An Empirical Investigation of the Psychological Sequelae of Childhood Sexual Abuse in an Adult Latina Population

Abstract

This study examined the effects of childhood sexual abuse on perceived social support among Latino women using the Self-In-Relation theoretical orientation and the Comprehensive Model of Trauma Impact to examine the impact of child sexual abuse. Participants included 54 Latina survivors of child sexual abuse seeking mental health services. The relationship between affective distress, interpersonal sensitivity, and perceived social support was investigated. Findings revealed depression was a statistically significant predictor of interpersonal sensitivity, sr (3, 49) = .45, p < .005) and of perceived social support for both Important Person, r (47) = –.34, p < .05, and People in Personal Life, r (47) = –.38, p < .01. Clinical implications are discussed from a Latino cultural perspective.