Advances in child sexual maltreatment epidemiology- Adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA): Convergence of pathogenesis and salutogenesis

Although the shame and secrecy of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) often keeps it a hidden malady, it is now recognized as a common form of childhood maltreatment worldwide; persons exposed to CSA are at risk for long-term social,... [ view full abstract ]

Although the shame and secrecy of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) often keeps it a hidden malady, it is now recognized as a common form of childhood maltreatment worldwide; persons exposed to CSA are at risk for long-term social, behavioral, and health consequences. However, less is known about factors associated with resilience among adult survivors of CSA and other childhood adversities. Two main objectives inform this presentation: 1) Highlight epidemiologic data from the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study that provides estimates on exposure to CSA, severity of CSA, and relationship of perpetrator to reports of CSA among men as well as select social, behavioral, and health outcomes of CSA among men and women (N = 17337); and 2) Provide preliminary data on resilience-related factors among adult survivors of CSA and other childhood adversities guided through the use of a Salutogenic Model for Adult Trauma Survivors that was developed by Dube, 2013. The findings will inform discussions around future research, prevention strategies, and treatment for adult survivors of CSA and other childhood adversities.