CSA Survivors and Self Harm
Faculty Mentor
Sara Haden
Major/Area of Research
Psychology
Description
INTRODUCTION: Individuals who have experienced some sort of childhood trauma are at a much higher risk for developing a mental health disorder such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, etc. The prevalence of self-harming behaviors in adults with depression was found to be 76.06% (Zhang, 2023). Furthermore, correlations were found between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and Non Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI), and between ACE and suicide attempts among forensic psychiatric patients. Sexual trauma was one of the variables measured under ACE (Laporte, Ozolins, Westling, Westrin, & Wallinius, 2023).
METHOD: The current study aims to find a correlation between childhood sexual abuse and self harm during adulthood. This study uses the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and Self Harm Inventory (SHI) in a fully anonymous survey. I hypothesized that higher levels of childhood sexual abuse would correlate with higher levels of self-harm in adulthood.
CONCLUSION: The hypothesis was supported-- increased childhood sexual abuse experiences were associated with higher prevalence of self harm and suicidal behavior in adults. This supports previous findings for forensic patients. Over half of participants reported experiencing sexual abuse that was perpetrated by another minor. Child-on-child sexual abuse is rarely spoken of, and it has been shown to occur as well despite little to no research. Awareness should be brought to the matter.
CSA Survivors and Self Harm
INTRODUCTION: Individuals who have experienced some sort of childhood trauma are at a much higher risk for developing a mental health disorder such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, etc. The prevalence of self-harming behaviors in adults with depression was found to be 76.06% (Zhang, 2023). Furthermore, correlations were found between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and Non Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI), and between ACE and suicide attempts among forensic psychiatric patients. Sexual trauma was one of the variables measured under ACE (Laporte, Ozolins, Westling, Westrin, & Wallinius, 2023).
METHOD: The current study aims to find a correlation between childhood sexual abuse and self harm during adulthood. This study uses the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and Self Harm Inventory (SHI) in a fully anonymous survey. I hypothesized that higher levels of childhood sexual abuse would correlate with higher levels of self-harm in adulthood.
CONCLUSION: The hypothesis was supported-- increased childhood sexual abuse experiences were associated with higher prevalence of self harm and suicidal behavior in adults. This supports previous findings for forensic patients. Over half of participants reported experiencing sexual abuse that was perpetrated by another minor. Child-on-child sexual abuse is rarely spoken of, and it has been shown to occur as well despite little to no research. Awareness should be brought to the matter.