Psychosocial Characteristics and Correlates of Symptom Distress in Nonoffending Mothers of Sexually Abused Children

Abstract

Three groups of nonoffending mothers of sexually abused children were compared on 17 psychosocial characteristics. The groups were composed of 36 (36.4%) mothers of children abused by partners (i.e., incest victims), 30 (30.3%) mothers of children abused by other relatives, and 33 (33.3%) mothers of children abused by nonrelatives. Only physical abuse by a partner differentiated the groups; mothers of children sexually abused by a partner were more likely to report a history of domestic violence than mothers in either of the two other groups. Maternal self-reported symptom distress was measured across all three groups using the SCL-90-R. A multiple-regression analysis of the psychosocial characteristics on the SCL-90-R' s Global Severity Index indicated that a mother's perceived aloneness in facing this crisis and a personal history of adult sexual assault were positively related to current symptom distress. The implications of the present findings are discussed with respect to future research and clinical work with nonoffending mothers of sexually abused children.

Interventions for families victimized by child sexual abuse: Clinical issues and approaches for child advocacy center-based services

“…Rather, the majority of nonoffending caregivers appear to suffer greatly or be traumatized upon discovery of their children's sexual abuse (Corcoran, 1998;Deblinger et al, 1993;Manion et al, 1996;Newberger, Gremy, Waternaux, & Newberger, 1993). Initial reactions by non-offending caregivers may include anger toward the perpetrator, displaced anger toward family members, guilt, self-blame, helplessness, panic, denial, shock, embarrassment, feelings of betrayal, a desire for secrecy, and fear for the child victim(e.g., Elliott & Carnes, 2001;Manion et al, 1996).…”

“…In a review of past literature, Corcoran (1998) noted that non-offending mothers had generally been viewed negatively by others, specifically as being indifferent, passive, and permissive of the sexual abuse. In addition, Deblinger et al (1993) and Heflin et al (2000) noted that the literature on CSA has been highly critical of non-offending mothers of incest cases, and tended to view these mothers as indirectly responsible for the abuse, denying the abuse, colluding with the perpetrator, encouraging their daughters to assume a parental/spousal role, and being socially isolated.…”

“…In a longitudinal study of maternal adjustment, Newberger et al (1993) found that non-offending mothers exhibited a range of symptoms, including: depression, anxiety, hostility, somatic symptoms, paranoid ideation, and psychoticism. In addition, non-offending caregivers may attempt suicide or require hospitalization following their child's disclosure (Deblinger et al, 1993), and often display symptoms of PTSD and grief symptomatology (Manion et al, 1996). Stauffer and Deblinger (1996) noted that non-offending parents often experienced elevated levels of psychosocial distress up to an average of two years following their child's disclosure of CSA.…”

“…That is, assisting caregivers in overcoming psychosocial difficulties that may impede their ability to be supportive and therapeutic to their children may help to strengthen the child's greatest potential "natural resource" (Heflin et al, 2000, p.170) and thereby optimize the child's immediate and long-term adjustment (e.g., Corcoran, 2004;Deblinger, Stauffer, & Steer, 2001;Deblinger et al, 1993).…”

“…There is increasing documentation that child and adolescent victims of sexual abuse and their non-offending parents and siblings are in need of mental health services (e.g., Baker, Tanis, & Rice, 2001;Heflin, Deblinger, & Fisher, 2000;Putnam, 2003;Swenson & Hanson, 1998). In the aftermath of CSA, families often face multiple challenges (e.g., loss of income, loss of a caregiver, change of residence, and limited community support) that are often accompanied by psychological distress, such as depression, guilt, embarrassment, grief symptomatology, and secondary trauma (e.g., Deblinger, Hathaway, Lippman, & Steer, 1993;Manion et al, 1996;Regehr, 1990). Given these difficulties, the need for accessible and varied interventions is paramount for not only CSA victims, but also for their non-offending family members.…”