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Multidimensional Self-Perception of Sexually Abused Girls: Factor Models and Differences Between Sexual Abuse and Comparison Groups

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Abstract

This study investigated the multiple dimensions of self-perception in a sample of sexually abused and nonabused comparison girls (n = 140), with particular attention to self-perception in the scholastic, social, athletic, physical (appearance), and behavioral conduct domains. First, this study examined whether the five dimensions of self-perception were psychologically discrete. Second, the relationships between the self-perception factors and childhood sexual abuse were investigated using structural equation modeling. The results supported the multidimensionality of self-perception and suggested the presence of two distinct second-order self-perception factors: academic- and social-self. While the sexually abused girls indicated less positive perception for the academic-self than the comparison group, the two groups did not differ regarding the social-self. The findings highlight the importance of a multidimensional approach to self-perception in assessing and treating sexually abused children.

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Acknowledgments

This program of research was supported by federal and foundation research grants from the National Institute of Mental Health, R01 MH48330 (Trickett, P.I.); the DHHS Children’s Bureau; ACYF 90CA1686, 90CA1549 (Trickett, P.I.); the WT Grant Foundation; and the CANDO Foundation. The authors also appreciate the efforts of all staff that made this research possible. Special thanks to John J. McArdle for his helpful comments and guidance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 1149 S. Hill St. Suite 360, Los Angeles, CA, 90015, USA

    Juye Ji & Penelope K. Trickett

  2. Division of Adolescent Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, USA

    Sonya Negriff

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  1. Juye Ji
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  2. Penelope K. Trickett
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Correspondence to Juye Ji.

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Ji, J., Trickett, P.K. & Negriff, S. Multidimensional Self-Perception of Sexually Abused Girls: Factor Models and Differences Between Sexual Abuse and Comparison Groups. J Psychopathol Behav Assess 32, 203–214 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10862-009-9137-1

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