Examining the short and long-term impacts of child sexual abuse

A review study

Bibliographic Data

ID22229181
AuthorsSana Ali (0000-0003-3474-000X, Birmingham City University, corresponding author), Saadia Anwar Pasha (0000-0002-6416-7358, Allama Iqbal Open University), Ann Cox (0000-0002-8399-8050, Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust), Enaam Youssef (0000-0002-3841-8934, Ajman University)
Year2024
Volume4
Issue2
Publication date2024-02-15
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSN Social Sciences (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2662-9283 • E-ISSN: 2662-9283
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1007/s43545-024-00852-6
OpenAlexW4391845110
LanguageEN
Citations received12
References cited23

Child sexual abuse is a growing problem, representing an egregious abuse of power, trust, and authority with far-reaching implications for the victims. This review study highlights the intricate psychological impacts of child sexual abuse, addressing both short and long-term consequences. Existing literature highlights the deep impacts on the victims’ psychological health and well-being, necessitating an in-depth examination of the subject. Drawing from a sample of n = 19 research articles selected through stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria and the PRISMA approach, this study synthesizes results from publications spanning 2010 to 2022. The review reveals various detrimental impacts on the victims’ psychological well-being, including short-term consequences, i.e., isolation, bullying, stress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Long-term effects encompass PTSD in later life, disrupted intimate relationships, social and emotional health concerns, revictimization, and more. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the lack of a definitive number of impacts, highlighting the need to discuss and raise awareness about child sexual abuse. This increased awareness is important for parents, guardians, and responsible authorities to effectively counteract these crimes against children. Also, providing emotional support to victims is important to mitigate the long-term impacts. The researchers offer implications and discuss limitations, providing an extensive overview and foundation for future research and interventions

Child abuse · Child sexual abuse · Criminology · Developmental psychology · Environmental health · Physics · Poison control · Sexual abuse · Child Abuse and Trauma · Child Welfare and Adoption · Homelessness and Social Issues · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Medicine · Psychology

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