Type:	Journal Article
Title:	Differences in trauma symptoms and family functioning in intra- and extrafamilial sexually abused adolescents
Other Titles:	Journal of interpersonal violence
Authors:	De Bourdeaudhuij, Ilse Van Oost, Paulette Crombez, Geert Bal, Sarah
Keywords:	Sexual assault;Impact on children and young people;Mental health
Year:	2004
Publisher:	Sage Publications
Citation:	19 (1), January 2004
Notes:	This article presents a study in Belgium that investigated the extent that abuse-related symptoms and family functioning is related to intra- or extra-familial sexual abuse. The study examined: the variability of trauma-related symptoms in sexually abused adolescents; differences in abuse-related symptoms and in family functioning between adolescents who have been sexually abused by an intra- or extra-familial perpetrator; and whether characteristics of family functioning can be predictive for trauma-related symptoms. Information from the participants was obtained from self-report questionnaires and semi-structured interviews: 53% of the adolescents reported clinically significant symptoms. Data did not support the idea that intra-familial sexually abused adolescents report more symptoms than extra-familial sexually abused adolescents. Family functioning, especially lack of cohesion, appeared to be the most consistent predictor of internalising symptoms such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress and dissociation. The study showed that differences in abuse-related symptoms and in perception of family functioning were not related to type of abuse. The functioning of families with a sexually abused adolescent did not differ from non-clinical families. Limitations of the study are also discussed.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/14193
ISSN:	0886-2605
Appears in Collections:	Journal Articles

Items in ANROWS library are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.