Persistent stress reaction and psychopathology among adult male survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

摘要

A relatively well researched and understood population is made up of female survivors of childhood sexual abuse. This is not the case with adult male survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Consequently, this study examines selected adult male sexual abuse victims as to symptoms of stress reaction, psychopathology and general psychological function. Adult male survivors (n = 28) were compared to non-abused males (n = 20) by using a test battery consisting of 42 variables. There were significant differences in the mean scores between the groups on all 42 variables. The abused group obtained higher scores in symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, rates of psychopathology, low well-being, and shame. They had a low degree of feelings of self-worth and sense of self.