Although researchers and clinicians have been aware of male victims of childhood sexual abuse, the literature still lacks sufficient data on the long-term effects for adult males sexually abused during childhood. The current study examined the long-term psychological impacts of childhood sexual abuse for adult males. A standardized measurement, SCL-90-R, was used to assess current psychological functioning such as somatization, obsessivecompulsive, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, phobic anxiety, paranoid ideation, and psychoticism. A questionnaire consisting of demographic data and childhood experiences was also administered to collect background information. Seventy-four undergraduate male students enrolled in counseling psychology courses were recruited. The abused group consisted of twelve subjects who reported histories of child sexual abuse. The rest of the sample (62) consisted of the nonabused group. Due to the small sample size, the results must be interpreted with extreme caution. Results of multiple t-tests suggested that there is no significant difference between the abused and nonabused group on subscales of the SCL-90-R. / Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

The current study assessed the effects of incest utilizing the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), an objective measure that can address such long term effects as low self esteem, isolation, depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance abuse, impaired sexual adjustment, psychosomatic concerns, and interpersonal relationship difficulties. Eighty-one women seeking counseling for issues related to an incestuous childhood, and 90 non sexually abused adult female clients completed the MMPI and a background information questionnaire.A Multivariate Analysis of Variance test comparing the mean profiles demonstrated that the incest group was more somatic, depressed, angry, anxious, and confused. A chi square analysis of two-point code type configurations found the incest group being more classified by the 48/84 and the 24/42 code types whereas the control group was more represented by the 46/64 code type. Lastly, the groups were compared by completing cluster analyses on each group's profiles. Both groups yielded an "overwhelmed" cluster that was statistically the same. Secondly, they each yielded a "normal" cluster that was similar but statistically different. Finally, the incest group yielded an "angry and confused" cluster and the control group yielded a "somatizer" cluster. Descriptions of the clusters and reasons for their differences are proposed.Differential impact was examined by comparing the incest clusters on number of abusers, use of threat or force, identity of the abuser, perceived betrayal by a non offending parent, length of time since abuse, and length of time in counseling. The only significant finding in these analyses was that the "overwhelmed" cluster had a greater number of abusers than the "angry and confused" and the "normal" clusters.The first two analyses were included in the study to validate the similarity of the present data with previous research and to demonstrate the myopic vision that results from analyzing the data in these manners. The cluster analysis allowed for the examination of the differential impact of the numerous long term sequalae. Recommendations for further research are presented as well as implications for treatment. / Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

The purpose of this study was to examine the role childhood sexual abuse (CSA), social support and a person's worldview (i.e., optimistic or pessimistic attitudes) had on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

This thesis investigates established theoretical and embodied accounts of identities excluded within Western heteronormative society in order to seek out how those embodiments and theories may parallel what is contended that another impossible subject position -- the child male victim of adult female sexual violence.

One hundred, primarily incarcerated, adult male sex offenders, were interviewed to determine the extent of their own experience of childhood sexual abuse and their incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Also investigated were the roles played by various aspects of sexual abuse in the development of PTSD and other psychological disorders. Fifty seven percent of the sample reported having been sexually victimized. Findings regarding age when the abuse began, use of force and severity of body violation were consistent with previous studies. As was found in prior research, the majority of their abusers were known to them and were women. Abuse by men and having been anally penetrated were correlated with the development of PTSD. Also implicated in the development of PTSD and related symptomology was the use of force during the abuse, severity of bodily violation, and, inconsistently, duration of the abuse. Regression analysis revealed use of force, not telling about the abuse as a child, a closer relationship to one's perpetrator, and increased severity of body violation to be, in combination, most consistently predictive of PTSD development. In the sexually abused sample, 33% received a retrospective diagnosis of PTSD, while five percent were currently diagnosed. This contrasts with rates found in the non-sexually abused sample of 7% past diagnosis of PTSD and 2% current diagnosis of PTSD. / Ph. D.

The purpose of this action study was to conduct a group treatment program for female adult survivors of incest using TFA Systems™. Specifically this study examined the coping response behavior patterns of adult survivors in situations of perceived victimization. During stage one of the treatment program, clients presented situations in which they had perceived themselves to have been in the victim role. Each client analyzed her patterns of coping using the TFA Helping Cycle. The specific thoughts (T), feelings (F), and actions (A) experienced by participants were examined. Special attention was given to the cues that signaled perceptions of victimization. Processing through the Helping Cycle assisted clients in moving from an awareness of habitual patterns to problem solving alternative coping responses. In stage two, participants predicted situations that had the potential for eliciting perceptions of victimization. These situations were likewise examined in TFA terms. Applying TFA methods to understanding coping response behavior patterns in threatening situations allowed clients the opportunity to break the cycle of relying on habitual behavior patterns. Intervention techniques were individualized to both the client and her situation. The results of this study suggest that the TFA Systems™ model accurately assessed the coping response behavior patterns of clients in situations of perceived victimization. Participants were able to use effectively the Helping Cycle to examine the thoughts, feelings and actions that directed their behavior. Conscious awareness of existing patterns and knowledge of available options allowed clients to restructure ineffective coping responses. Both objective and subjective evaluation procedures confirmed the TFA Systems™ treatment model as a promising method for effecting positive behavior change in an adult survivors of incest population. / Ed. D.

The results of this study revealed that despite the childhood sexual abuse event, the victims were able to change their views in a positive direction with regard to the benevolence of the world and people as they marched through life and presumably experienced positive events.

Statistics for sexually abused children are high. When children do not receive therapy, they may develop marital problems later in life. Survivors of sexual abused have difficulty letting other people come close to them. Because emotional and sexual intimacy is important components of a marital relationship, survivors of sexual abused experience conflict within their marriages. Intimacy in the marital relationship reminds them of the abuse situation and they would try to escape from it. If couples do not go through therapeutic intervention, they would have difficulty understanding the changes in their relationship after the marriage. Within a therapeutic environment partners are able to recognise the effects of abuse and are able to learn how to handle it in order to achieve a successful marriage. The changes in intimacy levels after marriage will be investigated in this study. The study will make recommendations towards professional principles for social workers in practice. / Social Work / M. A. (Social Sciences)

Statistics for sexually abused children are high. When children do not receive therapy, they may develop marital problems later in life. Survivors of sexual abused have difficulty letting other people come close to them. Because emotional and sexual intimacy is important components of a marital relationship, survivors of sexual abused experience conflict within their marriages. Intimacy in the marital relationship reminds them of the abuse situation and they would try to escape from it. If couples do not go through therapeutic intervention, they would have difficulty understanding the changes in their relationship after the marriage. Within a therapeutic environment partners are able to recognise the effects of abuse and are able to learn how to handle it in order to achieve a successful marriage. The changes in intimacy levels after marriage will be investigated in this study. The study will make recommendations towards professional principles for social workers in practice. / Social Work / M. A. (Social Sciences)