Family-Related Variables and Psychological Symptom Formation in Sexually Abused Girls

The major purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between family-related variables and psychological symptom formation in sexually abused girls. The mothers of 77 abused girls ages 7–12, and 88 controls were administered the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales III (FACES-III). The mothers of abused subjects also completed the Parent Emotional Reaction Questionnaire (PERQ) and the Parental Support Questionnaire (PSQ). There were significant group differences on the FACES-III Cohesion Scale, with the mothers of abused girls rating their families as less cohesive than the mothers of normal controls. Also, correlational analyses demonstrated a significant relationship in the abused group between family adaptability on the FACES-III and behavior problems on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Additionally, a significant association between the intensity of the parents' reaction to the abuse and CBCL general behavior problems and sexual behavior problems as measured by the Child Sexual Behavior Inventory (CSBI) was found. These findings are discussed in the context of the evolving literature on the impact of family factors on the psychological adjustment of sexually victimized children.