the subject matter are presented.
Abstract: Individuals who engage in sexual offenses may be afflicted with a paraphilic disorder or sexual deviation syndrome. Paraphilias are psychiatric disorders characterized by deviant and culturally non-sanctioned sexual fantasies, thoughts, and/or behaviors. A proportion of these individuals may also suffer from symptoms of mental illness that can go unrecognized. Although the etiology and pathophysiology of paraphilic disorders continue to be under investigation, data from empirical, biomedical, and psychopharmacological studies suggest abnormalities at a biological level. This article will discuss and review clinical and neurobiological characteristics of the paraphilias. To this end, we will begin with a general exploration and overview of basic principles that are germane to the subject matter and will conclude with an examination of the most recent relevant research findings.
TL;DR: High variability in the responses regarding appropriate ages, as well as whether the behavior was ever acceptable are indicated, indicating substantial differences among professionals who often assess these practices as “soft signs” related to abuse.
Abstract: SUMMARY Family practices related to hygiene, affection behavior, and privacy were studied using a sample of mental health and child welfare professionals. The professionals were asked to use their own experience to state up to what age it was acceptable for parents and children of the same gender and mixed gender to engage in certain family practices. For virtually all family practices, respondents reported lower appropriate ages for mixed gender pairs. Family practices were acceptable for mothers with their daughters up to older ages than fathers with their sons. Results indicate high variability in the responses regarding appropriate ages, as well as whether the behavior was ever acceptable. The implications of these substantial differences among professionals who often assess these practices as “soft signs” related to abuse are discussed.
TL;DR: Direct and symbolic forms of survivors confronting their abusers via a review of the current literature and the self-report of 12 female survivors, post-therapy are explored.
Abstract: Confrontation of an abuser is often regarded as a powerful process in clinical work with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. This paper explores direct and symbolic forms of survivors confronting their abusers via a review of the current literature and the self-report of 12 female survivors, post-therapy. Six of the survivors had chosen to directly confront their abusers and six had not. Their experiences and opinions are presented together with a discussion of important issues within this area and the need for further research.
TL;DR: In the March 2003 issue of Psychological Science, Goodman et al. (2003) reported on a prospective study that examined memory for childhood sexual abuse, interviewing adolescents and young adults who had been victims of documented childhood sex abuse that led to criminal prosecution for the perpetrator.
Abstract: In the March 2003 issue of Psychological Science, the flagship journal of the American Psychological Society, Goodman et al. (2003) reported on a prospective study that examined memory for childhood sexual abuse. The authors interviewed adolescents and young adults who had been victims of documented childhood sexual abuse that led to criminal prosecution for the perpetrator. This sample was a subset of those who had previously (approximately
TL;DR: Freyd’s critique of Goodman et al. (2003) focuses not on the way the data was measured but the narrative explanation of the significance of the findings, raises interesting questions.
Abstract: (2003). The Overlapping Problems of Prosecution Sample Bias and Systematic Exclusion of Familial Child Sex Abuse Victims from the Criminal Justice System. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse: Vol. 12, No. 2, pp. 129-132.
TL;DR: Prospective studies have been held out as a kind of Holy Grail in research about remembering or forgetting child sexual abuse because they seem to hold the perfect answer to the verification problems that plague retrospective self-reports in the clinical literature.
Abstract: Prospective studies have been held out as a kind of Holy Grail in research about remembering or forgetting child sexual abuse. They seem to hold the perfect answer to the verification problems that plague retrospective self-reports in the clinical literature. Prospective studies begin with verified cases of abuse. Then they require detective work years later to find the participants in adulthood and clever questioning to assure that any disclosed abuse actually matches the “target case.” These studies are extremely difficult to construct and carry out. That is undoubtedly why there were only two prospective stud-