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Impact of Sexual Abuse on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Ana Carolina Alves

    (Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Fernando Pessoa University, Praça 9 de Abril, 349, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
    Observatory Permanent Violence and Crime (OPVC), FP-I3ID, Fernando Pessoa University, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Maria Leitão

    (Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Fernando Pessoa University, Praça 9 de Abril, 349, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
    Observatory Permanent Violence and Crime (OPVC), FP-I3ID, Fernando Pessoa University, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Ana Isabel Sani

    (Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Fernando Pessoa University, Praça 9 de Abril, 349, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
    Observatory Permanent Violence and Crime (OPVC), FP-I3ID, Fernando Pessoa University, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
    Research Center on Child Studies (CIEC), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal)

  • Diana Moreira

    (Observatory Permanent Violence and Crime (OPVC), FP-I3ID, Fernando Pessoa University, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
    Centro Regional de Braga, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 4710-362 Braga, Portugal
    Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
    Centro de Solidariedade de Braga/Projeto Homem, 4700-024 Braga, Portugal)

Abstract

Child sexual abuse (CSA), the most common type of maltreatment, is any action of a sexual nature by one or more adults towards a minor without the minor’s consent. This abuse represents one of the most damaging forms of trauma, has a severe impact on mental health and psychopathology, and can lead to several disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is characterized as a disorder that encompasses physical symptoms resulting from traumatic experiences that are experienced or witnessed by the victim. This systematic review aims to understand the impact of sexual abuse on post-traumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents. Studies focusing on the relationship between these two variables were obtained through multiple databases. Of the 940 documents collected, 24 were retained for further analysis and the objectives, methodologies, results, and main conclusions were registered. One of the main conclusions was that the earlier the abuse starts and the more severe and long-lasting it is, the symptomatology of PTSD will be aggravated and remain in the long term.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Carolina Alves & Maria Leitão & Ana Isabel Sani & Diana Moreira, 2024. "Impact of Sexual Abuse on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-24, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:13:y:2024:i:4:p:189-:d:1364356
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