Explored relationship between sexual abuse and adolescent prostitution by comparing 70 sexually abused children with 35 prostitution-involved children on 22 variables. Findings suggest that relationship is not direct, but involves runaway behavior as intervening variable. Concludes that it is not so much sexual abuse that leads to prostitution, as…

Shelter staff from 8 states completed Client Information Records on 2,019 runaways. Found significant differences in problems reported by physically abused and sexually abused runaways when compared to nonabused runaway peers. Runaways who were both physically and sexually maltreated were significantly more vulnerable and much worse off than those…

Notes that it is believed by many that the sexual abuse of children and adolescents is primarily perpetrated against females. Presents a review of the literature on the incidence, indicators, effects, and treatment of sexual abuse in males. (Author/NB)

Administered Dean Romanticism Scale and Bachman Self-Esteem Scale to 121 pregnant adolescents (ages 12-21). Found that two variables were significantly related to feelings of romanticism: adoption considerations and whether adolescent planned to have child with the baby's father. Two variables were significantly related to self-esteem: incidence…

Examined psychological correlates of sexual abuse in adolescent girls (N=597) at substance abuse inpatient facilities. Found high prevalence of sexual abuse victimization with over one-third acknowledging history of sexual abuse. Suggests sexual abuse victims show slightly different and often more serious psychopathology with suicidal ideation,…

Reviews the literature concerning the association between adolescent abuse and the predisposition to violence and other antisocial behavior. Reviews the family dynamics of abuse and recent work in sexual abuse and its relationship to male sexual offenders. Helping professionals should be aware of these factors. (JAC)

A vignette depicting date rape was presented to 352 male and female high school students. The vignette was accompanied by either a photograph of the victim dressed provocatively, a photograph of the victim dressed conservatively, or no photograph. Subjects who viewed the photo of the provocatively dressed were more likely to indicate that she was…

Many juvenile sex offenders are also victims of sexual abuse. Treatment primarily focuses on juvenile's criminal acts in confrontational, nonsympathetic manner. Surveyed 18 professionals in sexual abuse treatment field to assess attitudes toward juvenile sex offender treatment. Those in corrections field were greatest supporters of confrontational…

Evaluated data on sexual victimization, physical victimization, family structure, family financial stability, delinquent and criminal activities, and reasons for running away in histories of 89 Canadian male runaways. Runaways evidenced dramatically higher rates of sexual and physical abuse than did randomly sampled populations. Sexually abused…

Reviews recent English-language literature on sexual abuse of children, focusing on incest and its biological as well as psychological effects. (Author/DB)

Reports findings from a therapeutic intervention consisting of homogeneous group therapy and sexual education with same-sex therapist/clients. Female incest victims in the experimental group (N=15) showed a significant increase in positive self-esteem and developed a significantly increased knowledge of human sexuality, birth control, and venereal…

Reports on a study that explored adolescent women's (N=1,025) emotional problems, suicidal behavior, and the frequency and type of sexual assault they experienced in school. Results indicate that 23% of women suffered at least one assault. A correlation emerged between number of assaults and measures of emotional disorder. (RJM)

Outlines characteristics of sex offenders, including family and school histories, sexual attitudes, social skills and relationships, delinquent behaviors, psychiatric diagnoses, and cognitive distortions based on mythical beliefs. Treatment requires correction of thinking errors and promotion of accountability, empathy, education, morality,…

Administered questionnaires to 37 pregnant adolescents and adolescent mothers to assess needs and factors contributing to pregnancy. Assessed family background and composition, history of sexual abuse, vocational plans and aspirations, and self-esteem. High incidence of family disruption resulting from alcohol and drug abuse and reported child…

Profiles of adolescent female offenders in the literature suggest that these women have unique needs. Descriptions of selected characteristics and assessment considerations were synthesized from relevant research. Recommendations are discussed that propose changing educational programming in order to meet the specific needs of these adolescents.…