The relation between child-perpetrator relationships, disclosure, and trauma symptoms in individuals with child sexual abuse experiences.

Background: While substantial research exists on child sexual abuse (CSA), the mechanisms underlying the development and persistence of trauma symptoms remain unclear. Various studies previously investigated the influence of child-perpetrator relationships on trauma symptoms, however, findings have been mixed and contradictory. The nature of these relationships was defined in abstract terms, lacking clarity on the actual relationship between the child and perpetrator. Furthermore, to the current knowledge, no studies have previously looked at the interplay of child-perpetrator relationships, disclosure, and trauma symptoms, while this may provide insight into whether disclosure influences trauma symptoms, and whether this is different in the case of varying child-perpetrator relationships. Consequently, the current study investigates the relationship between child-perpetrator relationships, degree and timing of disclosure, and trauma symptoms in individuals with a history of CSA....Show moreBackground: While substantial research exists on child sexual abuse (CSA), the mechanisms underlying the development and persistence of trauma symptoms remain unclear. Various studies previously investigated the influence of child-perpetrator relationships on trauma symptoms, however, findings have been mixed and contradictory. The nature of these relationships was defined in abstract terms, lacking clarity on the actual relationship between the child and perpetrator. Furthermore, to the current knowledge, no studies have previously looked at the interplay of child-perpetrator relationships, disclosure, and trauma symptoms, while this may provide insight into whether disclosure influences trauma symptoms, and whether this is different in the case of varying child-perpetrator relationships. Consequently, the current study investigates the relationship between child-perpetrator relationships, degree and timing of disclosure, and trauma symptoms in individuals with a history of CSA. Methods: Data were collected from 319 adults with a history of CSA using validated questionnaires assessing child-perpetrator relationships, disclosure characteristics, and trauma symptoms severity. Data were analyzed using a one-way ANCOVA, chi-square test, and t-test. Results: findings showed that lower degrees of disclosure, delayed disclosure, and not disclosing the perpetrator’s identity were significantly associated with greater severity of trauma symptoms. No significant associations were found between child-perpetrator relationships and either severity of trauma symptoms or degree of disclosure. Discussion: These findings indicate the importance of understanding disclosure processes and highlight the need for an individualized and nuanced approach. Future research should further explore the role of details shared during disclosure and find a way to define child-perpetrator relationships by how these are experienced instead of labelled.Show less

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The relation between child-perpetrator relationships, disclosure, and trauma symptoms in individuals with child sexual abuse experiences.