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Short-Term Correlates of Child Sexual Abuse: An Exploratory Study Predicting Girls’ Academic, Cognitive, and Social Functioning 1 Year Later

  • Impact of Trauma on Children
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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore factors influencing the academic, cognitive, and social functioning of 50 Canadian French-speaking sexually abused girls (age 7 to 12 years). Contextual, personal, and family factors characterizing the environment of children postdisclosure were examined as potential predictors of outcomes 1 year later. The severity and duration of the abuse, exposure to other forms of victimization, and symptoms of dissociation were associated with outcomes over time in one or more of the three domains assessed. Personal variables were also identified as important protective factors, including younger age at disclosure, greater use of approach coping strategies, and children’s involvement in structured extracurricular activities. Results are discussed in terms of clinical implications.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada

    Isabelle V. Daignault

  2. Département de sexologie, succursale Centre-Ville, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Montréal, (Québec), Canada, H3C 3P8

    Martine Hébert

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  1. Isabelle V. Daignault
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  2. Martine Hébert
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Correspondence to Isabelle V. Daignault.

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Daignault, I.V., Hébert, M. Short-Term Correlates of Child Sexual Abuse: An Exploratory Study Predicting Girls’ Academic, Cognitive, and Social Functioning 1 Year Later. Journ Child Adol Trauma 1, 301–316 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1080/19361520802505693

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