1. Objectifs

Intentions :
«The current study pursued two objectives. The first objective was to identify distinct profiles of CSA [child sexual abuse] survivors relative to their sexual self-concept using hierarchical cluster analysis. The second objective was to compare these profiles on the characteristics of the abuse, gender, current age and sexual functioning (i.e., sexual disorders, sexual compulsivity, sexual satisfaction, number of sexual partners and adult sexual assault [ASA].» (p. 2)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
«A sample of 175 participants (60 % female) who reported one or more experiences of CSA was recruited. CSA was assessed based on the definition of the Criminal Code […] (1985), which refers to any sexual act between a child under 16 years old and a person older by five or more years old, or in a position of authority, which implies or not the presence of physical force or the consent of the child. Participants were aged between 18 and 70 years old (M = 41.17).» (p. 2) They were recruited in the province of Quebec.

Instruments :
Questionnaires

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse statistique

3. Résumé

«Results revealed three profiles among survivors according to their sexual self-concept. The Confident and non-preoccupied profile seem to demonstrate a more normative sexual self-concept, whereas the Demeaning and depressive as well as the Hyperconfident and preoccupied profiles displayed seemingly opposite sexual self-concepts. Notably, survivors from the Demeaning and depressive profile show a higher level of sexual depression while survivors from the Hyperconfident and preoccupied profile stand out by the highest level of sexual esteem and preoccupation.» (p. 9) Additional to the fact that 58% of participants reported has been abuse by a family member, and 17% by a romantic partner, «[f]indings of the participant distribution across profiles according to CSA characteristics showed that the Demeaning and depressive profile comprised of a greater number of participants who were sexually abused by a family member, whereas the Hyperconfident and preoccupied profile comprised of a greater number of participants who were sexually abused by an acquaintance or a romantic partner. These findings may be partially explained by the fact that CSA survivors who had been abused by an individual with whom they had a significant and lasting bond, like a family member, would be more likely to experienced sexual distress, poorer sexual functioning and sexual esteem […].» (p. 6)