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Child Sexual Abuse and Depression in Late Life for Men: A Population-Based, Longitudinal Analysis

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  • Scott D Easton
  • Jooyoung Kong
  • Matt C Gregas
  • Ce Shen
  • Kevin Shafer

Abstract

ObjectiveResearch investigating long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) on mental health for men is vastly underdeveloped. This study strengthened the knowledge base by examining: (a) long-term trajectories of depressive symptoms for men with and without a history of CSA, and (b) moderating effects of social support over time. Method We analyzed multiple waves of data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study. The sample (N = 2,451) consisted of men with histories of CSA and a stratified, randomly sampled comparison group. Growth curve modeling was employed for analyses. Results After controlling for demographic, parental, and health factors, men with CSA histories had greater depressive symptoms than those with no history of CSA. For both groups, depressive symptoms decreased over time; slope patterns did not differ. We found a significant moderating effect of social support on the relationship between CSA and depressive symptoms. Discussion This innovative, population-based, longitudinal study demonstrated that CSA can undermine mental health for men across the life span and into old age. Social support appears to mitigate these deleterious effects. In early, middle, and late adulthood, practitioners should assess for CSA and strengthen support resources for male survivors.

Suggested Citation

  • Scott D Easton & Jooyoung Kong & Matt C Gregas & Ce Shen & Kevin Shafer, 2019. "Child Sexual Abuse and Depression in Late Life for Men: A Population-Based, Longitudinal Analysis," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 74(5), pages 842-852.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:geronb:v:74:y:2019:i:5:p:842-852.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/geronb/gbx114
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    Cited by:

    1. Zhihui Jia & Xiaotong Wen & Feiyu Chen & Hui Zhu & Can Li & Yixiang Lin & Xiaoxu Xie & Zhaokang Yuan, 2020. "Cumulative Exposure to Adverse Childhood Experience: Depressive Symptoms, Suicide Intensions and Suicide Plans among Senior High School Students in Nanchang City of China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-13, June.

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