The impact of childhood sexual abuse on psychological distress among women in New Zealand

Ross Flett, Nikolaos Kazantzis, Nigel R Long, Carol Benie MacDonald, Michelle M Millar, Bronwyn Clark, Howard C Edwards, Alexandra M Petrik

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

PROBLEMS: In order to better understand the long-term impact of child sex abuse, this study examined the association between women s experience of abuse, health symptoms, and psychological distress in adulthood. There is limited information about child abuse outside the United States. METHODS: Nine hundred sixty-one women participated in a structured interview. RESULTS: Participants who had experienced abuse (13 ) were significantly more vulnerable to psychological distress in adulthood if they were younger, less satisfied with their standard of living, and resided in urban areas. CONCLUSION: Dissemination and evaluation of therapies for the treatment of sex abuse in the New Zealand context is warranted.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)25 - 32
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing
Volume25
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes

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