Long-term psychological correlates of childhood sexual abuse in two samples of college men

Background. In animals, early trauma can produce long-lasting changes in sensitivity to the pathogenic effects of stress. To explore whether similar processes occur in humans, we examine whether childhood sexual abuse (CSA) in women alters sensitivity in adulthood to the depressogenic effects of stressful life events (SLEs).Method. A history of CSA was obtained from a population-based sample of 1404 female adult twins. Cox Proportional hazard models were used to predict onsets of episodes of DSM-III-R major depression (MD) in the past year from previously assessed levels of neuroticism (N), CSA and past-year SLEs scored on long-term contextual threat.Results. In the best-fit model, onset of MD was predicted by CSA, SLEs and N. Individuals with CSA (and especially with severe CSA) had both an overall increased risk for MD and a substantially increased sensitivity to the depressogenic effects of SLEs. A ‘dose–response’ relationship between severity of CSA and sensitivity to SLEs was clearer in those with low to average levels of N than in those with high levels of N.Conclusion. As documented with physiological responses to a standardized laboratory stressor, CSA increases stress sensitivity in women in a more naturalistic setting. Both genetic and early environmental risk factors can produce long-term increase in the sensitivity of individuals to depressogenic life experiences.

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Family characteristics and long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse

British Journal of Clinical Psychology ◽

10.1111/j.2044-8260.2010.02006.x ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 50 (4) ◽

pp. 435-451 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Suchitra Bhandari ◽

David Winter ◽

David Messer ◽

Chris Metcalfe

Keyword(s):

Sexual Abuse ◽

Childhood Sexual Abuse ◽

Family Characteristics ◽

Long Term Effects

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Clinical Holistic Medicine: The Case Story of Anna. I. Long-Term Effect of Childhood Sexual Abuse and Incest with a Treatment Approach

TSW Holistic Health & Medicine ◽

10.1100/tswhhm.2006.01 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 1 ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Soren Ventegodt ◽

Birgitte Clausen ◽

Joav Merrick

Keyword(s):

Sexual Abuse ◽

Childhood Sexual Abuse ◽

Treatment Approach ◽

Term Effect ◽

Holistic Medicine ◽

Long Term Effect

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Childhood Sexual Abuse and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Considerations for Rehabilitation Counsellors

Australian Journal of Rehabilitation Counselling ◽

10.1017/s1323892200001277 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 71-81 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Kylie Dearn ◽

Lynda R. Matthews

Keyword(s):

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽

Sexual Abuse ◽

Childhood Sexual Abuse ◽

Posttraumatic Stress ◽

Sexually Abused ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Professional Collaboration ◽

Significant Percentage ◽

Long Term Impact

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a frequently occurring event that has a strong and lasting impact on adult functioning. A significant percentage of adults who are sexually abused as children subsequently meet the diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and demonstrate an increased vulnerability toward further traumatisation. Despite the likelihood that rehabilitation counsellors will encounter clients with this history, published literature on the contribution of rehabilitation counsellors to work with adults who were abused as children is limited. This report discusses ways rehabilitation counsellors can contribute to the inter-professional collaboration required to achieve a reduction in impact of disability and handicap associated with the long-term impact of CSA.

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