Citation

Mackey T, Sereika SM, Weissfeld LA, Hacker SS, Zender JF, Heard SL. Arch. Psychiatr. Nurs. 1992; 6(1): 10-25.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-0482.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1992, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

1567243

Abstract

Of 63 sexual assault victims who were a mean 7.9 years postevent, almost two thirds (60%, n = 38) demonstrated some degree of depression. Over half (56%, n = 35) the sample also reported a history of childhood sexual abuse. Three factors had a significant positive association with higher levels of depression: nondisclosure of the assault to significant others due to concerns about stigma; the presence of children living with the victim; and a civil lawsuit pending. One factor, currently being sexually active, had a significant negative association with depression. Results are discussed from the perspective of depression, a common pathway by which unresolved sexual trauma is expressed.

Language: en