Faculty Articles

Family Variables Associated with the Onset and Impact of Intrafamilial Childhood Sexual Abuse

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Clinical Psychology Review

ISSN

0272-7358

Publication Date

1995

Abstract

Researchers and clinicians have examined variables mediating the onset and consequences of childhood incest. Overall research has illuminated two primary clusters of variables that appear to significantly impact a child's response and adjustment to incest. The purpose of this article was to help elucidate one of these clusters of variables: those family variables which both contribute to the onset of and child's response to incest. Overall, it was evident that little empirically sound research exists in this area. Preliminary results of the few existing well-designed studies suggested that increased risk for onset of and poor adjustment to incest is associated with status of perpetrator, perpetrator substance abuse, nonoffending mother's absence, lack of maternal support toward incested daughter, and other specific family environment characteristics. Articles were critically evaluated for methodological flaws and suggestions for improving future research were made

DOI

10.1016/0272-7358(95)00025-K

Volume

15

Issue

5

First Page

443

Last Page

456

Peer Reviewed

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