Five years after child sexual abuse: persisting dysfunction and problems of prediction.
OBJECTIVE
To assess change in behavior, depression, and self-esteem in sexually abused children after 5 years and to determine which factors predict later functioning.


METHODS
Sixty-eight of 84 children and their nonoffending parents were reassessed after 5 years for depression, self-esteem, and behavior problems in the children; parental mental health; and family functioning.


RESULTS
There were no significant changes in depression, self-esteem, or behavior over 5 years. Forty-three percent of the children were now sad or depressed, 43% had low self-esteem, and 46% had behavioral dysfunction. While some children improved, a nearly equal number deteriorated, with no clear pattern of change. The only abuse-related variables associated with 5-year functioning were further contact with the abuser, which was significantly associated with depression and self-esteem, and sexual abuse prior to intake, which was related to an increased incidence of behavior problems. Older children showed more depression and lower self-esteem but less behavioral dysfunction. Poor family functioning at 5 years was associated with low self-esteem and behavior problems. Treatment had no effect on depression, self-esteem, or behavior. Multivariate analysis showed that depression and self-esteem at intake were prognostic indicators of 5-year outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
Many sexually abused children have continuing problems with behavior, self-esteem, and depression. Family and abuse-related variables do not appear to be good predictors of outcome, although sexually abused children who are sad or depressed and have low self-esteem at intake are likely to have continuing problems in these areas.
Tebbutt
J
J
Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.
Swanston
H
H
Oates
R K
RK
O'Toole
B I
BI
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000523:psychology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013997:Time Factors