Factors linked to outcomes in sexually abused girls: a regression tree analysis.
Children who report sexual abuse (SA) have been found to display a range of internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. In the present study, a tree-based analysis was used to derive models predicting the variability of internalizing and externalizing behavior problems as well as dissociation symptoms in SA girls. Participants were 150 girls aged 4 to 12 years referred to a specialized pediatric clinic after disclosure of SA. The potential predictors taken into account included sociodemographic and abuse-related variables as well as maternal and family characteristics. The models obtained point to prior abuse as a salient variable in predicting outcomes of SA girls. Implications for the treatment for children disclosing SA are discussed.
Hébert
Martine
M
Department of Sexology, University of Quebec in Montreal, Montreal (Quebec), Canada H3C 3P8. hebert.m@uqam.ca
Collin-Vézina
Delphine
D
Daigneault
Isabelle
I
Parent
Nathalie
N
Tremblay
Caroline
C
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D004213:Dissociative Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010552:Personality Assessment; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012044:Regression Analysis