Child Sexual Abuse I: Psychopathology

Abstract

Objective: To review scientific literature concerning the prevalence, childhood outcome and adult outcome of child sexual abuse, and the hypothetical models that have been postulated to explain its psychopathology. Method: Selective critical review of literature. Results: Estimates of prevalence of sexual abuse suggest that a significant number of children of both sexes are affected. Research into the psychopathology of sexual abuse is hindered by methodological problems. However, sexual abuse has been associated with a number of psychiatric disorders and maladaptive lifestyles in childhood and adulthood. Several theoretical models of the psychopathology of child sexual abuse are examined and compared. Conclusions: A transactional model is the most comprehensive and encompassing.