Citation

Watts S, Evans SZ, Simons LG, Simons RL. Int. Rev. Victimology 2021; 27(1): 111-124.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, World Society of Victimology, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0269758020936073

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Research has consistently shown that sexual victimization during childhood and adolescence can lead to negative outcomes. However, little research to date has sought to test whether these experiences can shape security of attachment in adulthood, an important concept in attachment theory. Utilizing a longitudinal community sample of African Americans, the current study tested whether sexual victimization during childhood and adolescence correlated with security of attachment in emerging adulthood while controlling for parenting.

RESULTS of regression analyses showed that sexual victimization did correlate with greater insecurity of attachment in emerging adulthood while controlling for parenting among females, but not males. Implications of these findings for policy and theory are discussed.

Language: en

Keywords

attachment style; Child sexual abuse; victimization