Children's knowledge of sexuality: a comparison of sexually abused and nonabused children

Am J Orthopsychiatry. 1990 Apr;60(2):250-7. doi: 10.1037/h0079177.

Abstract

Sexually abused and nonabused children, matched for age and social class, were compared for knowledge of various aspects of sexuality. No differences between groups were found. Many of the abused children, however, gave unusual affective responses to the stimuli of the child interview, whereas none of the nonabused children did so. Implications for clinicians working with sexually abused children are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Attitude
  • Child
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / prevention & control
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / psychology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mother-Child Relations
  • Psychosexual Development*
  • Sex Education*
  • Sexual Behavior