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Impacts of child sexual abuse
Impacts of child sexual abuse
Impacts of child sexual abuse
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Adulthood Implications Due to a History of Child Sexual Abuse
Daniela Cerda Vega Mills College
Abstract
Childhood sexual abuse leads to negative consequences that result in a many psychological problems during adulthood such as sexual dysfunction, sleep deprivation, and low self-esteem. It is important to analyze the post traumatic implications that may result as soon as childhood or as late as adulthood. I investigated 3 main factors that may affect the victim, such as the relationship between
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the victim and the perpetrator, sleeping disturbances, and trauma survivor treatments. It is essential to understand the different traumas a childhood sex abuse may cause later on in life to better understand clinical implications. Childhood Sexual Abuse survivors may still have a close relationship with their abuser viewing them as their first love or protector. Not only that but survivors are at a higher risk of suffering from insomnia later on in adulthood. Victims may also feel unsafe which may interfere with their therapy journey. In the first article, Adult Women Survivors of Intrafamilial Child Sexual Abuse and Their Current Relationship With the Abuser by Zvi Eisikovits, reaserches investigated this topic for the holistic understanding regarding the relationship between the sex offender and the victim when it is based off intrafamilial child abuse. The hypothesis of this procedure is, that sexual abuse by a father or an older brother, or any one close in the family may result in psychological behavioral and social problems(Zvi Eisikovits 2016). A couple examples would be suicide attempts, depression, low self-esteem, substance abuse, posttraumatic stress and lowered sexual satisfaction(Eisikovits,2016). However, some women will continue to keep a close relationship with their offender if they are present. They tested their hypothesis by interviewing 20 Jewish Israeli women during 2008 and 2009 through verbatim transcription. Women were interviewed in their homes or any place of their choice. All interviews lasted about 1 to 4 hours. Questions were asked based off their sexual abuse experience, for an example, how might of it affected their adulthood, and the description of the relationship with the perpetrator as a child and as an adult. To conclude, victims either kept a close relationship with their offenders due to the fact that they remained close to the family. However, for other women it was the total opposite, being detached from the offender and even their families. Moving on, the second article, An Epidemiologic Study of Childhood Sexual Abuse and Adult Sleep Disturbances by Mackenzie J.Lind analyzed survivors of CSA to comprehend how childhood sexual abuse results in adult insomnia.
Sleeping interference is a subject that is less focused on or tested, and it is an important public health concern, since it can result in a permanent effect on the victim’s mental and physical well-being well into adulthood(Mackenzie J. Lind, 2015). The main purpose of this paper was to determine if any powerful form of CSA, was associated with insomnia symptoms in adulthood. In the all-female sample, having a history of CSA was associated with a 1.67 times increased risk for higher insomnia symptom severity in adulthood, which confirms that CSA is related to subjective sleep disturbances 25–30 years after abuse(Lind, 2015). Researchers hypothesized that sleep plays a huge role in future psychopathology breakdowns. To reduce depression, treatment with cognitive–behavioral therapy and antidepressants for insomnia has been found to be effective on survivors. Treatment of sleep problems in PTSD has also proved to reduce PTSD symptoms and has improved sleeping conditions(Lind, 2015). However, the treatment of sleep disturbances may be different depending on the trauma history a survivor may experience.. To test their hypothesis, they used an adult twin sample, age group adulthood, ages 18 years and older. Both sexes were tested with a broad CSA variable and abuse characteristics. A sum score of past-month insomnia symptoms was calculated from the Symptom Checklist-90(Lind). Finally, A random clinical test involving the use of interpersonal psychotherapy found that patients with current depression and a history of CSA showed less improvement in insomnia symptoms than those without CSA(Lind, 2015). The SCL-90 measured difficulty falling asleep, sleep that is distressed or restless, and awakening in the early morning. Estimated factor loadings were
0.78 (difficulty falling asleep), 0.99 (distressed/restless sleep), and 0.71 (early morning awakenings)(Lind, 2015). Adding on, the third research article, Relational Experiences of Complex Trauma Survivors in Treatment: Preliminary Findings From a Naturalistic Study, Researchers investigated how trauma can cause negative feelings such as feeling powerless, feeling ashamed, and self blaming can result in poor self care and difficulty in relating to others which can result in bad relationships. It is important for these researches to increase their understanding on how victims engaged in treatment and how they connected with valuable people in their lives. Their hypothesis is, that the long-term consequences for interpersonal trauma are anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, substance abuse, and sexual dysfunction(Rachel Singer, 2011). To add on, survivors may face difficulty in trusting others, fear of being unloved or abandoned by others, difficulties in affection, lower satisfaction in intimate relationships, and higher likelihood of being raped once again (Singer 2011). They tested 21 participants, 18 female and 3 male, ages ranged from 24-62. Most of these participants were diagnosed with post traumatic stress, sexual abuse and child abuse as well. They had also been engaged in psychotherapy. Interview data was based on issues of safety, forming new ways of relating, and changing sense of self. It took place in a community hospital in the metropolitan area and completed a clinical assessment. To conclude, participants still experienced deep memories and emotions of their trauma, however they also reported feelings of positive shifts in their relationships. In the final analysis, all victims from child sexual abuse are at risk of psychological problems such as anxiety, eating disorders, suicide attempts, sleeping disorders, low self-esteem and difficulty reconnecting with oneself. All 3 studies show that childhood sexual abuse survivors undergo a post trauma that can even result in adulthood. CSA survivors have shown to engage in therapy to let go of the past. Also, CSA survivors feel the need to feel accepted, wanted and understood, which can lead to a deeper connection between the survivor and the perpetrator. In the study regarding therapy, survivors have revealed to struggle with their awareness of safety but for the most part they had been able to overcome. References Eisikovits, Z., Tener, D., & Lev-Wiesel, R. (2016, October 24). Adult Women Survivors of Intrafamilial Child Sexual Abuse and Their Current Relationship With the Abuser. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry. Advance online publication. Lind, Mackenzie J., Steven H. Aggen, Kenneth S. Kendler, Timothy P. York, and Ananda B. Amstadter. "An Epidemiologic Study of Childhood Sexual Abuse and Adult Sleep Disturbances." Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy 8.2 (2016): 198-205. Web. Sing, Rachel. "Relational Experiences of Complex Trauma Survivors in Treatment: Preliminary Findings From a Naturalistic Study." N.p., 10 Dec. 2011. Web. 18 June 2011.
Finkelhor, D., Hotaling, G., Lewis, I., & Smith, C. (1990). Sexual abuse in a national survey of
The effects of childhood sexual abuse carry on with the children forever. To what extent and to what effect does abuse have on children during adulthood? What are the main issues that adults have been abused suffer from in adulthood? Do they have more of a physical issue with preforming with their partner in the bedroom or do they have more of a mental block due to their trauma? The world had been asking these questions for far too long and we need answers on how helping the children of our world. The questions that have been stated have been answered through the two articles that will be summarized below.
McNally, R. J., Clancy, S. A., Schacter, D. L., & Pitman, R. K. (2000). Cognitive processing of trauma cues in adults reporting repressed, recovered, or continuous memories of childhood sexual abuse. Journal Of Abnormal Psychology, 109(3), 355-359. doi:10.1037/0021-843X.109.3.355
This paper outlines the consequences of child sexual abuse (CSA) based on the examination of results from multiple researches previously fulfilled concerning the psychological and physical impact of this crime, information of statistics, warning signs detected, victims’ performances, and emotional state. Sexual abuse causes severe trauma on child victims that will last for the course of their lives, therefore it is critical to identify and improve the therapeutic methods utilized to treat CSA survivors.
Several studies found that alcohol abuse and suicidal ideation was usually accompanied by trauma related insomnia and nightmares. In a longitudinal study, Pigeon, Campbell, Possemato, & Ouimette (2013), examined the prevalence of insomnia and nightmares after six months in eighty combat veterans who met the criteria for sub threshold PTDS. Interviews and self-reports were conducted to measure the severity of insomnia and/or nightmares associated with PTSD (Pigeon et al., 2013). Results indicated that a high PTSD symptom severity level was associated with insomnia; more frequent nightmares; greater alcohol use; and symptoms of depression in the past six months (Pigeon et al., 2013). After six months, veterans were reassessed for whether the insomnia and nightmares frequencies had improved (Pigeon et al., 2013). Out of the entire group of veterans “74% presented with insomnia and 61% endorsed distressing nightmares” (Pigeon et al., 2013, p.549). By the end of the six months, veterans reported a 26% decline in nightmares and a no change in insomnia (Pigeon et al., 2013). The findings demonstrated “a strong association between the presence of sleep disturbance (both insomnia and nightmares) and the severity of both PTSD and depressive symptoms; that the persistence of these symptoms is particularly associated with insomnia; and that insomnia itself does not spontaneously resolve” (Pigeon et al., 2013, p.549). This research established the need for MHNs to implement interventions that will help individuals to cope with the trauma related distress that could contribute drug abuse; suicidal ideation; and insomnia and nightmares. Early interventions for PTSD are necessary to control, reduce or prevent symptoms and the risks they ma...
Child abuse is a serious issue in today's society. Many people have been victims of child abuse. There are three forms of child abuse: physical, emotional, and sexual. Many researchers believe that sexual abuse is the most detremental of the three. A middle-aged adult who is feeling depressed will probably not relate it back to his childhood, but maybe he should. The short-term effects of childhood sexual abuse have been proven valid, but now the question is, do the long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse affect middle-aged adults? Many contradicting views arise from the subject of childhood sexual abuse. Researchers and psychologists argue on this issue. Childhood sexual abuse has the potential to damage a child physically, emotionally, and behaviorally for the rest of his or her childhood, and the effects have been connected to lasting into middle-aged adulthood.
Adults experiencing the effects of past or current trauma may display such symptoms as difficulty beginning new tasks, blame, guilt, concern for safety, depression, inability to trust (especially those in power), fear of risk taking, disturbed sleep, eroded self-esteem/confidence, inability to concentrate, or panic attacks (Mojab and McDonald 2001). Some people may manifest no symptoms; at the other end of the spectrum is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, characterized by flashbacks, avoidance, numbing of responsiveness (including substance abuse), persistent expectation of danger, constriction (dissociation, zoning out), and memory impairment (Isserlis 2001).
Childhood sexual abuse has been and continues to be a major issue in American society. Victims of such trauma can illustrate both short-term and long-term side effects, stemming from the damage endured during childhood. In severe cases, unresolved trauma of sexual abuse can have dire consequences. One of the most infamous and publicized case (cases) that illustrated these dire consequences was the Menendez murders of 1989.
Sexual abuse has many long term and short term effects. Sexual abuse involves forcing, tricking, threatening or pressuring a child into sexual awareness or activity. Sexual abuse can be physical, verbal or emotional, and occurs when an older or more knowledgeable child or adult uses a child for sexual pleasure. The abuse often begins gradually and increases over time. It can include sexual touching and fondling or exposing children to adult sexual activity including pornographic movies and photographs. When a kid is sexually abused they can often have trust issues with adults and that is why most wait until they are older to tell people that they were sexually abused. Abusers have been known to tell children that it is the fault of the child that they are abused, shifting the blame away from the abuser and making the child think that they are the ones doing something wrong. Along with this, abusers may threaten or bribe the child into not speaking up. They try convincing the child that no one will ever believe them. The bribes may continue as the child gets older too, maybe giving them money for new things that their parents won’t buy them just so they will continue to keep their mouths shut. Children are taught not to question authority and they believe that adult...
Probably one of the most damaging, and longest lasting effects of assault, is the emotional turmoil that follows afterwards. Every victim’s response is unique, and they suffer from a range of emotional disorders, from depression to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Survivors of sexual assault are more likely to become depressed, anxious, engage in risky behavior, develop an eating
As a result of the experience of emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse in childhood, it has various effects for the mental health, and physical health of children. Inter-personal and social functioning during the childhood and adulthood accompanies these three types of abuses. Childhood victims of these forms of abuse have more regularly psycho-pathological difficulties, physiological difficulties, anxiety, more somatic complaints, depression, low communication skills, problems in emotional adjustment, high levels rates of aggression, violent behavior, and abused children will have a higher chance at demonstrating lower academic achievements than non -abused children. All of these effects of childhood abuse can be counted as short term and long term effects depending on how severe the abuse was, and the childhood age period.
It was middle school. A time where my peers and I begin to question everything, develop, and mature. I was in the 8th grade when I found out a close friend of mine was self-harming. The news was difficult to process. I was frightened. I was still trying to figure out myself and the world, how was I to help my friend? At first, I decided maybe it was not my situation to handle and just keep quiet. It was not up to me to resolve her problem for her. Maybe she would stop. But, it soon flooded my mind with thoughts and questions, what if it she committed considerable damage to herself? I could not keep it in much longer and I decided I did not care if my friend felt mad at me for letting an adult know. She needed help. I decided to go to a teacher
It is most important to understand that children and teens of all racial, religious, ethnic, gender and age groups, at all socio-economic levels are sexually abused. Although there are risk factors that may increase the possibility of sexual abuse, sex abuse can be found in all types of families, communities, and cultures (The Scope of, 2016). Childhood sexual abuse is an important issue to address because the impact of sexual does not end when the abuse ends. Childhood trauma follows into adulthood and can have long-range effects. “Survivors of sexual abuse are at significantly greater risks for severe and chronic mental health issues, including alcoholism, depression, anxiety, PTSD and high risk behaviors” (The Scope Of, 2016). Victims may experience traumatic sexualization, or the shaping of their sexuality in “developmentally inappropriate” and “interpersonally dysfunctional” ways (Effects of Child, 2012). “A child who is the victim of prolonged sexual abuse usually develops low self-esteem, a feeling of worthlessness and an abnormal or distorted view of sex. The child may become withdrawn and mistrustful of adults, and can become suicidal” (Effects of Child, 2012). Overall, the effects and impact of childhood sexual abuse are long lasting and do not diminish when the abuse ends, their childhood trauma follows them into
Children are the future of today’s society and their interactions when they are young are extremely important and key to how they develop and grow into strong, independent individuals. They are extremely vulnerable to their surroundings and the people they come into contact with, which make those interactions most important. Children look up to people they trust that inspire them, and those connections made in the beginning of their lives are what help them to grow. They need adults in their life that they can trust and look up to and when sexual abuse is occurring, it makes that almost impossible. It is difficult to find a lot of information about reported cases of child sexual abuse because most remain unreported. I chose to research child sexual abuse because I feel very strongly and passionate about the safety and well being of children, as well as how their lives are affected after experiencing traumatic events. I will be discussing statistical information about child sexual abuse, the characteristics of perpetrators, risk factors of child sexual abuse, short-term effects of the abuse, the effect of child sexual abuse in later family life and lastly about effective programs designed to help victims of child abuse and their families.
Wells, M., & Vaughn, B. V. (2012). Poor Sleep Challenging the Health of a Nation. Neurodiagnostic Journal,52(3), 233-249.