title: Reactions to research participation in victims of childhood sexual abuse.
abstract: We examined whether adults with a documented or self-reported history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) report more emotional reactions and negative responses to research participation and whether psychiatric symptoms play a moderating role in their reactions. Using a prospective cohort design, individuals with documented histories of CSA and non-abused matched controls were followed up and interviewed in adulthood (n = 460). Reactions to research participation were measured with a brief questionnaire. Concurrent symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD were assessed via standardized measures. Results showed that those with a history of CSA, documented or self-reported, experienced similar reactions compared to controls. Psychiatric symptoms predicted stronger emotional reactions and more negative responses, but also greater personal benefit, regardless of CSA history.
authors.affiliation: John Jay College of Criminal Justice and the Graduate Center, CUNY.
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Massey
authors.forename: Cathy Spatz
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Widom
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D054523:Adult Survivors of Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology*; D001290:Attitude; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology*; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012106:Research; D035842:Research Subjects / Q000523:psychology*; D057566:Self Report; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000523:psychology*