The Psychological Effect of a Disclosure of Child Sexual Assault

ISBN-13: 9783847302865 / Angielski / Miękka / 2012 / 116 str.

Dr Anna Cohen

Opis

Child sexual assault (CSA) is a reality for many children, affecting extensive areas of their psychological functioning. The discovery of child sexual assault is a major stressor in the lives of a childs non-offending parent. Numerous studies have revealed that the attachment and support of the non-offending parent, most commonly the mother, has an impact on the childs long-term adjustment to the abusive experience. The current study aimed to investigate the impact of a disclosure of sexual assault on the non-offending mother and her relationship with her child. Specifically, this study examined parenting stress, attachment, and coping styles in mothers of children who have been sexually assaulted, and examined if the impact of a childs disclosure is different depending upon the identity of the perpetrator and the perpetrators relationship to the mother. The outcomes of this study have implications for informing assessment and intervention practices, to better facilitate the adjustment of children and families who have been affected by CSA.

O autorze

Dr Anna Cohen has been working with children, young people and families for over 15 years in government and non-government organisations. She specialises in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of children and young people presenting with psychiatric, emotional and behavioural problems and in assisting parents with parent management strategies.