This study explored effects of child sexual abuse by priests and other perpetrators on victims' trust in the Catholic Church, priesthood, and their relationship with God. Subjects were adult Catholics who had been sexually abused but not by a priest (n=307) or sexually abused by a priest (n=40) and 1,376 nonabused controls. Results highlight the…

Interviews with 40 fathers and stepfathers and 44 biologic daughters and stepdaughters involved in incestuous activity revealed their recollection of events, their thoughts, and interpretations. Fathers' thoughts were dominated by themes of sexual gratification, control, power, anger, and rights and responsibilities; daughters reported disbelief,…

This paper discusses the effects of modern war on children in the 20th century, focusing on direct and indirect effects of World War II, Vietnam War, war in Afghanistan, conflicts in Africa and in Central America, and Persian Gulf War. The paper notes the devastating effects on children of disruption of education and other public services in…

This article discusses the emotional toll for professionals working with children who are abused or neglected. It identifies feelings or conflicts that interfere consistently with effective delivery of care and notes several studies on this topic. Issues of countertransference, denial, the need to protect oneself, and other emotional challenges…

Anonymous surveys regarding unwanted sexual experiences (USE) prior to age 18 were completed by 342 subjects in 3 clinic settings. While feelings of victimization were most common, self-blame and naivete were also reported. In the general clinics, 40% of females and 16% of males reported USE; in the sexual abuse clinic, 91% of patients indicated…

A nonclinical sample of Australian adults (n=239) was surveyed for the incidence of traumatic childhood events, availability of emotional support, and the presence of a dissociative coping style. Findings suggested that lack of emotional support is an important mediator, but not a primary cause of the development of dissociative tendencies.…

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore differences in rates and characteristics of child sexual and physical abuse experiences among women in Singapore and the US. Method: Participants (N=153) completed an anonymous questionnaire which assessed experiences of childhood sexual and physical abuse, abuse characteristics (e.g.,…

This article presents a theoretical and testable model of psychological processes in child and adolescent victims of sexual abuse. It proposes that sexual abuse leads to shame through mediation of cognitive attributions which leads to poor adjustment. Three factors--social support, gender, and developmental period--are hypothesized to moderate the…