Objectives: Current research suggests that effective psychotherapies for Self Injurious Behavior (SIB) in the context of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) contain generic common elements which are responsible for their success. Because of the links between BPD, SIB, and child abuse, it is likely that these common elements can also be applied…

Background: Through a process of probabilistic epigenesis, child maltreatment progressively contributes to compromised adaptation on a variety of developmental domains central to successful adjustment. These developmental failures pose significant risk for the emergence of psychopathology across the life course. In addition to the psychological…

This project provides a comprehensive overview of the research literature on anorexia nervosa in female adults and concludes by offering 14 group therapy lesson plans for anorexia nervosa that therapists may use in their practice. There is a remarkable lack of research on the efficacy of treatment designed for individuals diagnosed with anorexia…

The literature on clergy-perpetrated sexual abuse suggests that there are two modal populations of survivors: boys and adult women. We review what is known about trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder following sexual abuse and explore the different treatment needs for these two survivor groups. For children, clergy-perpetrated sexual abuse can…

Examines a variety of sexual behaviors that occur between adults and children and attempts to clarify some of the confusion in terminology. Provides some behavioral distinctions to aid in clarifying the meaning of such frequently used terms as child abuse, sexual child abuse, child molestation, and sexual exploitation. (Author/ABB)

Describes investigation undertaken employing known-groups strategy to expand research base on sexual offenders by investigating relationship between childhood sexual victimization and number of victims reported by known-group of child sexual offenders. (CRR)

Examines perception of past sexual abuse experiences and quality of life among adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Interviews (N=52) reveal three types of explanations for the offenders' behavior. Results indicate that survivors who attributed the abuse to the offenders' characteristics managed to keep their self esteem fairly intact and…

Sexual abuse can have negative consequences for children during the time of abuse as well as later in life. An important research question concerns the cycle of sexual abuse, specifically the likelihood that individuals who were victims of sexual abuse as children will become sexual abusers of children in adulthood. At the request of Congress, the…

Published empirical research on the repression of memories of childhood sexual abuse is limited at the present time, and the quality and usefulness of the research varies with the methodology, research design, statistical analyses, and researcher bias. This literature review discusses at length a 1987 study by J. H. Herman and E. Schatzow and 1994…

Multiple personality disorder (MPD) is now recognized as a valid diagnostic category. Occurrence may be higher than previously suspected. While physiological testing of MPD has shown significant differences between the various personalities of individuals in terms of galvanic skin response, electroencephalogram recordings, electrodermal response…

Discusses self-disclosure as a therapeutic tool in both group and individual work with adult survivors of child sexual abuse. Identifies specific types of self-disclosing behaviors and presents case examples. Examines the importance of the therapists' own life experiences and the therapist's life outside of the professional role. (RJM)

Examines what researchers are beginning to understand about pathways from the experience of abuse in childhood to revictimization in adolescence and adulthood. Considers the issues of sexual development, sexual relationships, and risk factors associated with sexual abuse. Addresses the risk of revictimization in adulthood in terms of the…

This paper surveys research evidence relating to the disclosure of childhood sexual abuse by adults and argues that, for some adults, the disclosure of sexual abuse may be a primary cause of psychological distress, resulting in the dissolution of social support systems and increasing the individual's vulnerability to psychiatric disorder.…

Issues in the sexual abuse and exploitation of individuals with mental retardation are discussed, including sociolegal considerations of special protection from abuse and neglect, incidence of sexual abuse, increased vulnerability of individuals with mental retardation, nature of the abuse, initial and long-term effects, professional response, and…

Discusses sexual abuse among persons with mental retardation, skills for preventing sexual abuse, and methods for assessing prevention skills. Reviews research on abduction prevention programs for persons with mental retardation and on sexual abuse prevention programs for children, and makes suggestions for future research. (Author/CR)