Highlighting various social and emotional outcomes of
childhood sexual abuse including gang involvement and behavioral problems,
this paper presents a review of 41 articles on
childhood sexual abuse. After arguing that the number of children experiencing sexual abuse has increased in recent years, the author presents a summary of current literature on suicide and substance abuse as potential outcomes of early sexual abuse. Focusing on other recent literature concerning sexual abuse in early childhood, the author argues that gang involvement, teen parenthood, high rates of running away, post traumatic stress disorder, risky sexual behavior, and other behavior problems are linked to childhood sexual abuse. Presenting a summary of research findings by developmental period, the author contends that there is little research on social and emotional outcomes of childhood sexual abuse for
individuals in early childhood, some research on individuals in middle childhood, and a large number of studies on adolescents. A discussion of gender, age, race, abuse characteristics, and family support as mediators and moderators of early sexual abuse precedes the author’s discussion of the limitations of existing research on childhood sexual abuse. Concluding that there is a need for additional research in all developmental periods, the author argues that it is important to understand the root causes and consequences of early childhood sexual abuse.