Sexually abused male and female children : effects on self-image and behavior

Vita.The purpose of this study was to determine if there were differences in self-image and behavior problems (1) between male and female children who had been sexually abused and, (2) between victims of early abuse (between the age of 5 and 8, inclusive) and victims of late abuse (between the ages of 9 and 16, inclusive). Self-image was measured by the Rorschach Egocentricity Index, Morbid Content, An + Xy Contents (Anatomy + X-ray), Fr +rF Responses (Form-Reflection), FD Responses (Form Dimension), Texture Responses, and Vista Responses. Behavioral problems were measured using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) in two broad categories of internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Subjects included in the study were 20 inpatient female and 20 inpatient male children who had been sexually abused within the past 3 months. Each child was individually administered the Rorschach, and the female guardian of the child completed the CBCL. The data were analyzed by using analysis of variance. The results of the study indicated no significant differences between gender and age at onset of the abuse on individual measures of the Rorschach and the CBCL. Likewise the interactions were not significant. Although the differences were not statistically significant, it is noteworthy that the means from each group on the CBCL were clinically significant (T > 64), suggesting that a large number of these children were presenting with prominent behavioral problems