Citation

Callahan KL, Price JL, Hilsenroth MJ. J. Pers. Assess. 2003; 80(2): 173-184.

Affiliation

Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY 11530, USA. kelleycallahan@earthlink.net

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Society for Personality Assessment, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12700020

Abstract

This study investigates the long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Differences between abused and nonabused individuals in psychiatric symptomatology, interpersonal functioning, social and occupational functioning, personality dynamics, and therapeutic alliance were examined. The relationship between abuse severity and long-term effects was also analyzed. Data were gathered from 51 patients seeking individual psychotherapy at a community outpatient clinic. Findings suggested that CSA survivors tend to experience greater psychiatric distress and poorer interpersonal functioning than nonabused clinical controls. No significant differences were found in social and occupational functioning or in alliance developed by the end of the therapeutic assessment process. Abuse severity was significantly related to increased symptomatology and poorer interpersonal functioning. Findings support and extend existing literature and are especially useful for clinicians working with abuse survivors.

Language: en