Work

Childhood Sexual Abuse Severity and Disclosure as Predictors of Depression Among Adult African-American and Latina Women

Year: 2011

Type: article

Abstract: A history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) has been associated with adult depression, but data on abuse severity and disclosure are scant, particularly among low-income ethnic minorities. CSA often co-occurs with other adversities, which also increase the risk of depression. This study examined the peritrauma variable of abuse severity and the posttrauma variables of disclosure and self-blame as predictors of current depression symptoms in 94 low-income African-American and Latina women with histories of CSA. After controlling for nonsexual childhood adversity and adult burden (i.e., chronic stress), severe CSA overall was associated with higher depression scores, especially among Latinas who disclosed their abuse. Depression symptoms among African-American women were highest in those who disclosed and reported high levels of self-blame at the time of the incident. The link between depression and specific peri- and post-CSA factors in minority women may help guide future interventions.

Source: The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease

DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0b013e31822142ac

Authors: Andres Sciolla, Dorothy A. Glover, Tamra B. Loeb, Muyu Zhang, Hector F. Myers, Gail E. Wyatt

Institutions: University of California San Diego, University of California, Los Angeles

Language: English

Topic: Child Abuse and Trauma

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, Gender equality

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute of Mental Health