Citation

Monette MC, Tourigny M, Daigneault I. Can. J. Behav. Sci. 2008; 40(1): 31-41.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Canadian Psychological Association, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1037/0008-400x.40.1.31

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The present study investigated the associated factors of internalising and externalising behaviour problems among sexually abused adolescents. One hundred fifty-eight female adolescent victims of sexual abuse, aged between 13 and 17 years, were recruited. Participants completed a battery of questionnaires measuring cognitive distortions, coping strategies, empowerment, behaviour problems, perception of their relationship with their mother and father, maternal support, characteristics of the sexual abuse as well as other forms of violence experienced.

RESULTS show that interpersonal distrust and general self-attributions of blame are two factors associated with both internalising and externalising behaviour problems. In addition, the mother/daughter relationship is associated with externalising behaviour problems. These results partially support Spaccarelli's model. They also highlight the important role of cognitive distortions, particularly general self-attributions of blame and interpersonal distrust, which may be targeted in treatments that are aimed at reducing behavioural problems. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)

Keywords

Adolescent Psychopathology; Behavior Problems; Blame; Externalization; Internalization; Sexual Abuse; Trust (Social Behavior)