Year: 1994
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in psychosocial development and reported distress levels between women in counseling who have experienced sexual abuse (N=20) and women in counseling who have not experienced sexual abuse (N=14).Psychosocial development was assessed using the Measures of Psychosocial Development (MPD), which measures resolution of Erik H. Erikson's eight psychosocial stages.Individuals' reported level of distress was measured by the Global Symptoms Index (GSI) on the Symptoms Checklist 90 Revised (SCL-90-R).The sample consisted of Caucasian women at the Human Development Training and Research Clinic, the Montana State University Counseling and Psychological Services Center and selected clients of private counselors.All of these referral sources resided in the community of Bozeman, Montana.All participants were referred by their primary therapists to complete the assessments and an additional information form.The data obtained from the MPD and the SCL-90-R was analyzed by comparing the means of each group through the use of t tests.At the p = .05level, there was a significant difference between the two groups in all of Erikson's eight stages except the Intimacy versus Isolation stage.There was also a significant difference between the two groups on the GSI of the SCL-90-R (p = .05).Specifically, women who have experienced sexual abuse showed lower levels of resolution in seven of Erikson's eight psychosocial stages and higher levels of reported distress, as measured by the SCL-90-R.Descriptive data from the additional information form is reported in the study.Recommendations resulting from this study include the use of the MPD and Erikson's theory in understanding and treating women in counseling who have experienced sexual abuse.Also, recommendations for further research include the investigation into the relationship between reported levels of distress and levels of psychosocial development.
Author: Kevin E Wyse
Language: English
Topic: Child Abuse and Trauma
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W152895486