Psychological Distress, Risky Sexual Behavior, Alcohol Use, and Their Relationship Between Child Abuse and Revictimization: Analysis of Data From the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health

Citation

Eagle, Joseph (2024). Psychological Distress, Risky Sexual Behavior, Alcohol Use, and Their Relationship Between Child Abuse and Revictimization: Analysis of Data From the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health.

Abstract

Previous literature on childhood sexual abuse (CSA) indicates many negative outcomes, including mental health issues, increased risky sexual behaviors, and alcohol use, which contributes to revictimization, a subsequent victimization after the initial CSA, in later adolescence and adulthood. Previous estimates have cited CSA survivors are three to five times more likely to be revictimized (Castro et al., 2019). Additionally, there is no unified theory on the process of revictimization. One prominent theory is the traumagenic dynamics theory (TDM) by Finkelhor and Browne (1985), which asserts revictimization occurs through four consequences of CSA: betrayal, traumatic sexualization, stigmatization, and powerlessness. Using a sub-sample of 257 adults from Wave IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), survey questions were used to test the TDM. The goal was to assess how CSA may cause an increase in various factors corresponding to betrayal, traumatic sexualization, stigmatization, and powerlessness; and predict revictimization. A structural equation model which corresponded to the TDM was constructed and path analysis was utilized to create a working model. The final model found CSA occurring at younger ages and increased frequency predicted increases in psychopathology and risky sexual behaviors for younger and repeated victims, and suicidality. These outcomes then acted as mediating variables which were a strong predictor of subsequent revictimization. Findings supported the TDM as a theoretical model for revictimization. Findings have important clinical and research implications which can be implemented to further validate the TDM as well as providing potential interventions for reducing revictimization.

URL

http://libproxy.lib.unc.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/psychological-distress-risky-sexual-behavior/docview/3113936563/se-2?accountid=14244

Keyword(s)

Cognitive psychology, psychology, mental health, clinical psychology, childhood sexual abuse, sexual behaviors, revictimization, structural equation model

Reference Type

Thesis/Dissertation

Book Title

Fresno, CSPP

Author(s)

Eagle, Joseph

Series Author(s)

Williams, Victoria

Year Published

2024

Volume Number

Ph.D.

Publisher

Alliant International University

Reference ID

10499