Social attitudes towards child sexual abuse (CSA) tend to reflect a wide variety of misconceptions. These not only play a highly significant role in the etiology and maintenance of sexual offending against children, they also contribute to under reporting and promote the silence that generally surrounds CSA. They further predict unfair treatment of victims, and compromise adaptive resolution in both victim and offender. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the existence of misconceptions surrounding CSA amongst the general public of Durban in South Africa. A further purpose was to explore differences in rates of myth endorsement in this context, firstly between males and females, and secondly between two levels of education. The research design was conceptualised within a positivist paradigm with the use of quantitative data collected through questionnaire method. The research instrument was developed by the researcher within the framework of four empirical studies, with input from two professors with extensive research experience. The sample consisted of members and staff of a public library; clothing factory workers; staff in two elementary schools; and employees in a retail outlet. The research sites were located in three different geographical areas of the city to maximise generalisation of findings. Although previous studies have indicated high rates of myth endorsement amongst the general public and gender differences in rates of myth endorsement, the present study xiv did not yield significant results in these two areas. This may have been due to the composition of the sample which was largely representative of educators and other school personnel (n = 80). This population has more exposure to victims of CSA than the average member of the public, and may well have a wider knowledge in issues surrounding CSA, as a consequence of this. In terms of differences in rates of myth endorsement according to levels of education, findings in this study have indicated a higher rate of myth endorsement in those with a lower level of education. This is consistent with findings in previous studies amongst the general public in the USA and Australia. This suggests a priority for the development of programs to disseminate accurate information in issues surrounding CSA at all levels of public education. The literature additionally indicates an urgent need for the development and implementation of comprehensive programs to elucidate issues in CSA amongst the general public. It has been suggested that these public programs be based on the educational initiatives employed in antismoking campaigns, since these have proven efficacy. / National Research Foundation

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Abstract available in the pdf file.

M.A. / The incidence of child abuse in southern Africa is problematic to such an extent that it is described by Machel (as cited in Richter, Dawes & Higson-Smith, 2004. p. ix) as "an assault, a war upon our children". The numbers and estimates surrounding, not only sexual abuse, but also physical abuse seem to be rising exponentially. This leads to the obvious deduction that adult survivors are also rising exponentially, and as such need focus and care, since the aftermath of abuse is far reaching, impacting every sphere of their lives. Destructive behaviour and thought patterns characterise all aspects of their interaction with the self and others, which paints a bleak and painful picture for their futures. To compound the aftermath, very few studies have focused on aspects beyond the aftermath, few have gone on to explain and focus attention on whether healing can take place, and if so, how it can be brought about. This important source of hope for the survivors has been neglected for far too long, leaving the survivors struggling with the question of whether positive change is at all possible? This study aims to address that question and to focus on the experience of the process of healing. The participants were members of a support group for survivors. A qualitative approach was followed with the focus on conceptual analysis. Two open-ended questionnaires were constructed. The first questionnaire was administered pre-intervention and the second questionnaire post-intervention. As a qualitative study, information is included regarding the researcher's experience, and is interpreted from the researcher's perspective. It was found that growth and change is indeed possible. Participants showed more insight into their behaviour and actions and were mostly able to cease destructive behaviours, achieve positive goals set for themselves, or were at least in the process of changing some aspects they felt needed attention. Due to analysis taking place on a group, as well as, individual level, individual differences became very visible. In this study, those aspects participants still found problematic were also highlighted. It is suggested that those aspects be scrutinised in future studies. A reflection on the healing process also occurred and is viewed as a platform for future studies to build on.

Child sexual abuse (CSA) has been linked to a number of adverse effects including hypersexuality (HYP), substance use (SUB), suicidality (SUI), and depression (DEP). Despite a plethora of research on CSA, little is known about how it affects adolescents and the cultural factors that influence their coping styles. This study was founded on social-cultural coping theory and the model of traumagenic dynamics of sexual abuse, suggesting that CSA consequences lead to maladaptive coping mechanisms influenced by sociocultural factors. Using archival data, log-linear analysis was conducted to examine gender differences within racial/ethnic groups in HYP, SUI, DEP, and SUB among adolescent survivors of CSA in a National sample of 13,583 male and female high school students. The purpose of the study was to identify differences in the effects of CSA as manifested by variations of maladaptive coping across racial/ethnic groups and gender. Boys were significantly more likely to use substances, while girls were more likely to experience depressive symptoms and suicidality. Notably, this study did not reveal any significant racial/ethnic differences in adolescent coping. Findings from this study can inform treatment planning and interventions for adolescents who may present with DEP, SUI, SUB, or risky sexual behaviors, but may have underlying trauma from CSA. This study offers positive social change by contributing to the knowledge base about the processes that take place within adolescent CSA survivors, shedding light on cultural nuances among adolescent coping, and informing culturally-competent practice. These findings can ultimately assist in the development of tailored treatment interventions for the prevention of adverse long term effects of adolescent CSA.

Title from title page of PDF (University of Missouri--St. Louis, viewed March 8, 2010). Includes bibliographical references (p. 56-64).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--West Virginia University, 2003. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains viii, 132 p. Vita. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 97-107).

published_or_final_version / Sociology / Master / Master of Social Sciences

This study (N = 123) contrasted a group of sexually abused children in treatment, aged 6 to 12 years, with two comparable groups—other non-sexually abused children in treatment, and non-abused, non-treatment children—to determine whether differences in Rosebush Picture selection could be demonstrated. All children underwent evaluation procedures that included completion of a 12 picture selection (the Rosebush Picture Sort) and the Culture-Free Self-Esteem Inventory-2 (CFSEI-2). A demographic questionnaire for each child was completed. Results showed no differences in picture selection or self-esteem scores of children at the beginning or end-treatment stage. Sexually abused children's Rosebush Picture Sort (RPS) selections at mid-treatment were different than both comparison groups. The self-esteem scores of the two clinical groups in mid-treatment were significantly lower than the scores of the non-abused, non-treatment group, but did not differ from one another. The findings indicate that sexually abused children identify Rosebush Picture Sort pictures differently than other children. It is possible that sexual abuse affects the internal working model of children differently than other types of abuse and trauma.