Citation

Nurcombe B. Aust. N. Zeal. J. Psychiatry 2000; 34(1): 85-91.

Affiliation

Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, The University of Queensland, Mental Health Centre, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston, Australia. bnurcombe@psychiatry.uq.edu.au

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11185950

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To review scientific literature concerning the prevalence, childhood outcome and adult outcome of child sexual abuse, and the hypothetical models that have been postulated to explain its psychopathology. METHOD: Selective critical review of literature. RESULTS: Estimates of prevalence of sexual abuse suggest that a significant number of children of both sexes are affected. Research into the psychopathology of sexual abuse is hindered by methodological problems. However, sexual abuse has been associated with a number of psychiatric disorders and maladaptive lifestyles in childhood and adulthood. Several theoretical models of the psychopathology of child sexual abuse are examined and compared. CONCLUSIONS: A transactional model is the most comprehensive and encompassing.

Language: en