A Comparison of the Play Behaviors of Sexually Abused, Physically Abused, and Nonabused Preschool Children

Behavioral observations were performed on three groups of preschool children: nonabused, physically abused and neglected, and sexually abused. Physically abused and neglected children were more antisocial, disruptive, and aggressive yet passive. Sexually abused children were relatively quiet and engaged in more female-type activities. Peer interaction in the two groups of clinically referred children was significantly less positive than in the control group.