Citation

Rasch MA, Wagner EE. J. Pers. Assess. 1989; 53(4): 761-769.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, University of Akron, OH 44325.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1989, Society for Personality Assessment, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

2691639

Abstract

Previous research regarding the initial effects of sexual abuse on children has varied in terms of methodologies, measurement instruments, and reported findings. Recent studies, however, suggest that projective techniques may be useful in resolving some of these inconsistencies. This study utilized the Hand Test to investigate the initial effects of sexual abuse on female children. Authenticated cases of sexually abused children were compared to a matched sample of presumably nonabused children. Significant differences on six variables were obtained between the groups but, more important, Hand Test patterns emerged which appeared to distinguish among those victims who: (a) were severely traumatized by the abuse, (b) displayed neurotic tendencies, and (c) did not seem to have suffered measurable detrimental effects. It was suggested that these findings may help reconcile conflicting views that have appeared in the literature.

Language: en