Citation

Hoagwood K. Women Ther. 1990; 9(4): 89-110.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1990, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J015V09N04_07

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In order to assess the intensity, direction, and type of self- and other-blame in relationship to adjustment, a clinical sample of 31 women who were sexually abused as children completed a sexual abuse questionnaire, a self-blame scale, and adjustment measures for depression, self-esteem and self-concept. Repeated measures MANOVA analyses yielded significant differences in the direction and types of blame experienced as children and as adults. In addition, self-blame was associated with poorer adjustment, whereas externalization of blame was associated with healthier adjustment. Significant relationships between blame and characteristics of the victim's sexual abuse history, including age of victimization and duration of abuse, were also found. Implications of these findings for therapists working with victims are discussed.