title: Sex differences in childhood sexual abuse and suicide-related behaviors.
abstract: Child sexual abuse and suicide-related behaviors are associated, but it remains unclear if the strength of this association differs in boys and girls. In a systematic review of this association in children and youth, we identified 16 relevant studies, all cross-sectional surveys of students. The association is stronger in boys specific to suicide attempt(s). Adjustments for potential confounding variables explained some, but not all of this sex difference. While additional research would strengthen causal inferences, this sex difference may be influenced by the nature and timing of child sexual abuse as well as the sex of the perpetrator, which in turn shapes the disclosure of these events.
authors.affiliation: The Suicide Studies Research Unit and the Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: Anne E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Rhodes
authors.forename: Michael H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Boyle
authors.forename: Lil
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tonmyr
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wekerle
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Goodman
authors.forename: Bruce
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Leslie
authors.forename: Polina
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mironova
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bethell
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Manion
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult