Abstract

Child Sexual Abuse has received great attention in the last three decades and a major societal issue today. Several studies have suggested that the prevalence of CSA in women is in the range of 6% to 62% depending on how the data was collected (e.g., interviews, surveys) and the nature of the population sampled (e.g., general population, clinical population). Because of CSA, victims are impacted by the experience and encounter a change in the way they perceive the world on both the way they act and react upon it. Some research on the characteristics of CSA and effects in adult functioning have been identified and targeted for intervention. Among the CSA literature, Finkelhor & Browne’s (1986) traumagenic theory is one of the most frequently cited organizing constructs for understanding the impact of CSA, yet it has surprisingly received relatively little actual empirical evaluation. This study examined a conceptual model based on the Browne and Finkelhor (1986) theory of traumagenic dynamics and was tested using structural equation modeling. The conceptual model being tested assessed the mediating role of family environment on CSA and its influence on the traumagenic factors. The impact of these factors on negative external and internal behavioral outcomes were also examined. In an effort to generalize the model to different ethnic populations the model was tested in both a Caucasian and Hispanic female sample. The Brown and Finkelhor (1989) model was supported by the data indicating trauma is mediated by family environment. In addition, each Traumagenic outcome influenced internalized and externalized behaviors. A final structural model also provided additional information by displaying direct links to externalized behaviors regardless of the family environment for both groups in the sample. The importance of the family environment and the severity of the trauma in terms of behavioral outcomes are discussed. In addition, clinical implications, future directions and limitations of the study are highlighted.

LLU Discipline

Clinical Psychology

Department

Clinical Psychology

School

Graduate Studies

First Advisor

Faith McClure

Second Advisor

Laura Kamptner

Third Advisor

Jean Peacock

Fourth Advisor

Matt Riggs

Fifth Advisor

David Vermeersch

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

2009

Date (Title Page)

9-2009

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Child sexual abuse -- Psychological aspects; Adult child abuse victims -- Psychology; Adjustment (Psychology); Women college students; Hispanic Americans; Caucasian race; Child Abuse, Sexual -- psychology; Adult Survivors of Child Abuse; Adaptation, Psychological; Family -- psychology; Family Relations; Social Environment; Ethnic Groups -- psychology; Behavioral Research; Case-Control Studies

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

x; 101

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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