We are all well aware of how terrible and traumatic sexual abuse can be, it’s taken very serious. However, how deep are the affects? Do they affect women (and men) physically and mentally long term? When thinking about it, I would assume so. But how?
There was a study conducted by researchers from the University of Southern California and the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center that followed a racially diverse group of 80 girls, ages 6-16, for 23 years. It was found that they had higher rates of obesity and depression, they also had problems with regulation of brain chemicals, and other issues, compared to those in the control group, who were not abused.
The study participants were assessed six times at various ages, and stages in their lives. It was found that those who were abused were more likely to become sexually at a younger age, have lower mental health issues, and have a lower educational status. They faced severe affects during different stages in their lives that affected their sexual and cognitive development, their mental and physical health, and their brain chemical profile.
When they were children, they had higher levels of cortisol, which is also known as the stress hormone. However, the older they got there was a decrease in the level of corisol, and by the age of 15, the cortisol level was below normal, compared to the controlled group of girls who were not abused. Lower levels of cortisol have been related to depression, ability to deal with stress and post-traumatic stress disorder. Dr. Frank Putnam, professor of pediatrics and psychiatry at Cincinnati Children’s Hostpital Medical Center states, “The cortisol levels (of some of the participants) wound up looking like Vietnam vets…That tells us they are in a chronic state of stress, and never feel safe.” During their last assessment, when participants are in their 20’s, their cortisol levels are still lower than the average compared to the control group.
However, not all women were severely affected. In the abused group, only 40% were obese, which means their were 60% that were not obese. There are many factors that could play into that. For example, some women may exercise when they’re stressed.
The studies shows that the women who have been sexually abused are more likely to experience mental and physical health issues than those who have not. However, that doesn’t mean that they can’t go on with their lives like normal.
Sources:
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/43594639/ns/health-health_care/t/effects-sexual-abuse-last-decades-study-finds/#.VEYMoPl4pV0
That would be a very interesting factor to look into. I also agree, reverse causation can be ruled out, like you said obesity and the stress hormone levels can not cause sexual abuse.
Those are very interesting points actually. If I can I will probably look up the differences between male and females who have encountered abuse, because like you said they are less likely to be open about their abuse. I also think the idea of their “manhood” being taken away plays a big role, because men already have the stress of being masculine at all times, I am sure having been sexually abused that would affect the cortisol level.
As far as the definition of sexual abuse in this case, I believe I read that most of the participants have been sexually abused by someone in the household, for up to two years. I’m sorry, I probably should have added that. Thanks for pointing that out though.
I can’t imagine being in their situation, and the trauma that victims of sexual abuse must go through for the rest of their lives. I would be interested to see the same study performed upon male victims of sexual abuse, to see if there are any differences. Males tend to be less willing to come forward and report sexual abuse, so they are less likely to receive therapy or support. Would this increase their stress and trauma levels beyond that of females?
One question I had about this study is how is sexual abuse being defined? Is one instance of rape enough to be included in the study, or does it have to occur multiple times? In addition, how did those who were abused more differ from those who were abused relatively less, if at all?
I think this is an interesting experiment, and one that was designed and executed well. You can rule out reverse causation in this case, because obesity and altered levels of stress hormones don’t cause someone to be sexually abused. I think an interesting factor that they could’ve looked at is their relationships now, do women (and men) who have been sexually abused have a higher or lower rate of getting married? Or being in a relationship? That would’ve been interesting to see from this study as well.