Citation

Aalsma MC, Aalsma MC, Zimet GD, Fortenberry JD, Blythe M, Orr DP. J. Sex Res. 2002; 39(4): 259-263.

Affiliation

Section of Adolescent Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, 575 N. West Dr., Rm. 070, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. maalsma@iupui.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12545408

Abstract

The consistency of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) reporting was explored in this study. Two-hundred seventeen adolescents and young adults (ages 14-24) enrolled in urban health care clinics completed self-report questionnaires assessing CSA and other problem behaviors at enrollment and at 7 months. Results indicated that the stability of CSA self-report at two time points was poor (58% consistent nonreporters of CSA, 20% consistent reporters, 22% inconsistent reporters). Consistent and inconsistent reporters were differentiated on risk measures. Adolescents who endorsed more items from the CSA scale were five times more likely to be consistent reporters. In sum, adolescent CSA reporting was quite inconsistent over time. Using multi-item scales and assessing CSA at two time points enhances accuracy of reporting.

Language: en