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Investigation Of Long-Term Symptoms Associated With Childhood Sexual Abuse From The Perspective Of Mental Health Professionals Working In The Field

Stock, Joy Wilson
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1020368034

Abstract Details

2002, EdD, University of Cincinnati, Education : Counselor Education.
Sexual abuse is a painful experience for victims and survivors. The rate of sexual abuse prevalence varies from study to study (6% to 62%, Finkelhor, 1990), but all indicate that a significant number of children will have long-term symptoms. A literature review was conducted to identify the symptoms reported most frequently. The prevalent symptoms identified included: anger, anxiety, depression, fears/ fearfulness, hope-/helplessness, loneliness/isolation, low self-esteem, post-traumatic stress disorder, relationship difficulties, sexual problems, shame/guilt, suicidal ideations/ self-destructive behaviors, trust difficulties. Published group plans were reviewed to compare the long-term symptoms identified in the literature review with the focus of published clinicians. The focus of this study was to check the perceptions of mental health professionals working with survivors. Most research studies examined symptoms reported by survivors (e.g., Bell & Belicki, 1988; Finkelhor, 1990), but have neglected the perceptions of professionals who conduct groups. Some professionals have produced literature based on their clinical work (e.g., Gil, 1990; Courtois, 1988) but these studies did not corroborate this information using other group leaders. Thirty female mental health professionals were surveyed. The participants reported being licensed or certified mental health professionals or job-trained workers who conduct female survivor groups. Data were collected through conferences and networking. Years of experience ranged from less than one year to more than 12 years. One out of five of the individuals surveyed report that they consider themselves to be an expert; while 30% of the individuals surveyed report conducting groups because of a job requirement. Mental health professionals listed the top three symptoms observed when conducting groups – depression, low self-esteem and trust difficulties. Another section of the survey requested that participants rate the symptoms identified in the literature as never, seldom, sometimes, frequently, or always the focus of group time. The top three symptoms identified in this process were-guilt/shame, trust difficulties, and low self-esteem. No previously unidentified symptom was revealed by this study. However, this study verified that symptoms identified in the literature are seen as important by participants. Long-term symptoms prevalent in the research literature, symptoms in published plans, and symptoms observed by professionals surveyed for this study are generally consistent. Implications for mental health professionals and future research were discussed.
Dr. Ellen Cook (Advisor)
116 p.
Psychology, General
long-term symptoms; sexual abuse; female survivors; mental health professionals

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Stock, J. W. (2002). Investigation Of Long-Term Symptoms Associated With Childhood Sexual Abuse From The Perspective Of Mental Health Professionals Working In The Field [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1020368034

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Stock, Joy. Investigation Of Long-Term Symptoms Associated With Childhood Sexual Abuse From The Perspective Of Mental Health Professionals Working In The Field. 2002. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1020368034.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Stock, Joy. "Investigation Of Long-Term Symptoms Associated With Childhood Sexual Abuse From The Perspective Of Mental Health Professionals Working In The Field." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2002. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1020368034

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1020368034
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© 2002, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.