Citation

Sageman S. J. Am. Acad. Psychoanal. Dyn. Psychiatry 2003; 31(3): 563-580.

Affiliation

Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, American Academy of Psychoanalysis and Dynamic Psychiatry, Publisher Guilford Publications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

14535618

Abstract

This paper describes the effect of rape and the impact of sexually predatory environments on young boys and the resulting sequelae in adulthood. It presents the literature and the case histories of Jeff and Todd to illustrate the psychic devastation that occurs, and the ensuing attempts at reestablishing boundaries and regaining a sense of autonomy and male identity. Issues including facing powerlessness, betrayal by trusted adults, and the effect of emasculation on developing sexual identity are explored. A study of almost 4,000 siblings by Nelson et al. (2002) showed that a twin who was not sexually abused himself but who grew up in the same milieu as his sexually abused twin, suffered similar psychopathologic symptoms, such as suicide attempts, alcohol dependence, and social anxiety. Todd spent his formative years in a Catholic boarding school where boys were physically and sexually abused by priests. His history illustrates the severe psychological damage this causes and is consistent with the findings of Nelson's study.

Language: en