This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by KAMSNER, S. Articles by McCABE, M. P. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                   What's this?

The Relationship Between Adult Psychological Adjustment and Childhood Sexual Abuse, Childhood Physical Abuse, and Family-of-Origin Characteristics

Deakin University

MARITA P. McCABE

Deakin University

A history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) has been shown to be an important contributor to poor psychosocial adjustment in adult life. However, the long-term impact of childhood physical abuse (CPA) has been neglected, and research has often failed to consider moderating factors such as a negative family environment. This article investigates the relationships among adult psychological adjustment and self-esteem, family-of-origin environment variables, and a history of CSA or CPA. A self-report questionnaire was administered to a general community sample and a tertiary student sample. Findings indicated that family-of-origin variables did not predict psychological adjustment. However, the community group exhibited poorer psychological adjustment than the student group. For the community group, family cohesion and CSA were the best predictors of adult adjustment and self-esteem. For the student group, only CPA significantly contributed to the prediction of adult psychological adjustment. Statistical and conceptual limitations, as well as directions for future research, are discussed.

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

				S. Kulkarni Interpersonal Violence at the Crossroads Between Adolescence and Adulthood: Learning About Partner Violence From Young Mothers Violence Against Women, February 1, 2006; 12(2): 187 - 207. [Abstract] [PDF]

				P. A. Hulme Retrospective Measurement of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Review of Instruments Child Maltreat, May 1, 2004; 9(2): 201 - 217. [Abstract] [PDF]